About obliquatory tech: "It's a single voltage gain stage, zero global feedback design with transformer-coupled true balanced floating inputs and direct-coupling from there into fully differential, pure solid-state circuitry. ModWright Instruments capacitors are used as power supply bypasses in key locations and total power supply capacitance reserves are 216,000uF. Output short circuit protection as well as overload circuit protection operate completely outsid the signal path. Transformer coupling blocks out-of-band noise as well as errant DC from preamp or source. We use the highest-grade Thermal Trak bipolar output devices with auto thermal bias with six pairs per channel, i.e. six transistors per phase. The amp has a hi/lo bias feature for standby or cool operation (low bias); and best sonics and greater heat dissipation (high bias). But even in high bias, it still won't run as hot as pure class A. The amp is bridgeable to mono with a third set of binding posts and a stereo/mono switch. Tests have proven that it delivers 650 watts into a 4-ohm load then. Frequency response is 16Hz to 220kHz, weight is 80 pounds in the box and, including feet, dimensions are 18" x 18" x 8.75" WxDxH. There are three 0.25"x20 threaded receptacles for spikes or other footers and the top cover matches what we pioneered in the 36.5 preamp and external power supply."


At left, Dan Wright, kneeling, with Karl Schuemann of AudioMachina whose Maestro speakers made up part of the CES 2009 ModWright exhibit with two bridged KWA-150s.

I won't speak for Alan entirely but I will share our common thoughts on the subject. They are actually two-fold. 1) Alan has designed and trademarked what he calls the 'Solid State Music Stage'. It is a unique and proprietary design using all transistors, a single gain stage and zero global feedback. It is transformer input-coupled and direct-coupled from there out. Sonically, Alan felt that it incorporated the sonic strengths of tubes with the strengths of solid state, the latter being tighter and more controlled bass, extended highs and an extremely low noise floor. The circuit still retains the holographic imaging and tonal warmth of tubes but without any excessive coloration. Lastly, the circuit requires zero maintenance or tube replacements.

2) Because this is our first amplifier, we wanted a design that was rock-solid, 100% reliable and 'bomb-proof' in terms of its operation. I did not want to design an all tube amp as I personally don't prefer this sound. I prefer a good tube preamp with a good SS amp. What I don't like are hard, clinical, cold and sterile sounding amps. A neutral and balanced sounding transistor amp with a high-quality tube preamp gives you the best sound in my opinion. I personally feel that tubes excel at amplifying voltage while SS devices excel at amplifying current. Now this would logically lead to our designing a hybrid amp, which we considered.

I understand that it catches people off guard that ModWright has released a product without tubes but we do not believe in limiting ourselves to one medium or design format. We believe in utilizing whatever technology and design will produce the most musical product. I am very pleased with the control, tonal balance, measured performance and, most importantly, musicality of this product. Everyone who has heard it to date has been very impressed. Without any promotion or advertising, we've pre-sold half the first production run already and are busy filling back-orders...