Parks Audio Waxwing Phono Preamp

A modern phono preamp without losing analog character.

I'm posting this review after a month of usage. I upgraded to the Waxwing DSP from my old iFi Zen Phono V3, and the upgrade is massive. If you’re skeptical about a digital DSP phono stage, don't be. It sounds completely analog, rich, and organic, but with way better clarity and detail retrieval. The app is a game-changer, I can adjust the tonality from my seat to bring older, flat-sounding pressings to life. It also runs cool enough that I can just hide it away in my media cupboard.

What really blew me away was the customer service. The owner, Shannon Park responded promptly when I was facing ordering problem, and he kindly offered advice on my cartridge and turntable settings. Because of his help, I wasted no time getting to amazing vinyl music.

The Waxwing punches way above its weight class for the price. I'm totally satisfied with this purchase.

The best choice even in a 5x price tag category.

This little device is an absolute stunner in my system. Very musical and the Magic feature is out of this world. It cleans up the noise, but not in a way the sound turns plastic, it is very, very natural. I recommend it!

Waxwing extra features

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.

Shh! Don't tell anyone:

Want to supercharge your Waxwing? Use a 5V Eneloop rechargeable battery pack.

Robert A. Likis

March 17, 2026

Puffin - WaxWing - Best

This review is for Shannon Parks, founder and creator of Puffin and Waxwing DSP Preamps. I purchased my Puffin in 2020 to compliment my Oracle turntable (I personally restored) and have had 100% fantastic results. Until... I inadvertently changed the Low Hz setting to 12,500...my mistake. Without taking all day trying to share all that I did to test my mistake, I was able to pinpoint the issue of "No Audio" pointed to my Puffin. Shannon Parks and I exchanged emails multiple times and finally he told me to send my unit to him for his personal testing which I did. Let me remind you that this unit was 6 years old and had been powered up since day one. Bottom line, Shannon fixed it (my bad) in less than an hour and even paid shipping it back to me (Florida) himself. What was so terrific was the fact that he volunteered all his time to help my testing processes and even reset my error and shipped it back at no charge. I would give this (his) product 10 points if possible. I see that he has now created an updated Preamp "WaxWing" that allows one to adjust all settings remotely which (for those of you who may own a Puffin) is over the top. I say this because the only thing I would change abut my Puffin is to be able to make audio settings changes remotely from the comfort and listening position of my chair...via my phone. Shannon Parks is a gentleman, a genius and an individual who always stands behind his products. I strongly recommend his new WaxWing. Quite honestly, I was hoping my Puffin was worn out so I could replace it with the newly designed WaxWing. Shannon saved me $500 and did so with zero expectations of this review. I categorically recommend any product that Shannon makes. My French made Oracle turntable looks and performs "as new" and my vinyls sound crisp and clear...just as it did in 1980 when I paid $2,000 for it.

Amazing. Turned my vinyls into CDs.

Can I just say my mind is actually blown? I have so many pop records that always sounded so flat, and it legitimately sounds like a CD or Spotify is now playing. Setup was so easy. Adjusting the bass / oomph is what I was looking for, and this delivers! I am so happy I can listen to my vinyls the way I never knew they could be!

0:05

Best Phono Preamp on the Market

This product is not only amazing, but continues to improve. The updates are incredible. Magic keeps gets better. The Test Flight Dev mode is the way to go. Love this thing!

0:47

Dennis

December 27, 2024

Best phono preamp.

The most amazing phono pre amp ever! Easy to setup and the range of control over your music is incredible! 10 out of 10 would recommend!

The little box that will make you fall out of your listening chair.

What a simple yet so clever idea. And how so flawlessly implemented and delivered! Stop reading reviews here and just get it. You won't regret it.

This device does it like no other. I don't subscribe to the culture of "analog purists" and just regretted for years that my vinyl records would never sound as "crisp and alive" as when I played music from CDs or streaming platforms in my home audio system. I struggled for a long time in finding the right combination of components (I even tried old school graphic equalizers) or settings that could make vinyl records sound as close as possible to the other sources, but always had to settle with a rather "muffled" or less exciting audio signal. Enter this Waxwing little marvel, and suddenly now all my vinyl records sound even better than any of my CDs or any Hi-Res music streamed from Apple Music or Qobuz. Music played from my turntable sounds now so alive, full of body, clarity and full tridimensional staging, filling all my listening space to make me "feel" the whole recording coming alive like never before right there in my living room.

Not to mention I can now gladly digitize with confidence my precious vinyls, as the ones I buy are albums or tracks that have never been released in CD or that are not available to buy in digital format from lossless music stores. And I can get practically almost-like "direct master" sounding quality in my files from ripped vinyl just by passing them through the Waxwing.

Set-up is dead simple. No complicated steps. Just connect it, plug it, and it just works. And the amount of controls it offers to fine tune the quality of the sound (in real time!!) are on a league of their own as well. You can have hours of fun just by playing around with each control, to find that best sweet spot for each record you put on your turntable, and custom adjust each to your own listening environment and preference. Won't even go here into the detail of the "Magic" filter available, just know that it honors it name in all justice.

Its creator Shannon Parks has really unearthed the holy grail of next-level vinyl reproduction with this. I can't be more in love with this little wonder. The Waxwing is a keeper.

Waxwing

Amazing !!

Amazing!

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.

Save yourself the time and just buy it

Easily the best phono preamp you can buy. Detail, clarity, perfect riaa equalization, low noise, plus infinite versatility. The search is over. If you landed on this page just add it to your cart.