WAXWING Phono Preamp: The ULTIMATE VINYL UPGRADE!

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

I meant to say "Digital Signal Processing!" See, I AM a BAD,BAD, MAN! All apologies! But you know what I meant! 🙏

[@zacharydoering313]

But we already knew you had that technics integrated that has a DSP based phono stage so we already knew you were a heretic.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

@@zacharydoering313 stone cold busted!!!!

[@MisterYeko]

I think this reminds me of one Pioneer Cassette Deck that also has the Digital Noise Reduction feature. Which its one of the best out there, but its hard to find tho.

[@garywarren8404]

I bought one. I took it to my friends audio shop. We used a Thorens turntable, the Waxwing, a DAC, a vintage Sansui tube receiver, and some insane Jensen speakers (yeah, like 10,000 bucks worth) in baffle mode. Let's just say that it didn't disappoint. Short test and the Thorens is mine. I love this thing.

[@ScottCastlen]

Been using mine now for 130hrs. What is not to like here? Hear?!!! Love It!!!

[@GroovyPlatters]

I love everything Shannon Parks creates, he hits home runs every time out, and those home runs are more definitive with every swing. He made a statement with the Budgie, surpassed it in leaps and bounds with the Puffin, and may have possibly achieved the same affect with the Waxwing. We ALL benefit from Shannon’s tireless pursuit of the closest thing to perfection that he can possibly achieve, and he seems to never stop pursuing it. 🤘🏼🤘🏼

[@j.tarner9093]

This looks awesome, bonus points for Shannon in the PNW Poulsbo, WA!

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

@@j.tarner9093 Heard!

[@thespaceace2112]

I have it and I love it. It makes listening to vinyl fun again.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Let's make vinyl great again!!!

[@peterlundskow4061]

I have had the Puffin for two years, I was very happy with! He is a very innovative fellow & responds quickly to emails. That being said he use to do updates for the Puffin but, did so many improvements that said in an email to me, he had to create a new unit. I am feeling a little left out now because I now only have the option to sell mine & buy the Waxwing, bummer.

[@bradrapp3697]

@@peterlundskow4061 that’s the risk you take when you get in early on new technology. Still worth it.

[@WACONimages]

Thanks for this review! Recent got myself a Puffin, 2nd handed but as new. Found in Germany(Dutch myself). New ones become a bit expensive because of extra costs from USA to the EU. Like the Puffin a lot, like its kinda industrial design and its sits in sight besides one of my turntables. I own the version without digital out. Thinking of getting a Waxwing for digitalising some special vinyls hard to find digital. Not that funned of the Waxwing its looks however. Wish it had an upgrade Puffin design. So you could choose show it visible or not and still are able to control it by the app. Nevertheless great GEAR!

[@scottwheeler2679]

I had used the Puffin. Upgraded to the M2Tech Joplin III. This looks like a substantial upgrade from the Puffin. The features are amazing. And for 500 bucks? Very impressive.

[@middleearthltd]

I found out about the Waxwing when looking for a used Puffin I have a Skunkie EAR clone tube phono stage that is my daily driver I like to digitize albums I expect you would really like the Waxwing

[@middleearthltd]

I got the Waxwing from Parks Audio when it was introduced It is great to have and highly recommend I would encourage anyone who owns one or is thinking about getting one to get in the Facebook group Also, ABX did an informational video on using the Waxwing that will be very helpful

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Thanks for the notes!

[@stevezeidman7224]

Love seeing The Band on your shelf, Bob. I heard about the Puffin several years ago. A buddy of mine has one and loves it. You’ll get not shade from me.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Much appreciated!!!! The Band!!!

[@dsnyder0cnn]

A fun overview. I've been using the Puffin (previous model) with my Rega Planar 8 turntable and APHERA 3 cartridge for almost two years and love it. I've never tried the analog output; I'm running the S/PDIF output to an external DAC at 24-bits, 96 kHz. You didn't mention one of my favorite features: Super Mono. When playing mono records with a stereo cartridge, the phono stage compares the left and right signals thousands of times per second and selects the best sample for output. It's an incredible device. I wish the noise floor was a tad lower, but I only hear it when my ear is near a speaker. I have tried much more expensive phono stages in my system, and none so far have sounded better. I don't feel that the device from Parks Audio is holding back the performance of my Rega P8 in the slightest.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Too much to cover in one review!

[@dsnyder0cnn]

@@UnitedStatesofAnalog - no doubt. I'm looking forward to the next edition!

[@feedboy2112]

My suggestion to people who don’t like the Waxwing based on their analog purity, is to listen to one and then decide. If you like it, but you’re embarrassed by it, just hide it behind other components so your friends won’t find out.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

I display mine loud and proud!

