The Waxwing Thread

[Audiofire]

Waxwings.



03 March 2021, across the street from our house. All are Bohemians save one Cedar (the smaller, yellowish individual at roughly 11 o'clock).

They really have expertise with partying on that tree, even on the slants (10,000-hour rule)

 

[jhaider]

What's funny is I sold off my 2 Budgies and Puffin last week with no intention of buying the Waxwing. But when I saw the price was $499 I went ahead and ordered. I thought for sure they were going to be a hundred more. I couldn't be happier with how it turned out.

If you don't mind my asking (and I couldn't DM you to do so privately), what does a Puffin sell for these days?

 

[GPJ]

If you don't mind my asking (and I couldn't DM you to do so privately), what does a Puffin sell for these days?

I sold mine on USAudiomart for $480 but I included an E30 DAC with it. There were 4 people that hit me up so there is a market for it. Maybe start at $450 there. Total cost including shipping and FF paypal. USPS Priority flat rate box insured is about $25.

Waxwing was to my door for $511 from Shannon ... USPS Priority ...... the deal worked well for me.

FWIW, I haven't had any issues with the app or the Bluetooth connectivity in my listening area.

 

[Prana Ferox]

The form factor of the Puffin was always a turnoff for me. I like this little box.

 

[GPJ]

The form factor of the Puffin was always a turnoff for me. I like this little box.

It caught me off guard how small it is. Photos of it by itself seem to indicate it being a bit larger, but using the D30 Pro as a reference in my prior post shows it.

 

[Prana Ferox]

It caught me off guard how small it is. Photos of it by itself seem to indicate it being a bit larger, but using the D30 Pro as a reference in my prior post shows it.

Yeah, it's almost into "Too small, the cables will pull it around" territory

 

[GPJ]

The rubber ends he selected for the case are grippy. It stays put on the DAC nicely.

 

[desutruction]

I have the Waxwing and I'm very happy with it!

 

[LewisWaddo]

I’ve moved over to the Waxwing from the Puffin. Would love to see some measurements as to how it performs. To my ear it’s the same as the Puffin, but with the better form factor and convenience of remote operation. I’m particularly interested in the PEQ filter. If anyone has a resource for its implementation and settings, I would be very grateful. I hear it can remove baked in mains hum from records. I have a Detroit Cobras record that has terrible AC hum, and would like to get rid of it!

 

[Middle Earth]

I’ve moved over to the Waxwing from the Puffin. Would love to see some measurements as to how it performs. To my ear it’s the same as the Puffin, but with the better form factor and convenience of remote operation. I’m particularly interested in the PEQ filter. If anyone has a resource for its implementation and settings, I would be very grateful. I hear it can remove baked in mains hum from records. I have a Detroit Cobras record that has terrible AC hum, and would like to get rid of it!

You should check out the Facebook page
You can just comment randomly but can get a comment in on the posts
Lot of good info there especially on updates

 

[jhaider]

It caught me off guard how small it is.

Same. It might even be smaller than a miniDSP 2x4HD. I see that as a good thing.

 

[Middle Earth]

Same. It might even be smaller than a miniDSP 2x4HD. I see that as a good thing.

It is sublime in its design and simplicity

 

[dtaylo1066]

Been contemplating one as only a scant few DACs or Streamers have an analog in. I am no vinyl purist so I will gladly take the DSP features.

 

[mike70]

Anybody knows about the internal ADC in this preamp?

 

[Bob from Florida]

Anybody knows about the internal ADC in this preamp?

You could ask Shannon Parks.

Digital output is selectable - 24 bits by 48 or 96 KHZ

 

[desutruction]

Here it is on top of a miniDSP Flex and pushed way back. It's very compact.

 

[Brian Hall]

Is the purpose of this device to make vinyl LPs sound more like CDs? If so, I will consider getting one.

 

[Bob from Florida]

Is the purpose of this device to make vinyl LPs sound more like CDs? If so, I will consider getting one.

I don't think that is the idea. What you get is a very accurate RIAA with the ability to fine tune things to your taste if you want. Gives you record ripping capability along with a host of other functions. Download the app and look at what you get.

 

[mmi]

This looks amazing! What is the deal with ripping records, could I ditch my audio interface and still capture at 24 bit 44.1?

I’d assume the ADC in this is going to be more than good enough. For comparison right now I have a Behringer 202HD and NAD PP2e and hate all the cables.

 

[Bob from Florida]

This looks amazing! What is the deal with ripping records, could I ditch my audio interface and still capture at 24 bit 44.1?

I’d assume the ADC in this is going to be more than good enough. For comparison right now I have a Behringer 202HD and NAD PP2e and hate all the cables.

I have not got around to ripping yet. You will need one of these to convert optical to USB.

Hifime SPDIF Optical to USB converter, record DAT/minidisc to computer

The UR23 accepts SPDIF optical sources and transfer this to USB. Suitable to record DAT tapes, minidisc or other digital source to a computer.

hifimediy.com

I have one - have not tried it yet, but it is on my list of things to do. Sample rate outputs of the Waxwing are 24 bit at 48 KHZ or 96 KHZ. I use 24/96 into my Schiit and am completely satisfied by ear. I don't know which resolution for recording I'll use - obviously save some storage at 48 KHZ. For MP3 files - to use in the car - I use dbPoweramp to convert WAV to MP3 at 320 bitrate with great results.