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Newly Modded KWA 150 to SE

Just thought I'd provide something I'm not sure I've seen on this site to date, a brief review from an owner who's done an update of their KWA 150.

I just (yesterday), received back my Modwright KWA 150 amp, that was upgraded to 'SE' status. Let it burn in for about 6 hours before lending any critical ear and here's what I can report:
- initial deep bass seems lighter (but been there before and expect it will develop over the next week)
- more open and detailed sound
- more gain heard over older settings
- more 3D and with better transients
- mid bass (more noticeable, better snap and weight)
- improved tonality of instruments (especially Sax)

Overall, I'm VERY impressed for the dollar$ invested (have spent far more, for less) and can say with my personal conviction that any existing KWA 150 owners who are fence sitting - should give the SE upgrade, a serious consideration.

On a slightly different but still related topic, I listened to several repeated tracks using 2 different IC's I own (run direct from Source to Amp). The IC's identity are not so important here, as is the lesson that was driven home. Using cable 'A', my system sounded very inviting, interesting and sometimes exciting. Switching to cable 'B' (and much more expe$ive), my system lost all of the above and, I couldn't even listen to all of each repeated track - it was so relatively lifeless.

So, I guess my 2nd point here is, cables do make a difference, cost of cable is no indication it will improve things and, audition your upgrades with care because the fault you lay - may not be where you think.
jgwilson

Showing 2 responses by charles1dad

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,236 posts
 
Mcondon,
Are you making that assumption based on listening or just by brand name? The Modwright amp could very well be the equal sonically to certain Pass or Aye models.

Mechans`s point above is true, more expensive(or larger brand recognition) does`nt always result in better sound.Seems they need to be compared before any meaningful conclusion is made.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,236 posts
 
Mcondon,
I understand your perspective.One thing I`ve learned regarding audio components is you actually have to hear them(if possible) in order to properly judge them. There is`nt a solid correlation between cost and sound quality all the time.Some exspensive components are worth every penny and others won`t meet expectations and disappoint.

An example, a good friend has a VAC system(Signature MK II linestage with NOS tubes and PHI 300.1 monoblocks all Siltech cables)He had the Modwright modified OPPO CD-SACD player and loves it. He purchased the Playback Design MPS-5(on audiogon) after much good word of mouth and great reviews. He patiently broke it in(tried various power cords and ICs also) and after several months of frequent listening and comparisons he decided the sound of the Modwright was just better to him(3500 dollars).He easily sold the MPS-5(RETAIL 15,000 DOLLARS) on audiogon.Based on price alone most would expect a different outcome.For certain some listeners would prefer the MPS-5 but he did`nt head to head in his own system.
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