ModWright PH 9.0: Still a Giant Killer? (6 Years Later)

ModWright PH 9.0: Still a Giant Killer? (6 Years Later)

Six years ago, I reviewed the ModWright PH 9.0 alongside the SWL 9.0 and KWA SE100, and while my thoughts back then still hold up, I figured it was time to give this classic phono stage a fresh listen with a new perspective. So, in this Frequency Friday, we're unboxing, revisiting, and diving deep into what makes the PH 9.0 such a standout performer.

From its easy-to-use front panel adjustments to its engaging, holographic sound, the PH 9.0 is a serious contender in the world of high-performance phono stages. But how does it stack up against the Manley Labs Oasis? And what happens when ModWright works its magic with the 9.0XT upgrade?

Join me as I put the PH 9.0 through its paces, explore its unique features, and share my updated listening impressions. Plus, we’ll be sending this unit back to ModWright for the XT upgrade—so stay tuned for a follow-up review!

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💬 **Drop a comment**—Have you heard the PH 9.0? Thinking about upgrading? Let’s chat!

**Chapters:**
00:00 - Intro & Ethics Statement
01:37 - Features & Adjustability
04:37 - Listening Impressions
06:24 - PH 9.0 vs. Manley Oasis
08:19 - The 9.0XT Upgrade
09:08 - Final Thoughts

#ModWright #PH90 #Audiophile #Vinyl #Turntable #HiFi

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[dollaramak]

Very happy with mine and love that you can get Dan on the phone pronto if there's a question or issue. Solid outfit, and yeah absolutely love the front panel controls.

[mpk]

Also, it’s awesome you’re letting Dan upgrade this to the 9.0x model. Very anxious to hear your impressions of the difference.

[pkats]

Like someone else said, Ron, you are killing me! Manley and Modwright are two manufacturers that I have not been able to get my hands on used. Almost but not quite!

[ginom]

Looking forward to follow-up review! Thank You Ron! 👍👍👍

[emanuelduke]

I have had the 9.0 modified up to the latest upgrades. Oh, do not forget the power umbilical cord upgrade, helped a bit. Well this tricked out phono stage is my last upgrade for my analog source.
Very holographic sound stage, very quiet and dynamic. Tube rolled 6922's to nos and that brought things up a notch too! Dan is a great guy, as you know and I have met and corresponded with him several times these last five years. Owned his 225i integrated and it was a great piece too, but now too heavy for this senior citizen.

[NickP]

Ron, you’re killing me, dude! The 9.0 is possibly the best phono pre I’ve ever heard, and with a Goldring Ethos?! Yes! They make some of my favorite MM carts, and while I did own an Eroica LOMC cart, I foolishly got rid of it instead of retipping it. Two peas in a pod for sure, Ron. TUBES, baby! (At least in the phono and line stages…lol) Looking forward to what you think of Dan’s tube rectified PSU upgrade.

[nicholaskrebs]

Dan Wright is one of the best guys in this industry and his gear is awesome! I own his reference 150 phono stage and the 9.0x is very close to the reference. All of his gear is top notch, made in Seattle by him and a small crew.

[johncallison]

Great I love when people go and review again after some time. Would love to see you get a few vintage things done but, I also would love to see what you think about the Hi/Fi Rose RA 180. I am very interested in this unit and would love to know what you think on it. Would love to see some vintage reviews the big vintage guy I am.

Anyway great video, God Bless you and your family have a great weekend.

[MW-nbdv]

ModWright is my dream gear. Got to love tube rectification!

[FWS]

Ive been wondering why I havnt heard much of anything about ModWright the last few years.

[Staybrown]

Thank you for this re-review. I did the tube rectifier upgrade. It is a world of difference. I use a cryotone 6n7. But not sure if I should do the lundalh upgrade or maybe a step up transformer.

[matytinman]

I can listen to that Manley has a bit more bass -> a bit less highs. Otherwise, they sound very similar. Obviously I can not comment on soundstage, audio layers... I am surprised that valve rectification is better (Modwright T-up) and more with a phono stage.

[SAngel-djlv]

Any chance you're going to be checking out a skoll? Asking for a friend😂

[ScottEvil]

It would be an interesting comparison of that ModWright against the Gold Note PH-10 with its upgraded psu.

[mpk]

Is it possible the difference you are seeing in the 9.0 vs the Oasis has more to do with the tubes used in one vs the other? As in, does the tube character in the Oasis just tend to have a different bass signature?

[penguin]

I don't know who was busting your chops about Double T pronunciation but you're doing great. Button not Buh-ann ! But now that you've moved to Texas remember when you wash something it's called WORSH 😂. Example:Get off the porch sofa and go WORSH THE CORE.

[Mantasack]

I had the 9.0 and upgraded to the 9.0X, it becomes a much different animal in the good way.

[davidrivera]

Thanks Ron for always delivering a thorough and fair review. Modwright is a fine audio company. My only issue with ALL audio manufacturers that choose to remain building their products on the great, but ridiculously expensive state of California, is that the rest of us who choose to reside in much more affordable locations still have to pay for the labor rates, facilities cost, and of course burdening taxes of California. There's easily a 20% premium the customer has to bear in comparison to lets say a product built in South Carolina, Texas, Florida, never mind the extremely affordable states of Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi. I'm all for buying American, but I detest overpaying for any product that is overpriced due to where it's built ( See Switzerland and Germany. Both manufactur great quality products in many industries, but their economies are now struggling because they're not competitive, even with US built items).

[richardpeters]

What you need is an upgraded 9.0 to compare to a non upgraded 9.0.

[DN]

My phono stage cost $30 and also does a decent job as long as I keep it well away from the streamer 😂