Practically, the device did deliver fast
response, great dynamic range, no noise, low distortion and a variety of
supported frequencies.
ModWright Instruments is a manufacturer of
custom products to enhance quality of input sound from common CD and video
players. Under the leadership of Dan Wright, this 12-year-old brand has been silently
released many significant products including tube preamplifiers, silicon
amplifiers and a powerful integrated amp which has been recently introduced.
ModWright
KWA 150 SE delivers perfect sound
ModWright is the most expensive among
hi-end amplifiers at present and it is a special version of KWA 150 amplifier
introduced in 2009. KWA 150 came in two versions: standard KWA 150 amp which
was officially assembled and special KWA 15 Signature Edition (SE) whose design
has ModWright logo carefully inscribed and power button lay on the front, which
becomes the system’s point of attention. Besides, users can choose either silver
or black for the finish. Furthermore, this amplifier requires a sturdy and
spacious shelf due to its 37kg weight.
For a 9,000-dollar amplifier plus a size of
43x43x22cm, power output was modestly announced 150W x 8Ohm (per channel). However,
we must consider other factors, for example, maximum power supply (a standard
for amplifier) yet KWA 150 meets this criterion. In fact, this system achieves a
doubled power x 4Ohm and if you ever use one amplifier for each channel in
bridge mode, the power output will be up to 450 x 8Ohm or 650W x 4Ohm.
The
brushed aluminum case
ModWright also creates own capacitors to
supplied system with sufficient power in vital periods needing high power. This
work bears the same of process, in which a speaker brand manufacture their own
speakers, and proves that ModWright’s work and knowledge is serious. The
difference between standard version and SE version of KWA 150 is an improved
capacitor. Instead of 4 big capacitors per channel, there would be 16 smaller
ones per channel. Consequently, results, including response time, clarity and
details of sound, are much enhanced. Besides, input is balanced by better transformer
and external Cardas cables are improved and adjusted to reduce noise and sound
distortion.
In our try, pressing the central big logo
to turn the amplifier on made a blue light start to blink, which was a sign to
dedicate that the system was not ready yet. This warned users to distance input
signal for 60 seconds before the amplifier operated steadily. At this time, efficiency
had not reached maximum level until the amplifier got warmer, which took around
an hour. The term “warmer” means when the system and heat-sink blades reached a
similar level of temperature. This is called “high bias mode” and much
recommended. The mode could be switched on by a rear button. On the other hand
you can leave the amplifier on regularly to save time for needed warmth. Otherwise,
if you are worried about high cost of electricity, simply switch to low bias
mode when the system is to be unused for a long time. Buttons relating on/off
and high/low bias require regular adjustment. Additionally, there are also two
more rear buttons. One is for switching between connection of stereo amplifier
and mono amplifier bridging. Meanwhile, the other is for increasing ground
voltage standard in case the system deliver buzzing and humming sound.
ModWright
also creates own capacitors to supplied system with sufficient power in vital
periods needing high power.
In a test, this amplifier was sequentially
connected with EMM Lab XDS1 CD/SACD player, EMM Labs Pres 2 preamp and YG
Carmel speakers, via Nordost Valhalla cable.
This system delivered response time of lightning
speed, considerably wire dynamic range, no noise, low distortion and a variety
of frequencies. These features have to be ensured for such a high price.
The amplifier has 2 upsides but any product
doesn’t. First, it produces perfect audio quality and clear instrumental sound,
whose details are easily recognizable. Second, it preserves sound’s features, containing
quality, speed, color and strength, through a wide frequency range from bass to
treble. The better supported device is the more essential these two upsides
become because they are not included in any device except for CD players,
pre-amps, speakers and cables at the highest level.
Connectors
lie in the back
One more remarkable point is that treble sounds
sharp, detailed and extensive with the help of hi-end tweeter from YG Carmel. You
are able to hear even flashing cymbal and widespread harmony of wind
instruments and vocals. Reproduced treble is as vibrant as acoustic
performance.
Overall, this amplifier of ModWright is able
to express elegance and aspect of instrument as well as entire harmony’s depth.
It can control even stubborn speakers and give sophisticated treatment throughout
all frequencies in the most significant and tactful way.
