Agreed. Why would there need to be some fancy UX? It functions perfectly. I'd rather a unit and software that has all of the features Waxwing has, coupled with a rock solid app to manage it all.
Thank you for doing that.
The gain range of the Waxwing plays well with most cartridges - very adjustable from -4 db to 72 db in 1 db increments. I originally had a problem with only 2 loads available - 47K or 200 ohms, however, I don’t see a problem with this anymore. The notion that moving coils needed the correct “load” to have the best sound may have been a myth. Even Stereophile recently admitted this. I have tried moving coils from .25 mv, .35mv, and .5mv outputs with equal success. The moving magnets tried were both 3.5mv output - no issues. I did try the Magic function with a record with some “scratches”. The result was less noticeable pops and clicks, still there but not as objectionable - works as advertised. Cartridges used below.
What is your SUT gain? I use gain 36 with a 26dB SUT, the out level is the same as. 61dbgain at 200ohm with no SUT
Yes, you can use a SUT with the Waxwing, no problem at all. Just adjust the gain to an appropriate level. In my case that is 30dB, but might need to be higher or lower with your system and the SUT you use. FYI I haven't bought any vinyl, new or used, in years. I have enough not-yet-played LPs to keep me going, probably for the rest of my life. I was also frustrated with the growing price of LPs, and the ongoing problem flawed pressings. Would I like to own the Mo-Fi reissue of Warren Zevon's Excitable Boy? Heck yeah. But when I have a couple of mint originals, and a fine sounding CD, I'm no longer willing to pay $60 for what might be a marginally better version, that might also be a less than perfect pressing. It's not worth the frustration.thanks. using a SUT with the waxwing would also be option correct?
so far I purchased around 8 modern LP issues and I returned 4. im torn between getting a waxwing to fix at least the most annoying issues or just stick with vintage LPs and audiophile jazz issues , because they have been mostly fine. but all my vintage Japanese pressings from JVC or Polydor basically are on another level even compared to new 180g LPs from blue note and others like that.
out of 30 Japanese vintage LPs I have maybe 2 that Im not happy with but they are still not horrible. (under 10 euro stuff that is 45 years old)
the hackney diamonds LP from GZ in Europe is warped like a 8. sure the waxwing won't be fixing that, but maybe it does its "magic" with minor issues.
thanks for the feedback @Bob from Florida and @SteveC
that would be great. I just saw the waxwing is 499 USD and it's possible to pay shipping and import fees at amazon US during the checkout process. that would be another 140 USD. but still seems like a pretty good option compared to other phono stages in that price range. and it would be hassle free to order through amazon.1:10 or 1:20. I adjust for the minimum amount of noise. I find that the best setting for my taste is to keep the gain in the phono section (either straight into the Puffin or into the SUT plus Puffin) low, and cranking up the Benchmark preamp to get the desired output. When I set it up this way I get the lowest amount of noise. I see that I have neglected to say that I run the digital signal out of the Puffin via S/PDIF to my Benchmark DAC3-B for digital to analog conversion.
does the waxwing app work on iPhone, iPad ? if yes it should also work on a M1 MacBook
what's really frustrating is that my 40 year old used records that probably had multiple owners and where most likely used with pretty simple cartridges sound way better than most new 180g LPs costing 2x or 3x times as much. I basically did setup my turntable over and over from scratch and double and triple checking everything only to accept that its defiantly the new LPs that suck.
(sure a few new LPs sound absolutely amazing.. but I feel more confident buying used VG+ vintage pressing over a audiophile reissue for 40-50 bucks)
It’s ugly. For the nested settings, it’s confusing.
In other words, what I said above.
His programming is focused precisely on what's most important - the DSP. I'd rather he keep the development cost focused on that vs. a prettier iOS/Android app that is already stupid-dumb easy to use and does the job nicely to manage the unit's settings.
I’ve messed around with it and hopefully at some point he is able to improve the gui. The hardware deserves software commensurate with its caliber. It’s usable, but the hardware deserves better.
