Wavac LCR-X2...is it worth $10k ?

Pani

Well-Known Member
Jun 4, 2013
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Hi,
I am looking for an analog upgrade. My current phonostage is a 47 Labs phonocube. I have an offer for a used Wavac LCR-X2 and a Klyne 7. Wavac is considerably more expensive at nearly $10k (after all miscellaneous expenses) but I can afford it if it is actually worth a $10k phonostage.

My preference is an energetic, fast, neutral and dynamic sound with great swing and boogie factor. I dont need a typical warmish, slow or romantic sound. Some may say I should go for solid state phono, I hear that hence I am looking at the Klyne. But I am a bit partial to tubes because they present music with that "breath of life" feeling, like real instruments and voices sound. If Wavac can do it then I can pull it off. Any suggestions ?

By the way, are there any tube preamps with in-built phonostage that can match the performance of these standalone phono stages ?
 

bonzo75

Member Sponsor
Feb 26, 2014
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Have you heard Thoress and NVO Spa II Special Edition phonostages, since you like tubey ones? Any other phonos auditioned to which you preferred the 47 labs?
 

Pani

Well-Known Member
Jun 4, 2013
50
3
138
47 labs is overall a nice phonostage but I am trying to see if the Wavac can take me near the state of the art.
 
Last edited:

XV-1

Well-Known Member
May 24, 2010
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A mate of mine has the Wavac and he loves ot.

It lies more on the warm side but still detailed and tube magic vs fast/neutral.

Can you hear it first?
 

Vip428

New Member
Sep 14, 2016
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I Love my Klyne. It's one of many stages I own. I am myself considering a LCR-X2. It's one of 3 stages I am looking to acquire. The Klyne strikes a great balance of musicality and presence and is dead quiet. It is quick and layered. Love it. I also own ASR Basis Excl., Lamm LP2, Pass X-Ono, NAT Audio Sig. All have their virtues and do something better than the others. The Klyne holds a special place for me. Let me know what you went with.
 

JackD201

WBF Founding Member
Apr 20, 2010
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By the way, are there any tube preamps with in-built phonostage that can match the performance of these standalone phono stages ?

Within this price bracket my vote would go to the EAR Yoshino 912.
 

Jazzhead

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Aug 26, 2012
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It lies more on the warm side but still detailed and tube magic vs fast/neutral.

+1 .. I owned the Wavac PRT1 line stage and the above describes it perfectly , guessing the phono will be along similar lines .
 

bonzo75

Member Sponsor
Feb 26, 2014
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+1 .. I owned the Wavac PRT1 line stage and the above describes it perfectly , guessing the phono will be along similar lines .

Sorry for the not very relevant Lampi plug but a guy on computer audiophile with the Lampi sold off his wavac prt1 (which he liked) and is connecting Lampi direct
 

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