Modwright PH 9.0X Compared to a Pass Labs XP-15

Nice System and great cartridge! I own the PH9.0X, solid build, dynamic, transparent, dead quiet and sensitive to tube rolling. Previously I owned the SPL Phonos which was also a great SS phono pre but the Modwright is light years ahead in terms of detail and resolution. You really cannot go wrong with the PH9.0x. except you might want to upgrade your cartridge ;-). I went from the Hana Sl to the Umami Red. OMG !

I've gone from an Xono, to the Herron VPTPH-2A, then for a very short time to the XP-15 before settling on the Pass XP-17. In my system, which is all Pass with a Spiral Groove front end and My Sonic cart, it is super duper nice.

I liked the Herron but it wasn't in any way better than the XP-17. It wasn't really close. In. My. System.

However, if I had a Herron pre and or those awesome mono blocks, it may be a different story.

I had my ph9.0 upgraded to the 9.0x. The 9.0 was excellent, especially with the right nos tube (Valvo or Philips miniwatt) and subjectively equal to my previous Parasound JC 3+ ss phono pre. The 9.0 X took it up quite a bit (bass authority and soundstage depth) and I can’t imagine it getting any better that this. Fantastic phono pre and every bit as quiet as the Parasound was, 

You are better off with the Pass. If you have the itch you would get far more milage

with a new cartridge like a Lyra Delos. Just ask rauliruegas. I think he will tell you pretty much the same thing

If you are considering the Modwright, have a look wt the Zesto Andros - its very musical, bit more free and open sounding than the Modwright. I have heard it hold its own against much more expensive phonos in the same system.