I am pleased to announce that we are about to debut the first of several new product offerings from ModWright. Based on the success of our tube stage mods in digital gear, I have decided to offer a tube linestage.
This product reflects all that we have learned from our foray into tube analog stages in CDP's and more...
The first product will be a 2CH linestage and it is called the SWL 9.0. It will be followed by a SE version - SWL 9.0SE at a later date.
Following is a reply to a thread started at Harmonic Dischord. I was encouraged to post the same here.
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Hi, the first unit - the SWL 9.0 - will be a straight linestage with no balance or tape loop, but this could be an option I suppose.
I am projecting Retail Pricing of the SWL 9.0 to be about $950 or so and the SWL 9.0SE will likely be at around $1700.
I am planning a limited production of Beta units that will be sold at VSAC in October and shortly thereafter. I expect that there will be no more than 12-24 Beta units sold, but they will be offered at around $600. Beta customers will have the option of having their units upgraded to full production status, when I receive all feedback from Beta Testers, etc. This upgrade option will be at no or minimal cost, depending on the extent of the changes between Beta and Production.
The difference between the SWL 9.0 and the SWL 9.0SE will be: Parts quality, possibly revised/upgraded circuitry, better power supply, etc. The SWL 9.0 is intended to be a stunning performer for < $1k and will have excellent performance, fit and finish and build, but will not use cost-no-object parts.
Some of the features of the design are as follows:
1) Choke loaded, separate (external) power supply.
2) Fast rectifiiers w/snubbers for low noise floor.
3) Pure Class A performance.
4) Zero negative feedback.
5) Direct Coupled.
6) Gain/Buffer tube stage with ultra-low output impedance.
7) Current Regulation of plate supply.
2 - ECC99 tubes per unit, two triodes per channel.
9) Four inputs, mute, volume and power = all functions.
I am toying with wheter the SWL 9.0 will have an integral PS or an outboard supply, possibly only have the SE model with an external supply. I have also considered making the Base unit only have a high-quality toggle w/2 inputs and a volume control only.
I welcome any input at this point RE features, etc. The struggle is to optimize performance/$ and have a range of options and products to suit different budgets and systems.
Remote Control? - Yes, but not for the early units and not likely on the SWL 9.0. It will likely be a future option for the SE model.
Thanks and please feel free to leave me feedback RE ideas and what any of you might be interested in. Also, if you are interested in being a Beta Tester, now is the time to contact us. I will value the feedback of Beta Testers and will offer a very attractive upgrade path to those who are willing to evaluate and own our first units.
Upgrade Path: I am also planning on offering an attractive upgrade path for all owners of ModWright products. Those who purchase the SWL 9.0 will be able to trade up to the SE model and also to the future Reference Unit (still only on paper) and a planned future tube phono stage. We are still finallizing the details of the upgrade details/options, etc. Ultimately, I want to produce fine audio products that represent exceptional value and performance. I want our customers to experience and enjoy ownership of ModWright products and to return to us for their future upgrades.
Thanks,
Dan Wright
President, ModWright LLC
www.modwright.com