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

[Pani]

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]

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]

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.

 

[XV-1]

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?

 

[analog brother]

yes, have heard it too.
sounds great.
3 box unit though, so you need rack space.
retail was/is $25k

 

[Vip428]

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]

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]

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]

+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