AudioCircle
Industry Circles => ModWright Instruments (MWI) => Topic started by: modwright on 20 Feb 2011, 11:46 pm
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The KWA 150 has been a great success for us and the technology from it, has spawned the more affordably priced KWA 100 and KWA 100SE.
This time, we took it UP a notch, both in price and performance. At the time the KWA 150 was designed, we made the best amplifier we could, period! In the time since this design was finalized, we have experimented with other ideas and topologies. We were surprised and pleased with the results.
The end-result is a three-prong approach:
- Upgraded signal wiring - all cryo - ultra-pure.
- Revised input stage - Upgraded Lundahl input signal xformer and circuit revisions that further lower distortion.
- Revised output stage power supply capacitor bank to lower impedance and allow greater current storage capacity and faster current delivery to output stage.
We all know the sonic benefit of ultra-pure high-quality signal wire and most of us have experienced the benefits of cryo-treatment. For the input stage, we chose ultra-pure solid-core copper. The output stage wire is heavy gauge stranded wire of specific geometry and dialectric, also copper.
The higher-quality Lundahl input transformer features a larger core and results in improved dynamics and more refined detail and resolution. In addition, the input stage circuitry has been revised to significantly lower distortion and noise levels, which were ALREADY very low. A friend with an Audio Precision measured the original KWA 150 for us, prior to Dick Olsher's review. At that time, he commented that it measured more like a PREAMP than an amp - in terms of S/N and distortion.
The revised capacitor bank design for the output stage increases the total capacitance first of all, and is designed in such a way to SIGNIFICANTLY reduce the power supply impedance. This results in greater current availability AND speed of delivery. The result is deeper, tighter and faster bass as well as a lower noise floor and improved dynamics and resolution.
I will be posting full details on our site in the next day or two.
ANY existing KWA 150 may be upgraded to 'Signature Edition' status for $2000 + shipping. This includes the replacement of the KWA 150 faceplate with the KWA 150 'Signature Edition' faceplate. There is a $1500 difference in retail price between KWA 150 and KWA 150 'Signature Edition' when purchased new. It is more costly to go back and upgrade existing units than to build them as 'Sig. Ed.' units from the start. Again, the goal is to offer a clear and consistent upgrade path to all existing customers, that is fairly priced and offers exceptional value and performance.
If you are interested in upgrading an existing KWA 150, please contact the dealer who you purchased the unit from originally.
A wait list is forming as existing owners of KWA 150's are already queueing up.
Sincerely,
Dan W.
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Ah...(cough) hmmm. (sound of clearing throat). :) :)
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To the gentleman in the back, clearing his throat, you ARE in the queue...at the front actually ;). I have a few production units to get out first and I have to finish Lou's other amp also.
Thanks!
DAn
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Hi Dan.. great news on the new SE upgrade. What is the turn around time for the SE upgrade? :D
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Turnaround is approximately two weeks in the shop. We are booking into mid-April right now. Please call if you want to get in the queue.
Ted - you are already in the queue! :D
Thanks,
Dan
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Thanks. :)