Use Case For The Modwright Analog Bridge

 

The Modwright Analog Bridge

Modwright introduced the Analog Bridge in the Spring of 2023. What it does is takes a line level signal and runs it through either an 6SN7 based, or 6922 based tube circuits. Both circuits are ultra high quality, very low noise, like all Modwright designs. The power supply is also tube rectified, adding to the tubey character this device imparts on ones system. You can switch between the 6922 sound (euphonic with a very beautiful midrange), and the 6SN7 sound (more focused imaging, with the tube air, space and presence).

ANALOG BRIDGE USES & SONIC BENEFITS:

• Between digital or analog source(s) and preamp. – Any digital that is deemed thin, bright or lacking depth and body will definitely benefit. Even digital that is not bright, but lacks body, will benefit from tube body and weight.
• Between preamp and amp. – An all SS system that customer feels is lacking in body, depth or warmth. Perhaps system is very resolving but uninvolving. The Analog Bridge will bring 3-dimensionality and broad soundstage to the system.
• Between source and amp. – A simple system one or two sources (with integral volume control) and amp is ideal. It adds the sonic benefits of tubes while keeping the system simple. Very low output impedance means it will drive ANY amp.
• Between passive attenuator and amp. – Same as above, source(s) – passive pre/attenuator – Analog Bridge – Amp. Analog bridge provides necessary buffering not provided by a passive.

Use Case #1 Between a Lumin T3 and Amplifier

The Lumin T3 Steamer/DAC

The Lumin T3 is an incredible Streamer/DAC. It has the LEEDH Lossless Volume Control built in, so it is ready to connect directly to a power amplifier, bypassing the need for a preamp. We initially set up the T3 direct to the Modwright KWA150SE .  The sound was good, but lacking "life". A little on the analytical side. Loads of detail and resolution, but lacking some soul.

We placed the Analog Bridge between the T3 and our KWA150SE solid state power amplifier. We heard no additional noise eminating from the speakers when no music was playing. This thing was quiet. With the 6SN7 circuit engaged the sound was full of the life that was missing previously. The midrange was gloriously rich, layered and so detailed. Image placement was slightly less clear, but we did not care in the least. Music was such a relaxing, engaging joy to listen to with this setup. Switching to the 6922, their was less of a tubey, euphonic sound, but it wasn't completely gone. There were significant gains in instrument placement in the soundstage as the image became just a bit more well lit. With the 6SN7's engaged it was candlelight, and with the 6922 it was Edison incandescent bulbs. In both cases the music was alive, soulful and captivating.

Conclusion

In this use case, the Analog Bridge proved it's worth in our system. It essentially allowed us to have two different tube circuits available to add some life to an otherwise analytical, but very resolving presentation. There was no loss of resolution, and no noise was imparted into the system by the addition of the analog bridge. It only added to the enjoyment of our system. 

Try The Analog Bridge In Your System

We offer in-home auditions of the Modwright Analog Bridge. If you are curious if it will bring more enjoyment of the music played through your audio system, shoot us an email or give us a call to set up a time to listen to it in your own system.

Thanks for reading!