2. amps-preamps
  3. 124102-8705

Opinions on Audio Research Ref 5SE vs. Modwright 36.5DM

I am interested in both of these pre’s as a possible replacement to a BENT silver TVC running into active ADAM speakers. These two pre’s seem like two natural contenders despite the price difference but I cannot find much discussion on the net from users who have heard or owned both and can offer an informed opinion on the relative merits of each.

 

Has anybody on the ‘gon had the good fortune to compare these two and able to offer an opinion? Any issues with impedance matching etc?

 

Thanks all,

Mondie (Simon)


mondie

Showing 2 responses by anwar

anwar
119 posts
 
Hi Simon, what is it that you don't like with Bent Silver TVC?

I started with AR Ref 5SE, then went to Bent Audio copper slagleformer, then eventually upgraded to Bent Audio silver slagleformer (fully balanced). If you have 10k load, Ref 5SE is not recommended.  I have 15k load which caused low and high freq roll off with the Ref 5SE.

The silver slagleformer preamp is an exceptional preamp. I suggest you reconsider the need to upgrade.
anwar
119 posts
 
Simon,

I believe your Bent TVC is the one using S&B TX-102 transformers. Mine is the recent model using autoformers built by Dave Slagle. They are different and I don't have any experience with the TX-102 version.

Anyway, congrats on your purchase but please wait for at least 600 hours (teflon capacitors break-in period) before any making comparison.
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