Wavestream Kinectics Deluxe Phono

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

Thank you for your reply!  Do you have one of these?  It looks fascinating!

I’m sure that there is a lot that goes into the design of a great sounding phono stage.  Much more to it than if it uses tubes or solid state or SUT’s for the gain stages.  But in general, I would agree that an all tubed phono can certainly sound more convincing to some vs one that has a FET or SUT front end.   Every device will likely impart a sonic signature to some degree... and of course everyone may hear things differently.  It’s a matter of finding the sonic signatures that are most agreeable to your taste 😊.   For me, using all tubes sound more natural and lifelike than the alternatives. 
I just feel that in this day and age, we (vinyl lovers) are truly blessed as we a lot of great phono stages, turntables, arms, cartridges, and vinyl to choose from.  Something out there for everyone and at every price point👍

Best wishes,
Don

Hi Stu!

Thank you so much for your post.  That is quite a ringing endorsement for the Wavestream Kinetics Deluxe phono stage!  I can't wait to receive it and be able to hear it in my system :)

I love how you described the difference in sound between your two pianos in how they differentiate the complex chords and then related it the performance of the Wavestream.  That analogy made perfect sense to me :)  I love that song.  The chords are so rich and "fat" as you say.

You sound a lot like myself, Stu.  I often liked to practice my cello and play along /compare to the various recordings of Mischa Maisky, Rostropovich, Pierre Fournier, etc.  It is a great way to show what I am doing wrong technique wise, but also helps me improve on my phrasing.  Unfortunately, a couple of years ago I had suffered 5 strokes which has affected my motor skills and so now I feel like I am starting all over again.  However, the practicing is actually one of the greatest forms of rehab that I can think of :)  

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and experiences with me about this fabulous phono stage with me.  I truly appreciate it!

Best Wishes,
Don