Post by michaelw on Jun 28, 2018 21:58:44 GMT 12
the prototype turntable arrived on my doorstep a few weeks ago.
complete with 9.5in arm and a pre-fitted hana el low output cartridge.
once all the parts were extracted from the cleverly packed box, it was easy to assemble following the illlustrated instructions.
after leveling the turntable, locking in the arm height, checking alignment (spot-on) and fine tuning vtf, the turntable was ready to play.
the big platter got up to speed quickly, the small record clamp easy to use and the arm showed unusual stability for a unipivot.
the sound is big and warm, very easy to listen to.
soundstaging is voluminous with good dimensionality.
focus was better with the anti-skate engaged but ryhthmic flow suffered so i stuck with no anti-skate.
tonally, it was on the warm side with gentle roll-off at the frequency extremes.
transparency was good.
likewise dynamics.
not quite as see-through or punchy as some but perfectly acceptable.
overall it's a very likable turntable.
easy to setup and use, with good sound.
a very good first effort.
thanks simon for the opportunity to listen to the turntable.
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Pundit
Post by simonb on Jun 29, 2018 7:35:42 GMT 12
Thanks Michael, Think you have captured a good bit of it there. I am particularly keen on maintaining the musicality of analogue. I might remind threadites that this combination is the base of what I can currently offer and there is quite a bit more possible (with the usual diminishing returns) from the Hana SL, longer arm lengths and spec / wire upgrades. No double others will add their impressions here in the future, Cheers Simon
Simon Brown
Design Build Listen Ltd,
Makers of The Wand Analogue Products
Distributor of Hana Cartridges
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Post by Citroen on Jun 29, 2018 18:00:38 GMT 12
As usual Simon has come up with a unique design.
Unusual plinth shape, over sized platter, even motor position.
I'm intrigued!
MW, "but ryhthmic flow suffered so i stuck with no anti-skate."
Any idea of the science or theory behind this one? Side force imparting a vertical force and weighing the stylus down, and therefore slowing it down?
Not heard of this phenomenon before.
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Post by michaelw on Jun 29, 2018 18:44:51 GMT 12
the wand arm worked best in my system with the minimal anti-skate applied by the arm leadout wires. much like a vpi arm or well tempered arm. do you use the anti-skate weight in your wand setup ? or maybe i just hate dangly string and weights 
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Post by Owen Y on Jun 29, 2018 20:32:11 GMT 12
As I've opined before... anti-skate IMHO has as many downsides as theoretical advantages. It's true that pivoted tonearms have 'skating' side-forces due to the angular geometry of the headshell, but these side-forces are not constant (varying with music, groove modulations, groove friction, inner-outer groove radius....), so the anti-skating mechanisms usually do an v imperfect job of 'balancing' these side-forces. The result is that cartridge tracking instability is impaired by constantly varying side-forces (incl A-Skating) - you can hear this when comparing with parallel trackers, more dynamics, stronger tracking stability.... A few tonearm manufacturers delete anti-skating, esp longer tonearms which have less offset angle- eg Schick. And some arms without any angular offset, eg Viv Labs Rigid Float.
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Post by Citroen on Jun 30, 2018 16:32:26 GMT 12
I only used the twisted arm wires for antiskate on my VPI Aries Scout, but yes I use the dangling wire on my 12 inch Wand.
Haven't even thought to try without it. Must do a comparison some day soon.
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Post by Owen Y on Jun 30, 2018 17:56:21 GMT 12
Try one of your long tonearms, eg a 12"
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Pundit
Post by simonb on Jun 30, 2018 21:00:02 GMT 12
Just to echo Owens comment. When I started on tonearm design I asked a friend with a PhD in physics about anti-skating forces. Basically it is different for every stylus profile in every different state of wear on every different record in every different state of cleaning. (oh, also different for tonearm geometry and different parts of the arc...) So it is what works for you most of the time (and don't stress about it too much, get on with listening to the music)
Simon Brown
Design Build Listen Ltd,
Makers of The Wand Analogue Products
Distributor of Hana Cartridges
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Pundit
Post by garym on Jul 1, 2018 22:04:28 GMT 12
Hey Michael, did you get a chance to put your own cartridge in the arm? That puts a familiar object into a key point of the system. the wand arm worked best in my system with the minimal anti-skate applied by the arm leadout wires. much like a vpi arm or well tempered arm. do you use the anti-skate weight in your wand setup ? or maybe i just hate dangly string and weights
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Post by michaelw on Jul 2, 2018 14:01:47 GMT 12
didn't try the lyra.
the table is now en route to welly.
