Parks Audio Waxwing measurements

[Abdo]

Both will do digital RIAA EQ and gain. Otherwise, the MiniDSP does not have as extensive a feature set as the Waxwing. For example, it doesn’t have the Magic feature (click and pop removal), phase, tone, PEQ, effects options, or as precise control over loading and capacitance, azimuth tools, speed calibration tools, etc. However, the MiniDSP’s measured performance for noise, frequency response, etc., is better. It’s really a question of what you want.

I understand very little about frequency and noise measurements. Does this have a big effect on hearing?

 

[Billy Budapest]

I understand very little about frequency and noise measurements. Does this have a big effect on hearing?

No, the difference between the two won’t be audible. So really, it boils down to features. If you don’t need all the features of the Waxwing—and perhaps don’t want a unit that requires a smartphone app to control it—then maybe the MiniDSP is the better choice given the price. The cutting-edge measured performance is just the icing on the cake.

 

[watchnerd]

No, the difference between the two won’t be audible. So really, it boils down to features. If you don’t need all the features of the Waxwing—and perhaps don’t want a unit that requires a smartphone app to control it—then maybe the MiniDSP is the better choice given the price. The cutting-edge measured performance is just the icing on the cake.

If you don't want to use a smartphone, the previous Puffin doesn't require one.

 

[Billy Budapest]

If you don't want to use a smartphone, the previous Puffin doesn't require one.

They don’t sell that anymore, though.

 

[watchnerd]

They don’t sell that anymore, though.

Correct, you'd have to get a used one.

For example:

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650200299-parks-audio-puffin/

 

[somebodyelse]

If you don't want to use a smartphone, the previous Puffin doesn't require one.

Strictly speaking neither does the Waxwing - it just needs something with BLE, and someone to implement the documented API which covers almost everything. Not sure if anyone's actually done it yet. It could run on PC, Mac, Pi, or something like an ESP32 with buttons, knobs, LEDs for clipping etc.

 

[Salt]

If not Android Phone, an Android Tablet will serve as well.

 

[antcollinet]

and perhaps don’t want a unit that requires a smartphone app to control it

You don't actually need a smartphone to control it - I barely use the app on a day to day basis.

You need a phone to set it up - assuming the default out of the box config doesn't work for you.


And you need a phone to access some of the interesting "info" features (Like record grading - or input and output levels etc) - or if you are a "tinkerer" and want to constantly play with the settings.

But once it is set up the way that works best for your system - you need never connect a phone to it again if you don't want to.

 

[freecrowder]

OK so I have read through all of this. I understand it's limitations. I have been interested in the Parks phono pre for at least 10 years. So
does this thing sound good with carts from 500-1500 USD or not??? Sounds like the limitations are measurable for sure but in the real world not that relevant. Transducers on both front end and end of chain have order of magnitude worse THD specs. And we love the way our systems sound anyway.

Worth Buying??? Sound musical???

 

[Bland_username42069]

OK so I have read through all of this. I understand it's limitations. I have been interested in the Parks phono pre for at least 10 years. So
does this thing sound good with carts from 500-1500 USD or not??? Sounds like the limitations are measurable for sure but in the real world not that relevant. Transducers on both front end and end of chain have order of magnitude worse THD specs. And we love the way our systems sound anyway.

Worth Buying??? Sound musical???

I use it to play 78s and scratched mono 45s and it excels there. Personally if you’re just playing good condition lps from 60s onwards then adept is cheaper and probably better bet although waxwing is good there too

 

[antcollinet]

does this thing sound good with carts from 500-1500 USD or not???

The electronics exceeds the performance of vinyl with any cartridge - so yes, it does.

Worth Buying???

Definitely.

Sound musical???

Electronics is not musical - music is musical. The job of the pre is to faithfully reproduce the output from the cart unchanged at the output of the pre - with the exception of 40 to 60dB gain, depending on the cartridge.

This device does this exceptionally well with additional features that can adjust frequency response for flatness - or to taste, and many more (anti rumble, low cut etc)

Plus - use the optical out, and make sure the waxwing has a good ground - and it is close to the best noise killer you can have.

 

[Bob from Florida]

OK so I have read through all of this. I understand it's limitations. I have been interested in the Parks phono pre for at least 10 years. So
does this thing sound good with carts from 500-1500 USD or not??? Sounds like the limitations are measurable for sure but in the real world not that relevant. Transducers on both front end and end of chain have order of magnitude worse THD specs. And we love the way our systems sound anyway.

Worth Buying??? Sound musical???

I have used the Waxwing with the following cartridges at gain settings from 38 db to 72 db - all with excellent results.

AT VM95SH - 38db $229
Denon 103 - 60db $249
Hana SL - 60db $750
CA Maestro 2 - 38db $1500
Lyra Parnassus - 72db $3000

The typical issue most “audiophiles” have with the Waxwing is it being a DSP device. The feature set is extensive and made possible by the use of DSP. Once you get past the prejudice of it being a digital device and actually use it - then you will understand what a gift Shannon Parks gave us. It is one of the best values in audio equipment!

 

[AaronJ]

I noticed on the Parks website that Shannon is working up rolling out an improved “Magic” firmware update later this year. Given that the guts of the Puffin and Waxwing are so similar, is it reasonable to expect the Puffin will also receive a firmware update? I have not seen any news on it.

 

[antcollinet]

I noticed on the Parks website that Shannon is working up rolling out an improved “Magic” firmware update later this year. Given that the guts of the Puffin and Waxwing are so similar, is it reasonable to expect the Puffin will also receive a firmware update? I have not seen any news on it.

he has specifically stated on his facebook page that the puffin will not be upgraded with that functionality. Not unreasonable for him to stop adding features to a discontinued product.