Having just bought a Modwright PH 9.0 XT, I can say it was a serious upgrade to my previous Manley Chinook mk 2. I got it from The Music Room after trading in a couple items. They are an Authorized Modwright dealer and can provide warrantied and fully returnable items (minus shipping and restocking fees).
I picked up a used Illusion cable that upgraded the standard umbilical cord ($350) which new retailed for $700. You will also need to upgrade the stock tubes, they are not really that great but will get you started...sky is the limit for tubes these days. One thing I can say for sure, its deadly quiet for a tube device.
I am also running a cartridge with a .38mv output and only need to set it at 58db of gain in my system running a fully balanced setup. Another perk of the PH 9.0 X as it includes a balanced output option. All the settings are manually accessible from the front of the unit so no longer do I need to deal with internal jumpers or dip switches on the back of a unit to change gain or load. The load dial alone is worth getting this model as it easily allows you to dial in the sound based on your preference and quality of a recording.
One thing to be careful, this unit does NOT have a subsonic filter, if you have any problems with your lower frequencies due to a tonearm issues or turntable isolation..it will amplify these problems and give you undue headaches. Luckily after a few days of troubleshooting I was able to reduce my tonearm mass (removed an unnecessary counterweight) and dampening (using extra fluid in my monopivot arm) to get things dialed in correctly.
Highly recommended, the sound stage and imaging is just amazing. The low end is also impressive and keeps up easily with my digital front end.
