FastEddy
New member
Boulder 1108
Favorite Phonostage under $15k?
- Thread starter Mike
- Start date
Drrsutliff
Member
Dynamic Sounds Associates Phono 2
No Regrets
New member
Another suggestion for your consideration would be the Wavestream Kinetics Deluxe Reference Level 5.1.
It is an all tube design currently using (2 x 12AX7, 4 x 6DJ8); with extremely low noise ( I believe with the external power supply, noise is below 1uV (one-millionth of a volt ) competing with the best of the solid state phonos; providing 3 front panel selectable inputs providing 62 dB of gain (without the use of SUT’s or FETS) with a useful cartridge range of 0.2mV to 1.2mV. Having both Balanced and RCA inputs and outputs; adjustable loading available on the back panel via custom loading plugs; and an essentially flat RIAA EQ curve within one tenth of a dB (.1dB) from 3 Hz to 40 Khz.
Naturally, with any tubed phono high gain phono stage you will want to use selected low noise tubes, but I can say when using my NOS Mullards in this phono stage, it is dead quiet with my ears up against the speakers with my Dunlavy Signature SCIV's 91 dB sensitivity. I love not having to use a step up transformer with this phono stage; not having to worry about the SUT coloring the audio signal, worrying about possible hum issues, and having to use extra interconnects and connections, etc.
The Wavestream Kinetics gives me the pure, high gain, low noise sound that I love. It is incredibly dynamic in both the micro and macro sense, has the "meat on the bones" which you crave, brings the human voice to life, showcases the resonance of the body of cellos and acoustic bass, has the finesse for brushes on cymbals, etc. It truly is an incredible phono stage built by Scott Frankland who offers incredible customer service and support, which is the icing on the cake.
Best wishes,
Don
It is an all tube design currently using (2 x 12AX7, 4 x 6DJ8); with extremely low noise ( I believe with the external power supply, noise is below 1uV (one-millionth of a volt ) competing with the best of the solid state phonos; providing 3 front panel selectable inputs providing 62 dB of gain (without the use of SUT’s or FETS) with a useful cartridge range of 0.2mV to 1.2mV. Having both Balanced and RCA inputs and outputs; adjustable loading available on the back panel via custom loading plugs; and an essentially flat RIAA EQ curve within one tenth of a dB (.1dB) from 3 Hz to 40 Khz.
Naturally, with any tubed phono high gain phono stage you will want to use selected low noise tubes, but I can say when using my NOS Mullards in this phono stage, it is dead quiet with my ears up against the speakers with my Dunlavy Signature SCIV's 91 dB sensitivity. I love not having to use a step up transformer with this phono stage; not having to worry about the SUT coloring the audio signal, worrying about possible hum issues, and having to use extra interconnects and connections, etc.
The Wavestream Kinetics gives me the pure, high gain, low noise sound that I love. It is incredibly dynamic in both the micro and macro sense, has the "meat on the bones" which you crave, brings the human voice to life, showcases the resonance of the body of cellos and acoustic bass, has the finesse for brushes on cymbals, etc. It truly is an incredible phono stage built by Scott Frankland who offers incredible customer service and support, which is the icing on the cake.
Best wishes,
Don
Puma Cat
Well-known member
Scott Frankland designs some wonderful amplifiers. Never heard anything he's designed that didn't sound superb.
No Regrets
New member
Scott Frankland designs some wonderful amplifiers. Never heard anything he's designed that didn't sound superb.
I couldn't agree more, Puma. He does indeed has an amazing talent for designing audio gear. What's even more amazing is that he is a top notch gentleman and provides excellent customer service with timely communications. A true asset to the audiophile community!
I'll try and post a couple pic's of the phono stage here.... bear with me as I am slightly technologically challenged, lol.
The main phono comes shipped in a solid wooden crate and the external power supply comes well packaged in a sturdy cardboard box.
I highly recommend Scott and his products.
Best wishes,
Don
Puma Cat
Well-known member
Could not agree more on all points.
Puma Cat
Well-known member
For me it's the Zesto Andros...