Waxwing Phono DSP Preamp from Parks Audio with Magic, Optical Out & Full App Control

This thing sounds and works GREAT! I ordered a Used - Very Good item from Parks Audio and what I received most certainly looked like a brand new sealed item! Anyway, setup was easy enough and the only snag I had was switching from analog output to digital output via the app. (You question why the product is silent and you're hearing no sound at first until you remember the included card in the package says "one output or the other, not both".) The app is fantastic and works great. Changing settings on the fly and hearing the changes immediately let's you adjust the sound of your vinyl playing on the turntable to however you like. The audio quality is actually really great. I haven't compared to much in my current system however, right out the gate, this thing is dead silent, music is staged properly and imaging spot on. Tonality seems neutral with all default settings, adjustable settings in the Waxwing app can be tuned hundreds if not thousands of ways. Highly recommend for turntable owners if you're in the market for a phono preamp that works with either a MM / MC cart.

I’ve been using a MiniDSP DDRC-22 for room correction in my system (digital in, digital out), which feeds into a Schiit Gungnir DAC—the most beautiful-sounding DAC I’ve ever heard. The DDRC-22 helps correct the bass response in my room, as my large floorstanding speakers can’t be moved far enough into the room to naturally balance the bass. Dirac room correction ensures a flat bass response for my system, but this setup meant my turntable bypassed the correction and had excessive bass output. After some research and watching glowing reviews, I decided to try the Waxwing phono preamp. Honestly, I was skeptical at first, but now I’m a believer. The Waxwing has transformed how my records sound—they’ve never been better. The sound is clean, clear, and boasts a huge soundstage with excellent depth. In fact, I now think of my records as just 'better CDs', as the Waxwing converts them to 24-bit/96kHz, which exceeds CD quality. I couldn’t be happier with the results. The standout feature for me is the Magic setting, which lives up to its name. It effectively eliminates pops, hiss, and surface noise, leaving only the music. I don’t use the other settings much since I primarily listen to newer records, but the Magic setting alone makes the Waxwing worth it. For reference, I’m using a Fluance RT85 turntable with the Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge. Thanks to the Waxwing, I now listen to records daily—it delivers all the analog glory that vinyl promises, without compromise. If you’re on the fence about the Waxwing, I can’t recommend it enough. It’s a game-changer.

Wow!! I have scratched the surface with this preamp and all the functionality involving the app. Therefore, I will make this basic and to the point. I have a decent sized collection of older and many mono records. Most are in decent condition but some have the clicks and pops and surface noise that take them back a step. I am now amazed at how good a particular OG mono album I have sounds that otherwise frustrated me because the sound was good but the surface noise in places was distracting. The Super Mono setting in this case almost completely cleaned that up and it was an absolute pleasure to listen to. This is an album I can’t seem to find a clean OG copy of and the cost is usually prohibitive to find an OG. Problem solved! Its overall sound is as good or better than a modest MOFI preamp I was using with this set up which I liked and continue to like and is no slouch. Forget the whole digital argument unless you are diehard about that. Then you will never like it regardless. Now it is time to find out what else it does. Although it is $500, it is impressive for that cost. The app and its functionality is overwhelming in a good way. Kid in a candy store stuff. Go for it if it is in your income bracket and particularly if you have some older vinyl that is less than perfect. Don’t expect miracles but … real good stuff.

If you’re reading this review you may be considering purchasing this product, to save you time I’d stop reading and just buy it. This product is everything I wished the Puffin was. The most incredible feature is the controls which can be easily controlled from your listening position from the app on your phone! I’m not gonna go into a whole bunch of details but if you have the puffin this is a great upgrade and worth it. If you’re just looking for a phono pre, this is perfect. I’ve used both MM and MC. Is this the best phono pre? Very doubtful, but it sounds great and it’s fun to play with the settings, I have some albums that are just poorly recorded, well no problem with the waxwing, with a few adjustments it sounds incredible! If you’re an analog purist this product is probably not for you. It take the analog signal and coverts it to a digital signal which allows all the adjustments and then you have the option of using the built in DAC or running digital signal out via coax cable. I’m not an audiophile, I just love music and gear and if you’re on the fence about this product I’d seriously just buy it. If it’s not what you like Amazon has a great return policy

A wonderful and smart device for everyone who wants to listen to vinyl that has pops/clicks due to wear, bad pressing due to dusty environments and the like. This device is in principle transparent, however it can easily be tweaked by using its accompanying app, that instantly connects to any smartphone. Plus: good electronic design, value for money Minus: no European certificates (so far)

