Yeah it is. IMO the best part of the LS100 is the tube based phono pre module, and it's interesting that Dan went with a lesser expensive solid state optional phono stage for his SWL 9.0 Anniversary Edition preamp.

I've been getting by with borrowing a Nova Phonomona II off and on which does sound pretty darn good for a low cost unit. Later this year ModWright will be releasing a lesser expensive (compared to his high end PH150) standalone phono preamp and I will plan on auditioning that in my system when released.

^ I may have to go down the same road. I was looking at the LS100 but discovered that it is too deep (17.5") to fit on my shelf.

The 36.5 is 5" less deep (12.5")! That's more like a Bryston - the other preamp I'm looking at.

Question: when the unit is powered off, how does the bypass work with the balanced output if the ht bypass input is s/e?

Interesting. Does the HTBP work through the balanced outputs when the unit is off?

Yes the HTBP does work through the balanced outputs when the unit is off. I believe this works because the signal is fed through output transformers that convert all single ended inputs to balanced. It works great and the fact that it can do this is one of the best features of the unit as you are not burning tube life when watching HT.

Transformers - that makes sense. What a brilliant design.