[@Douglas_Blake_579]

Wish this was around when I was transcoding Vinyl to MP3 back in the early 2000s. My setup back then cost a lot more than $500 and was a real challenge to calibrate.

[@cpta03]

I may a bit odd, but the clicks, pops, and surface noise of vinyl do not bother me. I enjoy my somewhat beat up thrift store finds as much as new records. But, the bottom line is that I’m cheap, so I enjoy what I have.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

I get it. This is just another way to go. Have fun!

[@lewiswaddo5045]

More people are discovering the waxwing and Parks Audio. It’s simple the best phono stage in the sub $1k price range, heck it’s the best in the sub $2k!

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

I clutching mine close to my heart! Thanks!!!

[@daleboylen6427]

Prove it. Measurements please?

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

@@daleboylen6427 Dale, Dale, Dale... you tire me. I've told you, measurements mean nothing if a component doesn't resonate with you.

[@zacharydoering313]

Yet Graham Slee Phono stages exist, so I think maybe you haven’t heard everything in this category.

[@lewiswaddo5045]

@@daleboylen6427measurements are on Audio Science Review forum, and they are impressive. Incredibly accurate RIAA curve with a choice of pre standard for all you old pre RIAA records, and very low noise levels compared to far more expensive options.

[@bradrapp3697]

Nice review. I think it’s ok, it sounds fun. Be nice if you could bypass the DSP and have all analog pre-amping too. Sounds like you would want DSP on all the time though.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Thanks! DSP Pre is just one way to go. I think it's a really fun to listen to and use device!

[@dipanjanbiswas6580]

Very interesting product!

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

I think so too!

[@andygoldblatt]

I have Shannon's Budgie and now the Waxwing, and have to be honest that the Waxwing sounds better to my ears, even in bypass mode with none of the digital effects engaged. I really don't futz with the settings at all, other than switching to mono when needed. Maybe its my system, but I find that the parametric eq set to boost 10K by 4 dbs, as is the factory setting, makes everything I listen to sound better.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

@@andygoldblatt I'll try that setting!

[@WireHedd]

Some purists are going to need to unclutch their pearls and give it a try. Awesome looking new toy Bob, thanks man.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

@@WireHedd your welcome! Thanks!

[@randomsuper]

seems like a great product. price isn't too bad either. hopefully a sale comes up soon.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

@@randomsuper I can ask!

[@WoodSmartUSA]

After watching the video it looks to me it’s just as I remember the Puffin to be but now repackaged and controlled through an app rather than on the unit itself.

[@kempfand]

I am an open scientist by training one of my former lives, and I like an open and experimental mind and therefore like your presentation quite a bit. @UnitedStateofAnalog : I would be very keen on your thoughts about the Tube integrated Amp you showed. I think it is a Black Ice Audio F65A !

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

I have not review it yet. Black Ice is generously offering me time to break it in! Video soon because it has to go back! So far so good! Thanks!

[@rotaxtwin]

There was a similar product in the late 70s, DBX I think - did much the same thing. I have a feeling that they're on to something here, 'cause removing pops and clicks would be a great application for DSP technology. I have no vinyl, so it means nothing to me but hey - good luck guys.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

I had a DBM expander in the 70/80s

[@1980JPA]

I'm all for using DSP for minimizing the "extra" sounds that come along with Vinyl records. Now i have to admit I'm usually a "bypass the tone controls" kinda guy. But just as with using DSP for making these newer powered speakers produce amazingly flat sound, i have no issues with taking the technology as far as it can go. We seem to be highly inconsistent in our acceptable use cases. Just for surround sound? Just for use on our open baffle projects? Or all the way to helping enjoy that record we love that we only own one copy of and refuse to throw away even though it's hissy as hell. To me it's not a question of whether or not to use it, it's more about how well it's implemented and whether that quality fits my budget. Even this "direct from source" leaning guy is excited about these products. If it sounds better, then it sounds better, despite my prejudices.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Thanks for the notes! You should definitely try it! Thanks for watching!

[@A_Handle_2_Continue]

I have a decent collection of vinyl. I am LAZY! I am kinda over doing all the stuff required to play my records. This device may change my mind. Remember KLH? They tackled this issue too. If it was good then, it's good now. I say get it if you got the money for a thought experiment. Socrates said you need to challenge your beliefs.

[@ScottGrammer]

Hi, Bob. I'll forgive you for the mis-identification of the term "DSP," if you'll answer this question: Did you, in all your experience so far with the WaxWing, hear any noise issues that could be attributed to the BlueTooth radio in the unit, or in your phone? I service vintage audio gear and I have seen a number of instances where audio gear picked up sputtering and popping noises from BlueTooth or WiFi radios in phones and other items. Thanks!

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

I have not experienced that! I'll keep listening!

[@ScottGrammer]

@@UnitedStatesofAnalog Thanks! I might end up buying one of these to use to make content on my other channel. I have a feeling it would speed up my workflow and also improve the sound quality.

