MODWRIGHT PH 9.0 PHONO STAGE

Modwright’s new PH 9.0 valve phono stage has on-the-fly moving-coil cartridge loading and gain adjustment and offers similar performance to the Modwright PH 150 at a lower price. That its performance is similar is no surprise: both models use the same valves—a pair of 6C45s and a pair of 6922s. Also, both were designed by the same person, Modwright’s designer/owner Dan Wright, who says his aim with all his designs is: ‘ to provide the most natural and musical presentation of analog playback.’ Wright say he believes his new PH 9.0: ‘ embodies the same tonality, soundstage and musical presentation of the reference line.’

The Modwright PH 9.0 has 0dB, –6dB and –12dB gain adjustment settings, and offers additional gain settings of 64dB (MC) and 52dB (MM). The rear panel has both MM and MC inputs and one set of unbalanced (via RCA) outputs, but you can optionally order a fully-balanced, transformer-coupled output (via XLR). The provision of dual inputs means turntables with two tone arms can be easily accommodated, or two entirely different turntable/cartridge combinations. Power is supplied by an outboard PSU that links to the PH 9.0 via a two-metre cable. ‘ Modwright undertook extensive testing of a wide range of both MM and MC cartridges and a series of different reference turntables and tone arms to prove the performance of this new design,’ said Boris Granovsky, of Absolute Hi End, which distributes Modwright in Australia. The Modwright PH9.0 phono stage retails for $4,500 (RRP). For more information, contact Absolute Hi End on (04) 8877 7999 or via its website at www.absolutehiend.com