Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Impressive build and parts quality
- A true dual-mono amp, including separate power transformers for each channel
- Has no trace of solid-state edge, glare, or grain in high-bias mode
- Outstanding low-level resolution and micro-dynamics
- Bass performance is truly outstanding
Product Considerations
- May sound a bit too clear and extended in the mid- to upper-treble, especially with extremely revealing loudspeakers
- Treble range could be a bit overwhelming if a more relaxed upper frequency presentation is preferred, or if the listening room is highly reflective or "bright"
- The only feature that was missed was a remote trigger turn-on facility
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Manley Snapper amplifiers, the Manleys have more the sound of oiled wood resonance and a bit less power in the impulse of the sticks contacting each other
- Compared to the Manley Snapper amplifiers, the cymbals ring more clearly and the fade to silence lasts just a bit longer, while the Manleys offer the cymbals with more of the brass metal character
- Compared to the Bryston 4BSST², the ModWright KWA 150 SE shows some extra refinement, has a more articulate bass, resolves extra detail, and is sweeter in the treble
- Compared to the LAMM Industries M1.2 Reference Monoblocks, the LAMM evinced a greater sense of speed and superior treble precision
Takeaway: The ModWright KWA 150 SE offers excellent sonic excellence, natural midrange, consistency of tone, bass performance, and sound staging proficiency. It reveals the full depth and width of sound spaces, making it easier to follow complex musical lines.
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Manufacturer details
- Power Ratings: 150W 8 ohms (Stereo)
- Power Ratings: 450W 8 ohms (Bridge Mono)
- Power Ratings: 250W 4 ohms (Stereo)
- Power Ratings: 650W 4 ohms (Bridge Mono)
- Bandwidth: 10Hz – 100Khz (+0, -1dB)
- Noise Floor: -100dB
- Channel Separation: -75dB below 20Khz
- Gain: 26dB
- Input Impedance: Min. 15K at 50Hz; 23K at 1Khz
- Dimensions: 18"W x 17.5"D x 8.5"H
- Shipped Weight: 76 lbs (84 lbs. shipped)
The heart of the KWA 150 Amplifier is a single voltage gain stage called the Solid State Music Stage. The circuit was developed by Alan Kimmel, creator of the exceptional vacuum tube Mu stage.
Features include: high-low bias switch, stereo/bridge-mono switch and true balanced floating inputs, accepting balanced and unbalanced inputs. The design incorporates a regulated power supply for the input stage, Cardas best connectors and oversized heat sinks.
The first watts operate in pure Class A. The KWA 150 uses no global feedback, is direct-coupled, fully differential, dual-mono, bridgeable, and designed and built in the USA. Black option also available.
We have taken the KWA 150 and applied nearly two years of additional R&D and further thought into how to FURTHER improve upon the award-winning KWA 150.
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- ModWright offers custom modifications, allowing them to leverage deep insight into component behavior and provide tailored solutions.
- The brand stands out by implementing a hybrid design philosophy, often blending tube preamplifiers with solid-state power amplifiers to achieve a balance of sonic characteristics.
- ModWright uses custom-designed "Truth" capacitors, reflecting a high level of vertical integration and quality control in key components.
- For phono products, they offer user-adjustable front panel controls for gain, capacitance, and resistance, facilitating cartridge matching and sonic fine-tuning.
Select products
PH-150:
- Positioning: The entry-level phono stage designed for affordable vinyl playback.
- Description: Offers a straightforward design optimized for small rooms and basic phono use, featuring a low-noise circuit aimed at preserving the delicate sound of vinyl signals. Compared to the LS and hybrid models, it lacks advanced tube warmth and integrated functionality, making it ideal for buyers with modest budgets and simple connectivity needs.
LS-100 Tube Preamp:
- Positioning: A tube preamplifier aimed at enthusiasts seeking classic tube warmth at a moderate price point.
- Description: Provides the warm, musical character of a traditional tube circuit and is optimized for setups in small to medium-sized rooms. Relative to the balanced LS-99 and the hybrid KWH-225i, it offers simpler tube circuitry without the added features of balanced outputs or integrated functions.
LS-99 Balanced Tube Preamp:
- Positioning: A balanced tube preamplifier that advances stereo separation with refined tube character.
- Description: Uses a balanced circuit design to deliver improved channel separation and a more precise soundstage, suited for users aiming for detailed musical reproduction in moderate spaces. In comparison to the LS-100, it offers enhanced balance and build quality, though it does not incorporate the extra integration features found in the hybrid KWH-225i.
KWH-225i Hybrid Integrated:
- Positioning: A versatile hybrid amplifier that combines tube warmth with solid-state performance for broader functionality.
- Description: Merges tube preamplification with solid-state power, achieving a sound that is both warm and detailed, making it well-suited for varied room sizes and connectivity demands. Compared with the LS series' pure tube approach, it offers extra integrated inputs and technical sophistication.
KWA-99 Monoblocks:
- Positioning: A high-end monoblock amplifier pair engineered for powerful output and precise stereo imaging in premium systems.
