Preamp: Mcintosh vs Modwright?

I really like the Modwright. I just sold it because I wanted to get his new one with the phono stage. While it's true the 9.0SE isn't too tubish, the new tube rectification upgrade does push it that direction. The Modwright ads seemed to have tapered off since the tube rectification option was made available.
IMHO, you can't go wrong with the Modwright. I like knowing that as they find better options, they always offer a path to upgrade.

Yes, I do have the SWLP now. I was able to compare them directly while I had both. The tube supply really is worth it. My only slight criticism of the SWL is it could sound clinical at times. It was paired with Channel Islands D200's, which I still use. They are pretty revealing amps. I was OK with that because I like being able to hear into the music and I enjoy hearing the details. The SWLP adds a touch of warmth. The bass is deeper and more articulate. Instruments and vocal tonality a little fuller and better defined. The soundstage front to back also improved a lot. Some recordings you could swear you're listening to a surround system.
I sold the preamp at my asking price of $1400. There was a lot of interest. It was lower than some because of a nick I put in it with my VPI ring. But it had just come from Modwright where Dan had replaced my Dact attenuator with the stock and thoroughly checked and replaced tubes.

I may be wrong, but I doubt if it's truly a balanced output. Dan would answer that, but I thought a balanced output would be a significant change in design. Aside from that, it's a newer version or an upgraded older version because of the mute modification. There was also a price war about a month ago and I saw a couple advertised for $1300. Maybe people waiting. Or it may be sold and he didn't update the ad.
Anyway.. good luck

The rectifier doesn't at all make it sound like a Conrad Johnson. I had a CJ 17LS that the Modwright replaced. That preamp had a nice seductive sound but I was amazed at how much detail was glossed over after hearing the Modwright. You're right that it's still not a CJ.
Personally, I've never felt a need for tone controls. I also had Dan put in a Dact attenuator and gave up the remote control volume for a bit more resolution.
The rectifier tube type makes a difference too. I just replaced mine with a new Mullard Blackburn Dual Getter and it's totally great.

May not be exactly the same. Dan is using newer caps he had specially made for him, I believe. They wouldn't be in the older SWL's, but if you're sending a SWL to have the tube stage upgrade, I think he could change the caps too.
I'm pretty sure he's using the new caps in the SWL's now, which would mean that yes, the linestage is the same in the SWLP and the SWL. Probably a good idea to contact him to get a definite answer to your question though.
I totally agree with Colopilot and his observations. Ours are also almost exactly the same too, with Dact and blackgates.

I don't know exactly what changed from the first run of 50 to the next production. I know there was a muting circuit change, and a layout change probably to ease the assembly. Aside from that, I don't know of any differences that would affect the sound until the introduction of the new caps recently. Dan would know of course.
These were not the prototypes, though. The prototypes were the 2 box beta models. There is one here which you've no doubt seen.