[@sergioespinoza506]

Watched the video as I'm considering this product to pair with my Technics SL-1200MK7... I really like the way they approach/solved/evolve the device interface BUT see this so many times in tech industry, and I'm sorry for this, I'm kinda concern about an app being the sole source of interface... What if updates stop? What if it starts to move to a subscription based model? Dunno.... Sorry for being the wet blanket... ☹

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

@@sergioespinoza506 Just lean in! I don't see any of that stuff happening. My dealings with company have been great.

[@sergioespinoza506]

@@UnitedStatesofAnalog I'll sleep on it... Most likely pull the trigger tomorrow! Awesomeness overflow seems to be the common vibe online towards this product

[@haydendoan7691]

Thank you for another informative video. BTW, DSP = Digital Signal Processing. Cheers!

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

That too! Thanks for the correction! You know what I meant!

[@dajikbatarang1]

If i still had my turntable this is the phono preamp i would get

[@RoaroftheTiger]

@United States of Analog - Bob, does the Waxwing have enough Gain to accommodate most Moving Coil Phono Carteidges ?

[@danstein2467]

It has gain settings for both MM and MC

[@RoaroftheTiger]

@@danstein2467 Thank You. That makes the Waxwing a "semi-resonable" purchase.

[@lewiswaddo5045]

@@RoaroftheTigerit is absolutely the most bangs per buck for a phono stage. The setup and tuning options alone will make your turntable perform better, even if you don’t use the puffin as a phono stage!

[@RoaroftheTiger]

@@lewiswaddo5045 Wow ! That's extrordinary news. That being said. I'm convinced. The Waxwing is everything You say it is. It's on my "Things to Buy Soon" List.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Si, senor! I don't have an MC, but I have one coming!

[@alantan6786]

Would digital rips of vinyl using the WaxWing sound as good as playing the vinyl "live"? I have some old records that I would like to digitize and listen to on my DAP.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

I didn't try that... but I believe it would help. Shannon?

[@zacharydoering313]

I really think you should try a higher end analog phono stage like a Graham Slee, or Mofi one before you make proclamations about how great this is. $200 was always not a great place in the market for phono stages, they get exponentially better if you spend just a bit more. I think this product would be good for digitizing vinyl since it’s using digital to reverse the RIAA curve for preservation in digital, like for KZbin uploads, but listening back in real time real analog will always be better since it is free of digital artifacts.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Unfortunately , I can't hear them all! I envy audiophiles that can drop tons on a pre. I can't. I'm glad there are interesting units at every price point

[@jimfarrell4635]

​@@UnitedStatesofAnalogDidn't you have a pretty expensive Black Ice phono stage for a while, Bob?

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

@@jimfarrell4635 borrowed... back to BIA

[@BrianHall-Oklahoma]

The Waxwing is great. It can make records sound almost as good as CDs.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

I wholeheartedly agree! Fun to use!

[@dtracy03ss]

WaxRing!!!! But it's A GOGO!

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Yes Yes!

[@purrito4424]

I fixed all of my record by downloading lossless instead.

[@scottwheeler2679]

nothing wrong with down loading but it doesn't fix or replace vinyl

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

That's one way of doing it!

[@johnfisher3929]

Oh, man! Another cheater like me. I love it. Do you ever secretly listen to music with Bluetooth? I do.

[@Tendervittle]

I like mine👌haven’t looked back

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

The question might be Spend $ on an ultrasonic cleaner (that might not make any difference to your noisey vinyl because the grooves are actually worn and not just dirty) Or Buy this? This is most likely going to be my next phono stage, it's too useful not to have

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

@@crazyprayingmantis5596 sometimes I feel like cleaning doesn't have as much effect as I would like or expect. But the Waxwing won't have to work as hard on a clean record!

[@davewhomri]

Personally, I have found that a good vacuum cleaning makes a huge difference…..but everyone’s mileage may vary.

[@Brett1334]

Considering 99% of music put onto record these days is from digital masters I think the gate keeping has to stop slightly.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Good point! Aka MoFi

[@eaches]

Hearing Bob repeatedly saying "waxwing" just sounds...wrong. ..... I have the mind of a 7 year old, apparently.

[@eaches]

"You're going to want to spend hours with your waxwing"😂

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

How do you think I feel! I was just Waxwing poetic!

[@eaches]

@@UnitedStatesofAnalog *facepalm*

[@timleelim9930]

Parks' analogue using digital recreation. Right ... 😂

[@TonyHarrison-dk1ey]

To each his own, I say. As for me, I'm going to quickly pass on this one!

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Thanks for the watch anyway. Is it the price?

[@TonyHarrison-dk1ey]

No, it isn't the price. Actually, the price seems very reasonable for what you are getting, to me. I just love, prefer and enjoy analog vinyl. If I want digital, I'll listen to CDs or stream.

