Klyne vs 47 Labs phono stage

Pani, As you may know, the last and still latest Klyne models go up to "7".  The "6" series is second tier in terms of cost, with the 7 series at the top. There are some variations in this theme; I once knew for sure what is the difference between the 6 and the 7 that confers the higher price on the latter, because externally they look identical.  I think it was provision for balanced output and the use of an outboard power supply in the 7, which mainly allowed for a beefier power transformer and more filter capacitance.  Further, there was and maybe still is ongoing evolution in the phono section, for both the 6 and the 7 series.  Further, further, there are two subtypes within the 6 series, 6LE and 6LX. The LX series has an outboard PS, identical to that of the 7 series.  So a 6LX is pretty much the same as a single-ended version of the 7 series, assuming all 7s have balanced option.  I own a 6LX for which I built my own outboard supply; I got it at a low price, because the PS was missing entirely.  I then sent it back to Stan Klyne for work on the phono section.  I think he can install the very latest 7 series phono circuit into a 6 series, or at least the 6LX.  I opted for second best, because of the cost differential. My point is that not all these Klyne preamplifiers are created equal.  My only regret with my 6LX is that I did not opt for the max phono circuit; I may yet send it back to Stan for that.  He was very helpful to me when I was building the outboard PS, as well.  A very nice guy.  Thus, I recommend you find out what phono stage is built into the 6 that you are contemplating; the sonics will vary depending upon the answer to that question.  Stan may be able to help you figure out what version you have there, if you supply him with the serial number.

Bottom line: I do believe that a max'd out 6 or 7 series is in the same league with the other units you mention or maybe better, but like ebm says, only you can be the judge of that.

Klyne’s products have a pretty good reputation and usually sell quickly. I’d say buy the 6 and do a comparison and if it’s a no go then resell.
I have a 6PE stand alone phono and although I think it’s excellent (I bought it used for $700) I compared it to a friend’s BAT (5K something or other) in his system and I thought the BAT sounded a hair better. The BAT is likely in the range of phono amps you mentioned.

I owned a Klyne 7PX5.0 and thought it was the best phono stage I have ever heard. I have also owned more expensive phono stages from BAT and Walker Audio. The Klyne sounds incredibly natural. It won't stun you with bass or sparkling highs, it just sounds like real music instead of HiFi.
As others have said here, Klyne's are hard to find on the used market. If you get one, and don't like it, you will have no problem selling it.

Dear JMcgrogan,  So I am wondering why you sold your Klyne?  I find my 6LX to be great as a line stage and maybe not as good as my best sounding tube phono stages, but maybe only because I cut corners on having Stan Klyne upgrade my phono.  As I said, I now wish I had asked him to max it out.  I think the 5.0 version, the one you had, is probably his best.

lewm, financial hardship is why I sold the Klyne. When I lost my job about 5 years ago, I downsized drastically.
I am working again now, and have recovered enough to have a very nice system, but not as expensive as my old big rig of yesteryear.
I don’t know if I would ever have enough consumer confidence, or stupidity, to spend that much $$$ on audio gear again.
Today I use a Allnic H1201 as a phono stage, which is very nice. I wish I could say that I compared it directly to the Klyne 7PX5.0, but I haven’t, nor can I imagine that day coming.