92%

ModWright Instruments KWH 225i Hybrid Integrated #1

ModWright Instruments KWH 225i Hybrid Integrated variant 1

ModWright Instruments KWH 225i Hybrid Integrated variant 2

ModWright Instruments KWH 225i Hybrid Integrated variant 3

ModWright Instruments KWH 225i Hybrid Integrated variant 4

ModWright Instruments KWH 225i Hybrid Integrated variant 5

ModWright Instruments KWH 225i Hybrid Integrated variant 6

ModWright Instruments KWH 225i Hybrid Integrated variant 7

ModWright Instruments KWH 225i Hybrid Integrated variant 8

ModWright Instruments KWH 225i Hybrid Integrated variant 9

ModWright Instruments KWH 225i Hybrid Integrated variant 10

ModWright Instruments KWH 225i Hybrid Integrated

Name: ModWright Instruments KWH 225i Hybrid Integrated
Brand: ModWright Instruments
SKU: kwh-225i-hybrid-integrated
Rating: 4.6 (12 reviews)

View at ModWright Instruments

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!

FEATURES

(3) pairs RCA inputs.
(1) pair XLR inputs.
(1) pair RCA Home Theater Bypass or Preamp Input.
(1) pair RCA Preamp-outputs.
(2) Pairs 5-way binding posts.
Front panel controls: Input select, power, volume and HTBP.
Remote Control: Volume, Mute, Input, Power, Display dim/off.
Class A/B Operation. First 25W in Class A.
Zero Global Negative Feedback.
Optional: MM/MC Phono with one pair RCA inputs.
(2) 6922 driver tubes (6dj8, ECC88, 7308 acceptable substitutes).
Dimensions: 17.75"W x 17.5"D x 6.5"H
Product Weight: 64 lbs / Shipped Weight: 70 lbs

OPTIONAL SS PHONO STAGE

User Installable.
(1) set RCA inputs.
Phono Gain: 50dB.
MM & High Output MC.
Loading: 50-100-500-1K-47K-100pf.

KWH 225i Hybrid Integrated. American Craftsmanship. Timeless in every way.

Proudly hand crafted in the U.S.A.

Join us at T.H.E. Lone Star Audiofest 2026!

Overall Score 92/100

Deliciously Crispy

ModWright KWH 225i Hybrid Integrated — Quick Take

ModWright Instruments' KWH 225i Hybrid Integrated blends tube warmth with solid‑state muscle in a single, purpose‑built chassis. Reviewers such as Edgar Kramer and Audiophilepure highlight its full‑bodied midrange, authoritative low end and high‑energy dynamics. The amp delivers an open, sweet midband, subterranean bass with driving slam and expansive, layered soundstaging—qualities that suit orchestral, vocal and rock material alike. Built like a tank with thoughtful ergonomics and user options, it offers multiple RCA and XLR inputs, HT bypass, pre‑out and a pop‑in MM/MC phono module. Recommended for listeners who want a musical, high‑power integrated without internal streaming or DAC bells and whistles, the KWH 225i is a compelling all‑rounder that privileges analog performance and emotional engagement.

SoundStage! Australia

"the ModWright Instruments KWH 225i is a resounding inter-tribal success."

Audiophilepure

"the sound they produce was nothing short of vivid in its transparency and three dimensionality."

Pros

Hybrid sonic character that combines tube-like midrange sweetness with solid‑state authority for convincing musicality.
Exceptional dynamics and low‑end impact—deep, powerful bass and headroom for orchestral and soundtrack material.
Spacious, well‑layered soundstage and precise imaging that place instruments and orchestral sections with depth.
Robust build and analog-focused connectivity: solid chassis, quality controls, RCA/XLR inputs, HT bypass, pre‑out and optional pop‑in MM/MC phono module.

Cons

No built‑in digital inputs, DAC or streaming functionality (and no headphone output), so sources must be external.

Sound Quality

93/100

Dynamics

94/100

With 225 W/Ch into 8 ohms and reviewers noting 'wide dynamic expression' and transitions that are 'purely brutal' without stress (SoundStage Solo), the amp delivers substantial headroom and slam. Comments about 'tremendous' bass, 'devastating depth and power' (Blade Runner 2049 soundtrack) and 'electrifying immediacy' (Audiophilepure) support an excellent dynamics rating.

Soundstage Imaging

92/100

Both reviewers praised the soundstaging: orchestras placed in 'large soundfields' with 'very good depth perception' and presentations that felt 'so real and deep that it felt as if you could walk into it.' Imaging is described as spacious, tall and well-layered, justifying a high score.

Show Less

Build Quality

90/100

SoundStage Solo calls the build 'very solid' and visually unostentatious; the remote is noted as solid aluminium. The heavy chassis (~64 lbs) and substantial construction contribute to confidence in component and chassis quality, earning a strong score.

Features Connectivity

91/100

The KWH 225i offers a well-rounded set of connectivity: three RCA pairs, one balanced XLR input, Home Theatre bypass (HT bypass/preamp input), pre-out option, and two pairs of binding posts (A/B). A pop-in MM/MC phono module (50 dB) is available and remote control is included. It lacks built-in DAC/streaming and headphone outputs, so score reflects excellent analog feature set without modern digital/streaming extras.

Value for Money

87/100

Reviews praise the amp as an 'all-rounder' and a 'resounding inter-tribal success' but do not give explicit price/value judgments. At the listed price (~$9,750) reviewers focus on performance and musicality rather than calling it an exceptional bargain or overpriced; therefore a neutral-to-positive baseline score is appropriate.