- Description: Features advanced monoblock design that delivers robust power and exceptional channel separation, making them ideal for larger rooms and demanding listener setups. When measured against the integrated and preamp models, they stand out with superior build quality and performance.
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What if you spend more?
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Powerful, able to drive any speaker at any level with ease
- Delivers a new dimension in realism at any volume level, exposing the timbre of bass instruments unlike ever heard before
- Reveals harmonic quality of instruments and voices
Product Considerations
- Heavy, weighing 140lb (63.5kg), requiring assistance for moving and unboxing
- High running temperature (55-65oC across the chassis) and draws 500W from the wall when idle
- When speaker cables are terminated with spade lugs, caution is advised as the posts are close together
- Output is floating—it should not be connected to any loudspeaker with a grounded 'black' terminal
- BAT components take a long time to "break in" (400-500 hours of use)
Takeaway: The BAT REX 500 is a very powerful amplifier that drives speakers with ease and reveals new levels of realism in familiar recordings. It is a must-audition for those seeking reference-level power amplification.
Video review
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers 350 watts into 2-ohm, 4-ohm, or 8-ohm loads
- The design has a purity that is quite amazing
- Effortless power
- Soundstage is big
- Transparent
Product Considerations
- Not necessarily suitable for pairing with extremely cold sounding, sterile or bright speakers
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- MC3500 is more open and airy, with base not as hard fisted, compared to Krell KSA 250
- It compares with brands like soulution, big Audio Research, and CH Precision, but at a lower cost
Takeaway: The MC3500 is an impressive amplifier that delivers a natural and pure sound, able to drive almost any speaker. If you're in the market for a McIntosh amp, this is the one that makes music sound pure, simple and unadulterated.
Video review
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Prodigious bass output and rich tonality, especially for a solid-state design
- Great presence, a black background, and strong resolution playing effortlessly at very high volume levels
- Offers a wide, well-defined soundstage
- Beautifully designed with a luxurious appearance, relatively compact dimensions, and attention to detail in its internal layout
- Reserves of power will comfortably drive a wide range of speakers to high levels
Product Considerations
- Attacks can be slightly soft on some material
- The soundstage, while wide and well-defined, may lack the pinpoint accuracy and layered depth of some reference amplifiers
- Requires support beneath it on carpeted floors to allow sufficient airflow
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs soulution 511, the soulution 511 was faster and more accurately conveyed bass notes, threw an image with greater accuracy, and was more open on top
Takeaway: The Electrocompaniet AW 300 M is a gutsy and poised monoblock amplifier that delivers lots of power and handles a variety of speakers, giving an excellent listening experience. Its solid build and high performance make it a great choice for those seeking high-end audio quality.
Video review
Our take on the brand
The MOON 861 is a power amplifier with the pedigree of the distinguished MOON 888 and the wholistic design philosophy of the North Collection.
Product Strengths
- Great build quality that feels solid and built to last
- Impressive control, speed, and transparency in sound reproduction, resulting in a highly satisfying and natural sound
- Excellent bass grip, with precisely layered and insightful basslines
- Each instrument is distinct within the orchestra
Product Considerations
- Speaker cable terminals are a bit tight, especially with larger spades
- Software may need updates to ensure devices connect seamlessly
- Setup may be crucial to get the best sound
- According to one commenter, the treble can be hard and tiring
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The 861 exceeds the Moon 860A v2 in performance due to improvements in isolation, mechanical damping, and power supply
- The 861 has less pronounced colors than Burmester 218 amplifiers
- The 861 has more weight and oomph than Octave MRE 220 SE
Takeaway: The Moon 861 is a powerful and well-built amplifier that delivers a natural and detailed sound, with excellent control and dynamics. With its power and balanced sound, listeners may find themselves enjoying music even more.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Offers a remarkably smooth, unforced, and natural presentation with a touch of warmth
- Excels in detail retrieval and textured presentation of instruments and vocals, making the music feel alive
- Presents a wide and holographic soundstage, especially when paired with speakers that are already strong in this area
- Demonstrates agility, precision, and clarity, combined with a naturalness that eluded earlier generations of Chord amplifiers
- Scales dynamically and has the ability to punch hard when required
Product Considerations
- Has a minimalist design with just four line-level inputs, lacking features like phono stages, tone controls, headphone outputs, or DAC modules
- Some may find its sonic signature prioritizes articulation over qualities such as richness and authority, potentially sounding thin if partnered poorly
- Balance control has no center indent or marked position
- The polychromatic lighting may be an issue for the color-blind
- Remote operation can be affected by direct sunlight
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Rega Elex-R Mk3, the Chord Ultima Integrated delivers undeniably elevated sound in all respects, with greater dimensionality and smoother vocals
- Vs Bryston 7B 3 monoblocks, the Chord Ultima Integrated offers a weightier and more thunderous delivery, especially in the midrange and vocals, with more inner warmth in tone
- Vs Benchmark AHB2, the Chord Ultima Integrated provides a more energetic and fun listening experience, with Thor-like bass impact and overall superior dynamics
