Modwright PH 9.0X Compared to a Pass Labs XP-15

My system has a lot of similarities to yours.  I had a Modwright LS100 with the phono stage, but never used the phono stage, so I'm not sure how it sounded.  The LS100 is voiced pretty neutral, not "lush" like some tube units.  I would think the Modwright phono stage would have a similar character. 

If you can find one, get a Herron VTPH-2A.  I have the XP-15 and the VTPH-2A is on another level.  It's more quiet, has more detail and has great imaging.

I don't think you'd go wrong with the Modwright.  Dan is pretty approachable, reach out to him.

Yes, the VTPH-2A is also on my radar. The last one I saw
for sale belonged to Millercarbon. 

Nice System and great cartridge! I own the PH9.0X, solid build, dynamic, transparent, dead quiet and sensitive to tube rolling. Previously I owned the SPL Phonos which was also a great SS phono pre but the Modwright is light years ahead in terms of detail and resolution. You really cannot go wrong with the PH9.0x. except you might want to upgrade your cartridge ;-). I went from the Hana Sl to the Umami Red. OMG !

I've gone from an Xono, to the Herron VPTPH-2A, then for a very short time to the XP-15 before settling on the Pass XP-17. In my system, which is all Pass with a Spiral Groove front end and My Sonic cart, it is super duper nice.

I liked the Herron but it wasn't in any way better than the XP-17. It wasn't really close. In. My. System.

However, if I had a Herron pre and or those awesome mono blocks, it may be a different story.

I had my ph9.0 upgraded to the 9.0x. The 9.0 was excellent, especially with the right nos tube (Valvo or Philips miniwatt) and subjectively equal to my previous Parasound JC 3+ ss phono pre. The 9.0 X took it up quite a bit (bass authority and soundstage depth) and I can’t imagine it getting any better that this. Fantastic phono pre and every bit as quiet as the Parasound was,