Azimuth Test Feature for Cartridge Setup Summary The Waxwing Phono Preamp distinguishes itself with its built-in azimuth test, making cartridge setup far easier. Using a test LP's azimuth tracks, I quickly corrected the azimuth alignment on my ATVM760xSL cartridge, relying on Waxwing's real-time feedback to achieve optimal channel separation and balanced sound. Professional cartridge setup can cost as much as the preamp itself, so Waxwing’s intuitive features offer excellent value. After adjustment, playback was noticeably improved, with precise imaging and a wider soundstage. The Waxwing is a smart investment for vinyl enthusiasts seeking both convenience and top-tier performance. UPDATE: Another amazing feature After living with the Waxwing for over a month, I’ve discovered its true potential as a High-Fidelity Wireless Command Center. If you want the freedom to move around your home without sacrificing the "reference" sound of your vinyl, this device is the essential bridge. The "High-Fidelity Wireless" Breakthrough Most turntables that offer built-in Bluetooth provide an inferior, low-bitrate connection that actually degrades the sound, stripping away the detail and dynamics of the record. The Waxwing allows for a completely different approach. The Setup: I run my Auris Audio Jazz into the Waxwing, then take the Optical Out into a FiiO BTA30 Pro transmitter. This broadcasts via LDAC (990kbps) to my Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones. The Result: Absolute freedom. Because the Waxwing handles the RIAA equalization and gain in the digital domain, the signal sent to the transmitter is pristine. There is zero added hum or analog hiss. When combined with the Sony’s noise cancellation and the high-bandwidth LDAC stream, the background is pitch black—it sounds like the artist is right there with you, even if you’re in a different room. The Bottom Line None of this would work without the Waxwing’s digital "brain." It provides the clean, high-resolution digital source necessary for LDAC to actually sound like high-end audio, rather than the compressed, inferior sound of standard Bluetooth decks. It has allowed me to bring the surgical precision of my turntable into every room of my house.

I have my turntable located significantly away from the speakers and equipment rack. Mostly because the room has a suspended floor (over a basement) and I wanted to locate the turntable over a support structure to reduce vibrations. Plus, this puts the turntable next to my listening chair. I use a MiniDSP active crossover, so everything in the equipment rack is in the digital domain. I had a very high-end dual-chassis and tube-rolled EAR834 phono stage next to the turntable with a long RCA cable to the equipment rack. Speakers are Triangle Acoustics with stereo active feedback subwoofers. I ordered the Waxwing, connected it at the turntable, and ran a long coax 24-bit 192kHz to the MiniDSP, all in the digital domain. I opened the Waxwing app, set it up for my cartridge, and preselected a couple goodies (such as the "magic" ). I put on the first vinyl and let 'er rip. Halfway though the first groove, I was already giving the side-eye to the EAR834s. They had to warm up. They used a lot of electricity. They took a long time to setup and get the tubes and capacitors to sound "just right" with my Triangles. I had to babysit them. They now were looking like fussy high-maintenance gear, taking up floor space. The Waxwing just worked, out of the box, first try, no hassles, with no blinky lights and fanfare. Just leave it pulled in. All it takes is a USB power port. No special power supplies (I'm sure somebody makes an audiophile grade USB power port. I use a high-quality Anker.) With my setup with the digital streamer, MiniDSP, and digital audio chain, the Waxwing was a perfect fit. It sounds great, had the "magic" function, superb rumble filter, interesting preset EQs, and warm and air settings. I can move my sources around the room and only need to manage a single long digital coax cable. Plus, it has a built-in pink noise generator. No more hooking up your PC or phone. I've used the Waxwing more than once to "burn in" new speakers, subwoofers, or raw speaker drivers. And the RCA inputs can accept line-level, MC, or MM. When my son visits, he plugs in his keyboard, mixer, computer, and his audio production gear directly into the Waxwing, which converts it to 24/96 and shoots it directly to the MiniDSP. It's my audiophile toolbox. It sounds great, works wonders with vinyl, and does a lot more other stuff. It's reliable, solid, and well-built. It works straight out of the box. You can set it and forget it or mess with the settings in the app to your hearts content. I've got it on very expensive speakers that I have spent years tweaking and fussing equipment, cables, power cords, and tubes. I know their sound and the Waxwing fit right in.

I waited a few weeks to use the product. I played several different types of music on the Waxwing and compared it to my receiver’s phono preamp. The difference the Waxwing makes is dramatic. The music is fuller, and you can hear more subtleties that were not present before. The phone app makes it easy to adjust for different music. You can adjust to your ears.

