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AUDIO FORUMS >> Vinyl >> Vinyl System Upgrade
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Message started by HockessinKid on 02/21/20 at 00:28:00

Title: Vinyl System Upgrade
Post by HockessinKid on 02/21/20 at 00:28:00

I have been planning to upgrade my vinyl playback chain this year, to cap off my system. Before I move forward with a new turntable & cartridge, I started looking for a tube phono preamp with MM & MC capability that was quiet, dynamic, and flexible.

About 3 years ago while attending the Capital Audio Fest I spent a lot time listening to a system which included Daedalus speakers, a VPI Signature Prime TT, and a Modwright Ambrose tube amp & pre. Included was the $7900 Modwright PH 150 phono preamp. Wow the sound was just glorious, but the way beyond my wallet capabilities.

Fast forward - last year Dan Wright, the man behind Modwright, came out with a less expensive tube phono preamp, the Modwright PH 9.0. A friend picked one up and I have been over for several listening sessions. It is a relatively compact MM & MC capable two-box design with on the fly MC loading & gain adjustments, a stereo/mono switch, and utilizes two 6C45 & two 6922 tubes. It's one of the quietest tube phono preamps I've heard, absolutely no hum & a black black background. Plenty of MC gain for my Dynavector 20X2 low output cartridge.

Anyway, I should have my new PH 9.0 in a couple weeks. More info to follow.

HK

Title: Re: Vinyl System Upgrade
Post by HockessinKid on 03/09/20 at 23:30:31

Modwright PH 9.0 phono preamp is up and running. Now for some tube & capacitor burn in.

HK

Title: Re: Vinyl System Upgrade
Post by Geno on 03/10/20 at 01:31:05

Awesome, HK. Please post your impressions after you’ve had a chance to evaluate. I’ve read good things about the PH 9.0.

Title: Re: Vinyl System Upgrade
Post by pursuitofnow on 05/15/20 at 18:28:20

I'm very interested in hearing what you think about the PH 9.0?

Title: Re: Vinyl System Upgrade
Post by HockessinKid on 05/15/20 at 21:11:05

Right now I don't have time for a full review. It's a keeper!

The PH 9.0 sounds very similar the Modwrights top of the line PH 150 Reference Phono. It's very, very quiet I hear absolutely no noise through my Decware ZROCK2, CSP3+ preamp and ZMA equipment powering the Caintuck Lil 15 speakers which are very sensitive. Tracking noise of the stylus/cartridge is virtually non existent on decently pressed vinyl.

Exceptional tonality and realism with the tube output of this two box unit. It's a very flexible phono which can accommodate a wide range of cartridges, MM, lo MC, mo MC & ho MC. It has a decent number of MC load options and gain settings which alavailable on the fly (clearly labeled adjustment dials & toggle switches on the front panel). I have heard a lot of very highend analog set ups with mega bucks phono preamps over the years. The 9.0 comes very close the very best sound for a reasonable cost IMHO.

HK

Title: Re: Vinyl System Upgrade
Post by HockessinKid on 05/22/20 at 14:43:20

BTW,

I have a Triode Wire Labs (TWL) custom cable coming that connects the PH 9.0 phono chassis to the separate power supply. Pete's power cords are really good, so I thought I'd try the out to see there any improvements.

I'll report back after some time with the new cable.

HK

Title: Re: Vinyl System Upgrade
Post by pursuitofnow on 05/23/20 at 17:29:00

Nice, thanks so much for sharing! I love my my ZP3 but the PH 9.0 has grabbed my attention.

Title: Re: Vinyl System Upgrade
Post by HockessinKid on 05/23/20 at 18:25:28

I've heard the ZP3 at Decfest but have never lived with one. I like the versitility of and MC loading options on the PH 9.0. Both excellent performers.

HK

Title: Re: Vinyl System Upgrade
Post by Joseph60Dyson on 01/15/21 at 10:21:24

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Title: Re: Vinyl System Upgrade
Post by HockessinKid on 01/22/21 at 11:02:15

Well with the amazing SQ of my MWI modified CXN V2 DAC/streamer I decided to opt for Dan's brand new PH 9.0 phono preamp upgrade. Just got my unit back with new Lundahl transformers and XLR outputs.