[@SpuddySpud]

I got one and i LOVE it. The magic feature is great, but it's not the only great thing about this wonderful preamp. Records sound gorgeous played through it, and no, it does not make records sound like CDs.

[@michaeldina1103]

It seems like a cool gadget but I’m not convinced that we have the technology as a civilization for true on the fly lossless processing from Analog to digital to back to analog again. But even if the ADC part of it was completely lossless I don’t think a completely transparent DAC exists yet. If you use this box you’ll be listening to your DAC not your phono cartridge. If the only part of playing vinyl that you like is the ritual of spinning it then I suppose it’s for you. However if you actually enjoy the sound quality of vinyl I just don’t see the point of this product. Anyone convinced that this makes vinyl better might as well listen on digital and be done with it. To me the whole point of enjoying vinyl is the imperfections, the popping and the distortion is the joy of vinyl. Otherwise I stream to my DAC if I want more clarity. Maybe if CD’s and the internet didn’t exist this product would make sense. Sorry but I just don’t get it.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

@@michaeldina1103 appreciate your assessment. I knew this would be controversial to some. As a reporter, I guess, it's my job to present different options and varying price points. I can't disagree with you... but I want to play in the sandbox too. Thanks!!!!

[@TrueAudio]

analog and digital live hand in hand, huh? is this United States of Analog? nah

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

C'mon, Dude! Nobody died mixing up the medicine! The USofA is a big tent. We have room for everyone!

[@dizzle1119]

This thing is cool. It just completely erases the entire point of vinyl is all.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

@@dizzle1119 I don't think so. It just takes some of the stress out of it!

[@dizzle1119]

​@@UnitedStatesofAnalog Meh, the entire purpose of vinyl is that it's analog. With this thing, it isn't. Might as well just listen to TIDAL/SPOTIFY/QUBOZ/etc for 1/1000th the $$$$... EDIT: Don't get me wrong. I'm sure the Parks Audio product sounds good. There are too many excedllent product reviews out there for them to ALL be "lies". So, I know their gear works. It just so happens to be, hands down, the most pricey way of listening to digital music.

[@dizzle1119]

@@UnitedStatesofAnalog It's just that it's the single most expensive route to digital music playback. That's my one bugaboo here.

[@daleboylen6427]

May I as politely as possible, suggest if you don't know what in the hell you're talking about, don't do videos Bob. "the job of a phono pre amp is to amplify the cartridges voltage" Ya either don't know or missed this little diddy: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RIAA_equalization Then there's the quality of the parts, how much do they screw up the sound? How many filters are in this device Bob? ALL filters add phase shifts. Digitize your vinyl. Yeah sure, why not? it's "Fun fi" for the low low price of $500.00 folks. Hey Bob, can I then plug this into the Wiim Ultra, run it through "Room correction" and get SUPER DIGITALIZED vinyl sound? Bob says "You'll get a lot close to your vinyl" but it appears you'll be gazing at the damn app putzing and futzing instead of listening to your records. Bob says this device can "Fix your records". That's impossible Bob. You can add impulse noise filters to smooth pops and ticks, but nothing this thing can do will "Fix the records". And for the love of all things Holy, AUDIO DOES NOT, repeat NOT have "Flavors". It is NOT food. Nor is it chocolate like your idiot pal Randy claims. It is either right or it's wrong. Simple as that. You are either reproducing what is recorded, adding nothing but gain or your not. ANY change in that waveform, other than gain, is DISTORTION. Distortion is NOT flavoring. It's just distortion. Sell your turntable if this is what you feel you NEED to enjoy vinyl.

[@fredlennon5937]

But tell us, how do you REALLY feel😂

[@WoodSmartUSA]

I have to somewhat agree… I had a Puffin and returned it… Seems I had to adjust it not just for every album but practically for every track. I seriously spent more time futzzing and finding problems with records that really never had an issue with prior. The Puffin build quality and support from the Mfg was excellent, was just too much of an effort and took the joy away from just sitting back and enjoying my vinyl. Just take care of your records & cartridge and accept vinyl with all its nuances and you’ll be happier.

[@Thunderbird139]

Grumpy much?! 😂

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Dale... if I didn't love you so much, I'd block you. I never claimed to be anything than what I am. You keep coming back! It must be my winning smile!

[@daleboylen6427]

Never love anything that won't love you back. Did you just forget about the RIAA curve? Did you not know that ALL filters cause phase shifts? Phase shifts are time delays. You don't hear it because your speakers also smear time and phase horribly. What's happened to audio the past decade is similar to what's happened to music. If the Beatles were a new band today, they could not get singed to a record label. Have you checked the charts to see how many actual bands are left? Just like real audio gear, slim pickens.