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ModWright Instruments KWH 225i Hybrid Integrated
KWH 225i Hybrid Integrated
The KWH 225i represents the culmination of years of SS and tube preamp and amplifier design. Our preferred approach has always been that of a hybrid system. The KWI 200 SS integrated amp was a big success for us, offering excellent performance and integration. The KWH 225i takes things to the next level. We combined the solid state output stage of our Reference KWA 150SE amp with the controls and integration of the KWI 200 and a tube preamp stage. We then increased the power to 225W. The result is the KWH 225i. We think you'll like it!
KWH 225i Hybrid Integrated. American Craftsmanship. Timeless in every way.
Proudly hand crafted in the U.S.A.
The KWH 225i blends valve sweetness with solid-state grip, delivering a big, open presentation that feels vivid and deeply layered. SoundStage Solo and Audiophilepure both praise its transparency, spacious imaging, and confident drive, while its rich midrange and thunderous bass make demanding music sound composed, expansive, and musically persuasive.
Pros
- Combines tube-like richness with solid-state control for a highly musical, balanced sound.
- Produces a wide, deep soundstage with strong three-dimensional imaging.
- Delivers authoritative dynamics and powerful bass without sounding strained.
- Handles vocals and orchestral material with notable body, texture, and scale.
Sound Quality
94/100
Reviewers consistently praise the KWH 225i for combining valve sweetness with solid-state control, giving it an open, vivid presentation that feels musical rather than etched. They also describe it as deeply three-dimensional, with very strong dynamic drive and a large, convincing soundstage that keeps orchestral and other dense material organized.
Transparency Resolution
94/100
The amp is described as having 'vivid' transparency and 'three dimensionality,' with an open presentation that reveals recordings clearly. Reviewers also note how it handles mediocre material without turning harsh or sterile, suggesting real clarity without glare.
Tonal Balance Musicality
95/100
This is one of the clearest strengths in the reviews: the KWH 225i is repeatedly called sweet, open, and musical, with the valve section helping it avoid the coldness some solid-state amps can have. The tonal character is described as engaging and forgiving in a way that makes long sessions easy to enjoy.
Dynamics
95/100
Dynamics are singled out as a major strength, with orchestral works rendered with 'wide dynamic expression' and transitions described as 'purely brutal' without signs of strain. Reviewers also mention a strong sense of immediacy and enough drive to encourage higher listening levels with demanding speakers.
Soundstage Imaging
91/100
The soundstage is described as large, enveloping, deep, and tall, with orchestral sections easy to place and good depth perception. The imaging praise is strong, though the reviews focus a bit more on scale and dimensionality than on pinpoint precision.
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Build Quality
90/100
Reviewers describe the build as very solid, and the remote is called a substantial aluminum block rather than a flimsy accessory. There is not a lot of detailed discussion of internal construction, but the overall impression is of a substantial, carefully finished component.
Features Connectivity
88/100
The KWH 225i offers three RCA inputs, a balanced XLR input, home theater bypass, pre-outs, dual speaker terminals, and remote control, which makes it fairly flexible for a purist integrated. Reviews also note the optional MM/MC phono module, adding a useful analog upgrade path, though it is still a fairly traditional feature set overall.
Value for Money
86/100
The reviews are positive about its all-round abilities and frame it as a broad-appeal amplifier rather than a niche luxury statement, but they do not strongly argue that it is a bargain at the asking price. At this level, the value case rests more on its combination of sound quality, tube/solid-state balance, and flexibility than on outright affordability.
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Authorized dealers for ModWright Instruments KWH 225i Hybrid Integrated
- The Music Room — online and in-store — Erie, Colorado, United States (website)
- Absolute Hi End — in-store — Ormond, Victoria, Australia (website)
- Alen Audio — in-store — Extramurs, Comunidad Valenciana, Spain (website)
- Altitudo Audio — online and in-store — Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada (website)
- Audio Extreme — in-store — Kowloon, China (website)
- Dr Vinyl — in-store — Middle River, Maryland, United States (website)
- Elite Audio UK — online and in-store — Pittenweem, Escocia, United Kingdom (website)
- fern roby — online and in-store — Richmond, Virginia, United States (website)
- Hearken Audio — online and in-store — Kitchener, Ontario, Canada (website)
- HIFI SOLUTION — in-store — Chandon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France (website)
and 9 more verified dealers
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