The Lundahl transformers take 100 hours to settle in, so I'll be splitting listening time between streaming music and vinyl listening over the next few weeks. Too bad there is not more time in the day😁.

I'll report back on my listening impressions once everything is properly burned in.

HK

Title: Re: Vinyl System Upgrade
Post by HockessinKid on 04/26/21 at 20:52:28

While my analog front end has difficulty keeping up with my vinyl these days, I decided some tube rolling was in order in my ModWright PH 9.0X phono pre. The pre uses two pair of tubes 6C45's and 6922's or equivalents.

Since the NOS '74 Reflector single-wire, silver shield 6N23P tubes sounded so glorious in my modded CXN V2, I thought I'd try a pair in the PH 9.0X. More to come when the tubes settle in.

HK

Title: Re: Vinyl System Upgrade
Post by HockessinKid on 04/28/21 at 13:00:03

Crap. Lots of tube rush with this pair of 6N23P tubes, ugh. Back to my sterling Amperex 6922's from Andy at Vintage Tube Services. BTW Andy's tubes sound glorious and are rock solid.

HK

Title: Re: Vinyl System Upgrade
Post by 4krow on 05/05/21 at 04:44:13

I would second that about Andy's service/products. Haven't talked to him in some time, but yes, the tubes he sells are the best of the pack.

Title: Re: Vinyl System Upgrade
Post by pursuitofnow on 10/14/23 at 17:23:51

Hey HK, has everything burned/settled in? What are your thoughts and impressions of the PH 9.0? How would compare to ZP3?

Title: Re: Vinyl System Upgrade
Post by HockessinKid on 10/14/23 at 18:13:51

Several changes to my phono preamp and vinyl set up. The PH9.0 was upgraded with new Lundahl transformers and tube rectification. It's now a MWI PH9.0 XT version. Sound quality is absolutely stunning. Amazing detail retrieval, holographic soundstage, and is quiet as a mouse.

I bent a cantilever on my Dynavector 20X2 low output cartridge. Instead of getting it repaired I called Dan @ Modwright for a new cartridge recommendation. On his advice, I purchasesd a Audio Technica AT-OC9XML installed it on my Rega B300 arm. Wow! Analog nirvana.

I haven't heard the Decware XP3 phono preamp except on Steve's set up during Decfest, so I really can't offer a comparison. The PH9.0 and variations so offer both MM and MC compatibility, so it's a bit more flexibility when it comes to cartridge selection.

HK

Title: Re: Vinyl System Upgrade
Post by pursuitofnow on 10/14/23 at 20:32:40

Thanks, HK. The XT version is what I'm considering. Appreciate your feedback.

Title: Re: Vinyl System Upgrade
Post by RonP on 10/14/23 at 22:05:55

@HockessinKid

I have both the TWL power cable and the TWL umbilical cord between the two chassis. They both made a noticeable difference on the PH9.0.

Title: Re: Vinyl System Upgrade
Post by HockessinKid on 10/14/23 at 23:44:28

Yup, I have the TWL umbilical and a ZenWave power cord. Dan just came out with a new Cardas wire umbilical which I may compare to the TWL. Also your choice of 6922 tubes (or comparables) matter. I'm using a pair of Wathen Audio Cryotone 6922's and a Cryotone 5AR4 rectifier.

HK

Title: Re: Vinyl System Upgrade
Post by pursuitofnow on 10/28/23 at 18:25:45

I'm pretty biased, but I bet a zenwave psr 14 umbilical would sound very good.

Title: Re: Vinyl System Upgrade
Post by hdrider on 11/04/23 at 15:22:34

I just updated my cartridge with a Hana SL Low Output, and purchased the Flickert set up rig. Still have some hours to go on the break in, but a very nice cartridge, IMHO. Matches well with the ZMC1 / ZP3. Happy weekend and happy listening, Chris.