I have a Rega P6 turntable factory fitted with an Rega Ania moving coil cartridge. This model of turntable has a fixed headshell and I cannot easily swap over cartridges to play Mono records. Of course you can play Mono records using a Stereo cartridge, but they really don't sound their best this way. I inherited a lot of vinyl records from both of my late brothers, who were vinyl record era deejay's in the 1970's. Some of their records are not in the greatest condition, some are irreplaceable; but this preamp with its features allows me to listen to what were previously unlistenable records, much more comfortably. It has a huge amount of adjustments available in the free downloadable mobile phone APP available from Google Play store or the Apple App Store. It is a slightly complicated piece of kit, (not exactly plug and play) but is perfect for those, (like me!) that are tweakers and "setting knob twiddlers!" You also need to download and install a Bluetooth app as well, called 'Light Blue" this is the app that allows communication between your mobile phone and the Pre-Amp. Connection is by RCA phono leads or by Optical Toslink connection and is very easy to connect up. If you live in the UK you will need a regular mobile phone charger, as the one supplied with the Waxwing is for the US. I should add that It doesn't have to be a very expensive charger either. However, you do need a USB A type socket on the charger to connect to the supplied lead with your Waxwing. Lastly, does it work? Simply, yes! And it's excellent too in the "Super Mono Mode" with the "Magic" crackle, pop and surface noise suppression noise reduction feature engaged. With some careful setting up, there is little or no artificial artefacts in the sound. The App looks a little workman like looking, but with the Bluetooth App is very responsive and there are help guides and explanations in the Waxwing's App to guide you. It does not erase every crackle, pop or click but smoothes off the loudness of them to enable the unlistenable record becoming a bit more listenable again. "Magic" mode, I should warn in advance is not nearly as good when playing Stereo records though. For Mono records especially, it's excellent. For those that enjoy old early Mono record pressings I highly recommend the Waxwing!

A small form factor phono preamp with customising functions beyond expected. sound quality after adjustments is amazing for the price or at any price! The magic feature works well eliminating pops and cracks for a cleaner sound, also has a grading feature that works well all over bluetooth. I highly recommend the waxwing!!!

Ich nutze den Waxwing mit meinem MC Tonabnehmer AT 33PTG/II und habe das Gerat digital über Toslink an die Anlage angebunden. Relativ rauscharm, absolut kein Netzbrumm, extrem flexibel zu konfigurieren. Bei korrekter Einstellung der Gainstruktur (peak Level Anzeigen in der App vorhanden) werden Knackser auch ohne "Magic" Funktion nicht betont wie bei so vielen anderen Phono Vorverstärkern, die zu wenig Headroom vor allem bei hohen Grequenzen haben. Ein tolles Gerät, vorbehaltlos zu empfehlen.

Este es el segundo equipo que compro de este fabricante. Se trata de un preamplificador de phono para ser utilizado para conectar una tronamesa a un equipo de audio. Las agujas de los tocadiscos son de dos tipos bobina movil y magneto movil, dejando de momento al lado la diferencia tecnica, las agujas de bobina mobil tienen una salida al rededor de diez vevces mas baja que las de magneto movil pero a cambio en general las de bobina movil suenen mejor y sos mas caras, algunas de ellas increiblemente caras. Este pre de phono es realmente muy bueno y el único de los dos que conozco, que funciona con una aplicación en el celular, que permite hacer ajustes que le permiten al usuario variar no solo los valores que algunos pre de phono permiten ajustar, este pre permite ajustar muchos mas y son realmente útiles, de entrada lo básico se puede ajustar la impedancia de entrada a 200 ohms para cartucho bobina móbil y a 47k ohms para magneto móvil y la ganancia ha cualquier valor hasta 70 db mas que suficiente para cualquier cartucho, pero tiene varios otros ajustes muy interesantes. La opcion majic disminuye el ruido causado por el uso y el polvo, los clicks, sin afectar el sonido del disco, se puede incrementar o disminuir los bajos o los agudos que genera el cartucho y es útil para balancear el sonido, puede llevar la cuenta de cuantas horas hemos utilizado el cartucho, todo desde la app en el celular. Ademas una algo único de este pre de phono, tiene tanto la salida normar amalógica rca asi como dos salidas digitales óptica y coaxial, esto porque dado que es un pre phono digital, convierte la entrada en digital hace los ajustes de la señal en digital y convierte ya preamplificada de nuevo a analógica, asi que es posible tener salida tanto analogica como digital, y esto es algo fantástico y que permite usar un dac externo. Yo no uso la salida analogica uso la digital porque mi dac es muchisimo mejor que el convertidor analogico digital de este pre phono, y el resultado es un excelente sonido, con una tornamesa Linn LP12 y un DAC Benchmark, lo recomiento ampliamente!

I like the sound of good vinyl records. However, I think there are too many vinyl records cheaply made these days. This device is versatile and can do many things right. I am not an analog purist and I think perfecting the sound in the digital world and converting it back to analog is not a sin. It is a good thing. This device can also reduce the vinyl annoying tick and clicks. A Very small number of recordings are done in analog studios these days. This device can make each record sound at its best. However you will need to create a few profiles and save them to be used later when needed. Older records are bright with thin bass. Newer records have a lot of bass but highs are dull. With the waxwing you can get the best sound of most vinyls in your collection. You will need to play a bit with the adjustments and save them in your app. Also, as a bonus you can use the device to fine-tune your turntable. I highly recommend this device even if I think it is too expensive.