- Vs Accuphase E-270, the Chord Ultima Integrated is warmer, rounder, more powerful, and refined, with a more fluid and emotionally engaging performance
Takeaway: The Chord Ultima Integrated is a unique and well-built amplifier that combines a visually pleasing design with a captivating sound, full of detail and dynamic precision. It brings music to life with an engaging and immersive experience, making it a worthy addition to any audiophile's setup.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Compact size, lightweight, and runs cool compared to traditional high-end amplifiers
- Exceptionally quiet operation, with reviewers noting a complete absence of hum or buzz
- Delivers a clean, crisp, and neutral sound signature without added coloration
- Upgradeable design, allowing users to update the amplifier with new GaN modules as technology evolves
- Produces a Single Ended Triode-like midrange and top end
Product Considerations
- The polished finish is a fingerprint magnet, requiring the use of gloves for handling
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs AGD Audion MKIII: The Duets offer a cleaner and more refined sound with improved bass and greater immediacy and snap compared to the Audion MKIII
- Vs Daniel Hertz Maria: The AGD Duets seem to have a little more inner resolution
- Vs Pass Labs X250.8: The AGD Duets performed to a higher level
- Vs Peachtree GaN 1/VTV GaN amps: AGD amps seem to be on another level in regards to design, and the sound is more refined and beautiful
- Vs Aavik U-150, Luxman 595, Yamaha A-S 3200, Axxess Forte 1, Line Magnetic 219ia: The AGD Duets performed to a higher level
Takeaway: The AGD Duet amplifiers offer a blend of cutting-edge technology, exceptional sound quality, and user-friendly design. They are a great option for those seeking a high-end audio experience in a compact and energy-efficient package.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Known for combining the musicality of tube amplifiers with the precision and power of solid-state amplifiers.
- It provides a transparent sound with steel control, without the electronic 'shine' associated with transistor amplifiers.
- Exceptional bass performance, described as deep, explosive, and completely controlled.
- Homogeneous frequency range, offering a very high degree of transparency and control.
- Offers an ability to resolve even the finest musically significant details.
Product Considerations
- Requires a substantial amount of space due to its multi-component design.
- The sound offered might be 'too beautiful' for some listeners, as it is not 'brutal' or 'terse' enough.
- Requires care in using its switches to avoid shutdowns.
- Some reviewers note it was 'dark sounding' on the highs, though it did not lack information.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to Quad ESL loudspeakers, it surpasses the musicality and clarity achieved with many tube amps, rivaling even high-end options like Lamm Industries ML2.2 and Miyajima Laboratory 2010.
- The ASR has better bass and is more transparent than MBL, however, it lacks the grace that MBL offers.
- Compared to Rogue 180W monoblocks, the ASR Emitter II delivers better bass.
- The ASR Emitter II has slightly better bass control than Manley Neoclassic 500, but the Neoclassic 500 has a more marvelous style of fiddling.
- Compared to Edge and Audio Research, the ASR is darker sounding.
Takeaway: The ASR Emitter II Exclusive offers a combination of tube-like warmth and solid-state precision, making the listening experience a very involving one. It provides exceptional control and detail across the entire frequency range, making it a great choice for audiophiles.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers power while handling subtlety and fine detail with aplomb
- Presents an engaging and naturally organic soundstage
- Offers switchable Ultralinear and Triode tube configurations
- Hand-wired, hand-soldered, and hand-assembled
- The top end is silky, resolved, and decent, resulting in no listening fatigue
Product Considerations
- The bass is not that punchy as with the best high-end amplifiers
- The amplifier can be demanding towards the acoustics of the room due to its heavy-on-bottom balance
- Limited power handling that does not allow for playing too loud
- The 80S sounds more homogenous, although the listening is rewarding and entertaining
- Ensure existing speakers will work with the Reference 80S to satisfaction before purchase
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Simaudio Moon 860A v2 power amplifier, the voice of Hana was warmer and velvetier through the Audio Research—a bit more human for my ears—although the sound was slightly less transparent and less controlled
Takeaway: The Audio Research Reference 80S is a tube power amplifier that delivers precision and subtlety. If high-end audio is desired and a lot of power is not necessary, the Reference 80S could be a good fit for a listening space.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Uses Moon's new distortion-canceling amplifier circuit, which is incredibly precise.
- Runs as efficiently as possible, yet as close as possible to class A.
- Capable of playing at any volume level, from a whisper to a scream.
- Delivers 200 watts per channel.
- Delivers good stereo, with very powerful dynamic range.
Product Considerations
- Only available in a two-tone 'panda' color scheme (silver sides with a black front panel) at the moment, though this may change with demand.
- Existing Moon aluminum bridges for stacking components are not compatible with this model.
- Moving the 35kg power amp can be a bit of a struggle.
- Although it has a lot of heat sinking, and it does get warm, it's not pulling a huge amount of energy out of the wall at any given volume level.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Hegel H20—the 761 has additional refinement, additional resolution, and is much smoother, but doesn't lose any detail in the music.
Takeaway: The 761 is a very capable amplifier that gives the potential to drive at any level and has the power to play precise, fine-sounding music. It can be used in bridged mode and works in balanced and single-ended configurations.
Video review
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