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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
jafant's avatar
jafant
19,601 posts
 
Simon,

I have spent some time w/ the ARC Ref5 SE and it is nothing less than outstanding. Mates well w/ other tubed amps or SS power amps.
Transparent XL reference or OPUS cabling is the best for this model.

Have not seen nor heard a MW 36.5 model for comparison.
Hope this helps on 1/2 of your query. Happy Listening!
adg101
1,062 posts
 
I switched out all the stock tubes which are Sovtek's. Replaced with NOS Mullard GZ34 and EH 6H30 PI from Cryoset Certified. Both sets of tubes really opened it up; sounds less SS. Also using Herbie Tube dampers on all valves. Replaced the stock fuse with a SR Black fuse which again opened things up; a lot more air and speed. Per Dan's suggestion when I bought it I bought the Daedalus DiDs from him and bought a WyWires Silver Juice II PC. The end results are astonishing to say the least. No doubt between a stock unit there is no comparison. Sounds silly to say this, but I bet it would give a stock DM a run for its money so obviously the same could be done to the DM which would be interesting to try. The non DM is a beast and I bet it alone gets real close to the Ref 5SE... I'm sure it's not but a lot less money. Either of these preamps are great preamps so it probably ends up on cost and availability. Good luck.
mondie OP
43 posts
 
Thanks Jalant and adg. I am still trying to understand whether I have a good impedance match between either of these amps and my active speakers (10k ohms). However you have certainly helped the MW become my front runner at this point and fortunately I can home demo to confirm that she sings in my system

Cheers,
mondie
Ag insider logo xs@2x
cleeds
5,944 posts
 
mondie  " ... I am still trying to understand whether I have a good impedance match between either of these amps and my active speakers (10k ohms)."


ARC says the Ref 5SE should see a minimum load of 20K ohms.
facten
2,877 posts
 
mondie - why not send Dan Wright an email later next week (believe he is at the audio show in Chicago this weekend) contact info is on the Modwright website and ask him directly. Dan is easy to speak with and doesn't give you any BS. (just a happy customer)

Although I don't have this particular MW preamp I do have the LS100 and will echo adg101's comments about swapping in NOS rectifier, and in my case either NOS 6SN7s or Black Treasure CV181s. Wonderful equipment
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