Modwright SWL 9.0SE Preamplifier

Unsound is unwrong. Yep, that's all you do...reverse blacks and reds at the amp (or speakers, not both). Remember, inverting phase doesn't mean out of phase (where one speaker is wired wrong and mono signals lose specific image). Theory also says that so many multitracks and so many microphones are being used in most recordings that some of them are inverted anyway.....

I own the SWL 9.0SE (one of the first production units). I'm a big Dan Wright fan, also owning his Modwright 3910 Signature universal player, and previously the modded out 999ES Platinum Signature. His work is genius and relatively inexpensive. In the world of $2k preamps his is a marvel. The tube "sound" is there, but only in that it is a very analog (not overly warm, just perfect) crystal clear picture window into any recording you put through it. Soundstage and detail are state of the art. Tube rolling is somewhat an option, but I've learned to stick with the Tung Sols or Jan Phillips that Dan espouses. I tried Hal-O hi-heat tube dampers for awhile but frankly like the pre without them. The newest BlackSands Violet PC sounds incredible with it. The SWL has a remote volume control, and has an HT bypass (I'm proud to say I pushed that feature and Dan complied) that proves invaluable in my home theater and 2 channels setup, keeping the signal paths separate. The only thing I wish it had was a phase switch (it inverts phase normally). Dan's work is incredible, and his customer support and willingness to go the extra mile are the main reasons I will always have a "Modwright wins all ties" attitude. Next up, his production release of his phono stage, available both stand-alone or internal to the preamp.

Ted_B

Dan Wright tells me that inverting phase is a natural consequence of a more purist (straight wire with gain) type of implementation with tubes stages. Dunno....lots of tube preamps do I guess. I believe Dan feels that an invert phase switch adds unnecessary switching/noise in the signal path. No big deal, really.

The Modwright SWL 9.0 SE does not have balanced outs...his new LS36 (due out in March-April) will. The tube rec'd upgraded PS was just announced (he's had it for the LP and the player mods like my Denon 3910 for some time). The first feedback is on his forum on Audio Circle.