Wavestream Kinectics Deluxe Phono
There's an old listing on usaudiomart. It has the specs. If you find one of these, get it. http://theaudioarchive.com/TAA_Products_Wavestream_Kinetics.htm It's like a sports car after time spent at the tuner. |
I don't have one. Looks to be a little overkill but we're audiophools, so the more switches and knobs, the better! I suppose if I had a VERY nice setup with an extensive collection with unique LP's this is it. How about that air capacitor and the custom control shaft? Even the shipping crate is overengineered. |
I have one. Just call Scott for specs and loads https://scottfrankland.com/ I am using his first generation Wavestream Kinetics Phono Tube. Scott still makes all his gear, and he is wrapping up the generation 3 board for the phono tube. His gear is upgradable. I skipped gen 2 but when I visited and spoke with him last month (his shop is relatively close to my house), he said he will have the gen 3 phone tube board out shortly. Re. MM/MC...you can insert resistor packs to adjust the load. I am using a Shelter 901 mk3 cartridge, low output moving coil. Search my name on this site; I recently experimented and wrote my response to a person asking about tube rush. I used to use a Audio Research SP14 preamp (hybrid) which had a 12AX7 tube for the phono section. Apples and oranges comparison; Wavestream in another orbit. I already have MFA gear and a Wavestream Kinetics tube line amp...so it was pretty much inevitable I would go the distance with the phono tube addition. I am done upgrading to new models (except for board upgrades!) Note: Scott used to build a very high end RIAA tunable phono tube preamp....I don't have that one...that was not something I was interested in...he may still be building that as a one off. There are zero front knobs on my unit. |
Thank you so much for the replies! I thought I'd give a quick update... I've been communicating with Scott Frankland about his Wavestream Kinetics Deluxe Phono Amp. First off, I must say that he is not only a remarkable designer, but is also quite a true gentleman! He has been really great, answering all of my questions and helping me learn and understand a great deal about his phono amp and how it may work out in my analog system. Although he is a very busy man, he always takes the time to correspond with me in a very timely fashion. The current Wavestream Deluxe is actually in it's Level 5 Reference iteration. Levels 1-3 were 5 tube configurations offering 60 dB of gain. The upgrade to Level 4 changed from 5 tubes to a 6 tube circuit using 4 x 6DJ8 & 2 x 12AX7. He said that there are several benefits over the previous 5-tube circuit.... 1. Reduced crosstalk between channels gives more precise localization of images in complex material. The crosstalk was due to the shared 12AX7 in the 5 tube circuit. 2. Increased headroom allows bigger peak inputs without compression or harshness. 3. High-frequency bandwidth is extended to 50kHz. This improves leading edge transients (high-frequency detail, speed and air). 4. The output impedance has been reduced. This helps to cancel the adverse effects of cable capacitance and amplifier impedance. By the same means, the load presented by the RIAA network is isolated from the outside world. 5. Upgraded signal coupling caps provide better definition and a more natural tonal balance. 6. Both power supply regulators have been improved to optimize transient response. I believe he said that the previous 5 tube units can be upgraded to the Level 4, six tube circuit with an upgraded audio board, numerous parts and power supply upgrades for about $2850. You will want to confirm this with Scott. The current Deluxe Phono Amp is now at the Level 5 Reference. It is a 6 tube circuit like the Level 4 and provides 62 dB of gain. It also now has an outboard power supply for an even lower noise floor. I am buying Scott's personal Level 5 Reference in like new condition. It will have three outputs, (two MC outputs with 62dB of gain and one MM output with 42 dB of gain) and will come with custom load plugs. I'm pretty excited as I have admired Scott's work for many many years and to be able to own his personal unit in it's most current iteration will be like icing on the cake :) I really love the idea of having a high gain and extremely low noise all tube phono amp that doesn't rely on the use of SUT's or hybrid FET front ends. Scott Frankland is a remarkable designer and a true gentleman, Thank you @stuogawa for your reply as well as sharing your "tube rush" experiment with me in the other thread. Wishing you all the very best of health and happiness! Don |
