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  1. #1
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    ModWright LS 36.5

    After spending the past couple of years with the ModWright LS100 in my system, I have decided to give the LS 36.5 a demo. Immediate impressions are very positive - a dead quiet noise floor and I like that I don't have to have it turned on to use the HT Bypass. It also has a lower output impedance which I believe matches better with my MC501s. I will miss the terrific phono stage and to a lesser extent the headphone amp in the LS100, but overall the LS 36.5 is a better sounding unit and better fit for my system. Pictures and more listening impressions to come...
    McIntosh MC501s, XRT29s, XR27, WS350s
    ModWright LS 300 preamplifier
    ModWright PH 9.0XT phono stage
    Oppo UDP-205 with ModWright Signature Truth Tube Modifications
    Cambridge Audio CXNv2 with ModWright Truth Tube Modifications
    Clearaudio Performance SE TT with Hana ML MC cartridge
    Outlaw 7000x HT Amplifier
    Denon AVR-X4700H HT Receiver (pre-amp mode)
    JL Audio F113 subs with CR-1 Crossover
    ASC & RealTraps Panels; APS PurePower 2000; Daedalus Audio DiDs
    WyWires, LAT International, Wireworld Cables

  2. #2
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    Re: ModWright LS 36.5



    Nice looking unit!

    Glad you're happy. I am eyeing his phonostage.
    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

    https://suncoastaudio.com/
    Phone: 941-932-0282
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/

  3. #3
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    Re: ModWright LS 36.5

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike View Post


    Nice looking unit!

    Glad you're happy. I am eyeing his phonostage.
    Thanks Mike! The two preamps are surprisingly very different sounding. Given that my system already leans to the warmer side, I like the fact that the LS 36.5 is more neutral and detailed. I'd love to hear the Dual Mono LS 36.5 in my system sometime, but would have to do a complete rack reconfiguration to accomplish that. I still might at some point.

    The PH150 just received a very positive review in the latest issue of TAS. I'd like to see you give it an evaluation and find out your feedback!
    McIntosh MC501s, XRT29s, XR27, WS350s
    ModWright LS 300 preamplifier
    ModWright PH 9.0XT phono stage
    Oppo UDP-205 with ModWright Signature Truth Tube Modifications
    Cambridge Audio CXNv2 with ModWright Truth Tube Modifications
    Clearaudio Performance SE TT with Hana ML MC cartridge
    Outlaw 7000x HT Amplifier
    Denon AVR-X4700H HT Receiver (pre-amp mode)
    JL Audio F113 subs with CR-1 Crossover
    ASC & RealTraps Panels; APS PurePower 2000; Daedalus Audio DiDs
    WyWires, LAT International, Wireworld Cables

  4. #4
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    Re: ModWright LS 36.5

    Quote Originally Posted by JJinID View Post
    Thanks Mike! The two preamps are surprisingly very different sounding. Given that my system already leans to the warmer side, I like the fact that the LS 36.5 is more neutral and detailed. I'd love to hear the Dual Mono LS 36.5 in my system sometime, but would have to do a complete rack reconfiguration to accomplish that. I still might at some point.

    The PH150 just received a very positive review in the latest issue of TAS. I'd like to see you give it an evaluation and find out your feedback!
    My reservation is that a friend of mine has it and loves it, but he says the XLR sounds way better than the RCA. I'm all RCA.
    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

    https://suncoastaudio.com/
    Phone: 941-932-0282
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/

  5. #5
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    Re: ModWright LS 36.5

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike View Post
    My reservation is that a friend of mine has it and loves it, but he says the XLR sounds way better than the RCA. I'm all RCA.
    Very interesting to hear that Mike. I would have reservations also if that were the case. It might be worth reaching out to Dan and asking him directly about that.
    McIntosh MC501s, XRT29s, XR27, WS350s
    ModWright LS 300 preamplifier
    ModWright PH 9.0XT phono stage
    Oppo UDP-205 with ModWright Signature Truth Tube Modifications
    Cambridge Audio CXNv2 with ModWright Truth Tube Modifications
    Clearaudio Performance SE TT with Hana ML MC cartridge
    Outlaw 7000x HT Amplifier
    Denon AVR-X4700H HT Receiver (pre-amp mode)
    JL Audio F113 subs with CR-1 Crossover
    ASC & RealTraps Panels; APS PurePower 2000; Daedalus Audio DiDs
    WyWires, LAT International, Wireworld Cables

  6. #6

    Re: ModWright LS 36.5

    I also went from the LS100 to a 36.5. Both are superb preamps but the LS36.5 is is clearly superior. I have also had the DM at home for review when it launched in the UK along with the KWA150SE power amp. My thoughts HERE
    Preamp: Aesthetix Calypso Signature
    Power Amp: Aesthetix Atlas Signature
    DAC/CDP: Aesthetix Romulus Signature
    Phono: Aesthetix Rhea Signature
    TT: Kuzma Stabi Ref 2, Kuzma 4Point 11, Hana ML
    TW Acustic Raven One, Raven 10.5, Shelter 5000
    Speakers: Acapella High Violin MkIII

  7. #7
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    Re: ModWright LS 36.5

    I've been with the LS36.5DM for quite a while now jumping to it from ARC LS2B and LS16. It made quite a big leap forward in all sonic terms comparing to those two mentioned preamps. Also I've been playing a bit with rectifier tubes and the best results I got when inserting NOS Mullard GZ34 instead of stock Sovtek.

