Klyne Audio Arts 6LE Preamplifier
Tip #110
Dick Olsher (April 2025)

The Klyne 6LE is a rare bird on the used market. For one thing, it was manufactured in limited numbers and is also musical to the point that few audiophiles are willing to part with it. All signal amplification is accomplished via discrete proprietary potted modules labeled Music Module^TM. The 6LE’s main features include:

• Custom precision film capacitors used for line coupling.

• A shielded close-tracking continuous attenuator.

• A shielded shunt wired balance control for lowest distortion.

• Direct outputs from the line amp music modules for the most transparent sound.

• Multiple precision power-supply regulators.

The voltage gain is about 18 dB and the output impedance is a nominal 300 Ohm. The input impedance is 30 to 50 kOhm, depending on the position of the balance control.

I was fortunate to pick up a 6LE-3.3 a couple of years ago and connected with Stan Klyne to discuss updating my 6LE-3.3 preamp to the ultimate Version 4.1. He was kind enough to share a bit of history with me:

“The Model 6LE was the entry model for the System Six series of preamplifiers. The 6LE was first built in 1987 and then discontinued in 2005. It was revised several times over the 18 years of production with the last version built in August 2005 as the Model 6LE3.5.7. Following the end of production, we continued to update older versions with some additional improvements derived from the System Seven series and designated them as version 4.0. In recent years we have been including the high performance caps in the primary power supply filters and designate these units as version 4.1. Thus, versions 4.0 and 4.1 were achieved via an update path only. There were no version 4.0 units built as new units. Also, there will be no more future changes or updated versions. Approximately 380 System Six units were built. This was a mixture of 6LE and 6LX line stages, and 6PE and 6PX standalone phono stages. Prior to the System Six series we made about 210 Model SK-6, the progenitor to the 6LE/6LX series.
The System Seven components went through a similar evolution with production of the 7LX version 5.0 ending in June 2013. At this time we are not building any new preamplifiers, but continue to service everything built over the years including the very first Klyne product - the SK-1 Head Amp. Fortunately, I rarely see an SK-1 come in for service and I am happy for that as they are very difficult to work on.”

Having made an exception for my unit (for which I’m grateful), Stan made it clear that he stopped doing version upgrades “because they were so much work to do thoroughly.” However, he continues to do "Reliability Updates" which do incorporate some of the salient features of the Version Updates that affect sound quality.

According to Stan, my updated 6LE now has a significantly improved set of 3-Ds: Definition, Dynamics and Dimensionality. I Agree, but as with any audio component its performance is ultimately defined by the system context. The 6LE seems to prefer a tube power amplifier. It turned out to have tremendous synergy with my Audio Research VS115 power amp. By that I mean that this specific coupling resulted in an exceptional elevation of sonic virtues. I should add that my reference loudspeaker at the moment is the Fyne Audio F703SP, which I reviewed for the Absolute Sound Magazine last year and makes an ideal partner for the VS115.

You wouldn’t necessarily expect a three-dimensional presentation from a solid-state preamp but the Klyne delivered a transparent soundstage with convincing width and depth perspectives. It performed admirably in capturing a hall’s acoustic signature. There was a consistent sense of speed. Transients were lightening fast and well controlled. Expect total silence between notes. Bass control was also impressive. Tympani strikes were concussive and bass lines unfolded with realistic definition. It excelled in unravelling a complex multi-track mix and highlighting low-level detail.

Playback of the superb 45 RPM limited edition reissue (Blue Note-84175) by Music Matters Jazz of Herbie Hancock Quartet’s Empyrean Isles impressed with its tremendous boogie factor, immediacy, and exceptional focus and image palpability. Reproduction of female voice was another delight. Tonal colors were spot on and infused with dramatic passion.

Musically satisfying solid-state preamps are hard to come by. The 6LE is a prime example of an excellent design that is voiced to near perfection. It is totally worth seeking out, especially in either the 4.0 or 4.1 incarnations.