[mca]

Anyone here own or heard the Lector ZOE preamp? I am in the market for a tube preamp with HT bypass and notice this pre fits my requirements. The other pre I am interested in is the infamous Modwright SWL 9.0SE.

I know the Lector CD players have been getting some nice reviews, but I have yet to find much of anything on the preamp.

[Les Lammers]

No affiliation.

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?preatube&1207347117

[pbrstreetgang]

OK I have looked hard at this pre many times. The problem is it will be a total flyer though somewhat safe due to the excellent reputation of the companies other products. I do like the versatility and different tube compliments but while it looks stunning it just never separates itself enough from some of the other superb standouts with boutique parts like you are looking at as well as the Dodd, Juicy, Audio Horizions, and Audio Notes. Remember its still an imported Italian production piece and would not have the super boutique parts like some of these others. I feel like I might not get as much performance for my money as with some of the others. I do expect it to sound good though but its too close $ wise to some known stellar performers.

[jazzcourier]

 Having own,used and sold my ZOE i will offer a comment.It IS a nice unit.There are a few people,and some "dealers" that feel this is the best performing pre amp at this price point.With what you would pay for this new and what you would pay for a used Modwright there is no choice in the matter,go for the Modwright.I went from the Lector to the Modwright LS 36.5 and it was HUGE step forward,now i have the power supply for that preamp as well and that is a MASSIVE step up.Spend a little bit more and get what you want.You should spend about 1300 for a used ZOE in great shape and resell for almost the same if you decide in six mos. you want something different,you could probley add another hundred or two for some nice tubes that will perk it up and show some teeth.It IS a very smooooth pre amp.Nice rounded sound that matched well with monitors.Nice dogs ya got there,if it was me,i'd get the Modwright,just to get your foot in the door on their superb workmanship and old world attention to detail and stellar sound.

[mca]

Thanks for the comments so far. The amp I am considering using with either pre is either a RWA 30.2 or an Audosector Patek. My only concern with the Modwright is not getting enough "tube" sound from it. I do see there is a pretty decked out Modwright for sale right now with the tube power supply that may fit the bill.

[lonewolfny42]

Mike....

I can tell you that the Modwright works well with my Sig. 30....and I did have GHM's old Audosector here...that worked fine as well. The Modwright does not sound "real tubey"....but its an excellent preamp.

                          Chris

[jazzcourier]

 I would agree on the "not sounding tubey" ...BUT...I think it it a sound that serves the music well.I just don't think you will miss  that " halo " tube sound that is so typical,you trade that for dynamics and a touch of warmth.It may be a sound that might take a little getting used to,but in the long run the music is far more revealing and not so colored,otherwords,your front end has more control over the sound.At least that is my impression.Also these Modwright's warm with NOS tubes so if it's a touch more warmth and shall we say depth,think Mullard.