  8. #8
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    Re: ModWright LS 36.5

    I've been using an LS36.5DM for many years as well.

  9. #9
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    Re: ModWright LS 36.5

    yes I had the 36.5 for about a year and a half . beautifully built . in the last 6 months been using the 2 box dm . it sounds just as good rca or xlr to my ears . I like the support and back up that modwright give . it has a lovely midrange .

  10. #10
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    Re: ModWright LS 36.5

    Quote Originally Posted by hifinutt View Post
    I like the support and back up that modwright give . it has a lovely midrange .
    I sign on the statement above. Mike is really a great guy who takes honest and sincere care about his customers!
    LS: Vienna Acoustics Klimt "The Music"
    PowerAmp: Nagra VPA
    PreAmp: Tobian Soundsystems SC12
    DAC: LampizatOr Horizon
    Server: LDMS Maximus Music Server
    CDT: CH Precison D1
    Switch: Edison Creation Silent OCXO Extreme, FiberBox
    Power: LampizatOr Kraftwerk 10
    Cabling: Signal Projects loom

  11. #11
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    Re: ModWright LS 36.5

    would that be dan ?
    I must try that tube swap with some mullards one day
    1]bel canto EIX/ F5 monoblocks . BC cd2, tannoy eaton legacy 2]bel canto pre 5 ,arcam a85 , black ice modded dac
    modded dac , marantz sa8005, Verity audio Rienzi

  12. #12
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    Re: ModWright LS 36.5

    Quote Originally Posted by hifinutt View Post
    would that be dan ?
    I must try that tube swap with some mullards one day
    Sorry, yes Dan!!
    After I swapped the tubes out of the blue my wife asked: "Did you again change something?"...so I would say change was well noted
    LS: Vienna Acoustics Klimt "The Music"
    PowerAmp: Nagra VPA
    PreAmp: Tobian Soundsystems SC12
    DAC: LampizatOr Horizon
    Server: LDMS Maximus Music Server
    CDT: CH Precison D1
    Switch: Edison Creation Silent OCXO Extreme, FiberBox
    Power: LampizatOr Kraftwerk 10
    Cabling: Signal Projects loom

  13. #13
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    Re: ModWright LS 36.5

    Quote Originally Posted by Golum View Post
    Sorry, yes Dan!!
    After I swapped the tubes out of the blue my wife asked: "Did you again change something?"...so I would say change was well noted
    Maybe Paul was right.
    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

    https://suncoastaudio.com/
    Phone: 941-932-0282
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/

  14. #14
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    Re: ModWright LS 36.5

    I had Mullards (believe it said Amperex - still have them) made in Holland. Using Create Audio Synergy HiFi 5AR4s for quite a bit and like them.
    Main System - Lumin U2, Modwright LS36.5 DM Preamp, VTV Purifi 1ET-7040SA with tube buffer, EMM Labs DAC 2X (ver. 2), Torus RM-20, Thiel CS 3.7s, 2 Rel S/812 subs
    Back-up 1 - Premium Audio mini Gan Amp, Oppo 103D, 2 Richard Gray cond, Selah SA-2s, Sumiko S5 sub, Teac UD-503 DAC, Carver (modded) C-9
    Back-up 2 - Onkyo TX-NR797, Panasonic DP-UB820, Vansevers cond, B&W P6s, PowerSoundAudio S1500 sub

  15. #15
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    Re: ModWright LS 36.5

    my dm 36.5 been out of action for a few weeks and been trying various products . last couple of days its been back . its singing beautifully , the texture and delicacy of this pre is delightful. playing max richter the blue notebooks sounds so natural

    https://youtu.be/Nfy2fs01ZkI

    so pleased to have it back . the grandinote proemio may have deeper bass that this dm but the dm is so balanced and controlled and organic its more than a match for the proemio
    1]bel canto EIX/ F5 monoblocks . BC cd2, tannoy eaton legacy 2]bel canto pre 5 ,arcam a85 , black ice modded dac
    modded dac , marantz sa8005, Verity audio Rienzi

  16. #16

    Re: ModWright LS 36.5

    I've owned an LS 36.5 DM for some time now. There is no other preamplifier I would rather own (However, I do wish it had 2 more balanced inputs). Anyone that says a preamplifier is not significant to a systems sound quality has never heard one of Dan's preamps!

    It really responds well to tube rolling in the 6DJ8/6922 slots. I've settle on a strong pair of bugle boys that really augment my current system perfectly. I have a nice pair of Mullard DD GZ34 rectifiers that work perfectly in the power supply but I'm trying to save them as they are getting very pricy. I'm probably being over cautious because I have never worn out a Mullard GZ34! Instead I use a pair of RCA 5AS4A tubes which I have found to be exceptionally good rectifiers. Don't tell anyone though as it will just make their price go up...

  17. #17
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    Re: ModWright LS 36.5

    mmm I must remember that , I am afraid to fiddle in case I mess up the warrenty , and its sounding fabulous anyway
    1]bel canto EIX/ F5 monoblocks . BC cd2, tannoy eaton legacy 2]bel canto pre 5 ,arcam a85 , black ice modded dac
    modded dac , marantz sa8005, Verity audio Rienzi

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