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Post by foveaux on Jul 8, 2018 16:03:02 GMT 12
Simon has his Wand TT/Master 10.3 arm/Hana SL system back now, after my extended 2 week audition in my (all) Sanders 10e ESL system, in my listening room. Since 1982 I’ve had two TTs: 1. Linn LP12/Ittok (with 2x Linn MMs and 2x Dynavector cartridges), then 2. Well Tempered Simplex with Dyna 20X, from 2010 so I don't think I can be accused of TT non-satisfaction or a wandering eye over such a time period! Not to say I'm blinkered, because I’ve heard dozens of other TTs in that time - never tempted. While elsewhere in my system I’ve incrementally improved the quality of its playback capabilities. Simon’s Wand Arms have barnstormed performance/quality at a real value point - and worldwide are (rightly) acclaimed for their musical capabilities. Against Cookferry’s positive reports of the Wand arm in his system - a system I know and respect, (now here’s a chap who does have a wandering audio eye,  but also impeccable diagnostic abilities on quality/performance of audio equipment), I was wanting to hear the Wand TT/Arm combo. What I heard was indeed the next step shift for me. MichaelW has caught the essence of the Wand DNA as reported by his experiences above,  I agree with these strengths. In my system I was pleased to hear such a musically satisfying TT/arm/cartridge. It very clearly has all the musical replay strengths of my Linn and WT, and improves on these. I listen critically to potential new items into my system by demo’ing voice and acoustic instruments - notably ECM recordings and MFSL pressings. The Wand system nails these and of course other genres. The Wand has the desired synergy in my system - frighteningly realistic imaging (holographic?), cohesiveness reproduction with outstanding detail retrieval across the full audio range; tonal and timbral accuracy and crucially, provides emotional engagement, sonically. It just replays music so great. I’m overwhelmingly convinced, Simon has my deposit. 
"I see music as a lifetime affair." [Rory Gallagher]
"Free - I miss that band, but when I look back, we were very young" [Paul Rodgers]
862 posts
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Post by cooksferry on Jul 10, 2018 7:17:07 GMT 12
Looking forward to further impressions Ian. I'll be interested to hear what, if any, improvements you note moving up the chain with cartridges. I find the SL to be a very capable performer and if the new F series is another step up it'll be worth adding to future lists. Hope to manage a demo of your system before the year is out.
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Post by foveaux on Sept 26, 2018 9:31:36 GMT 12
"Free - I miss that band, but when I look back, we were very young" [Paul Rodgers]
862 posts
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Post by andrewp on Sept 26, 2018 17:45:40 GMT 12
Thats a nice review. I do hope that some positive sales are helped along as a result. Its getting into serious $$ with no arm included!
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Pundit
Post by simonb on Sept 26, 2018 19:17:03 GMT 12
Yes, pleased with it. Richard is doing a fuller review later. The price has worked out more than I would like but it is the problem of making in very low volumes. Fortunately, it seems to compare well to much more expensive products. But I still have a couple of 'Pre-production' units available at a very substantial discount. This is to get them Beta tested locally where I can give good support.....
Simon Brown
Design Build Listen Ltd,
Makers of The Wand Analogue Products
Distributor of Hana Cartridges
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Pundit
Post by simonb on Oct 2, 2018 20:45:02 GMT 12
RMAF here we come!
We are combining wit Pureaudio and our US Distributor Old Forge Distribution to exhibit at Rocky Mountain Audio Fest this coming weekend in Denver, Colorado. (Tower, Room 9004)
The front end is the new Wand 14-4 turntable, fitted with 10.3in Wand Plus tonearm and EMT JSD Lime cartridge. This feeds the equally new Pureaudio LV-1 Phono stage.
Pureaudio’s One integrated amplifier will be driving the exotic full range Rethm Maarga speaker (India/USA)
Dave Cope of Old Forge Distribution is an inveterate US Show exhibitor and has a reputation for delivering superb sound in his show rooms. He believes this weekend will be exceptional.
Dave is showing his dedication by taking a 2700km road trip across the USA with all of the gear.
 
Simon Brown
Design Build Listen Ltd,
Makers of The Wand Analogue Products
Distributor of Hana Cartridges
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Post by cooksferry on Oct 3, 2018 6:59:25 GMT 12
What's the tower at the back of the table in the top photo Simon ? Is it an add on ?
How much has your original design changed after beta testing. I'm guessing that it's more in materials rather than basic design principles.
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Post by foveaux on Oct 3, 2018 8:02:10 GMT 12
Go Simon! Impressive line-up. The stars are aligning for Kiwi audio designers - need some kiwi speakers too... I though the table in photo 1 had grown another switch, until I realised it was the disc clamp! Best wishes for the show, we'll be interested in how folk enjoy the sound.
"I see music as a lifetime affair." [Rory Gallagher]
"Free - I miss that band, but when I look back, we were very young" [Paul Rodgers]
862 posts
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Pundit
Post by simonb on Oct 3, 2018 11:38:56 GMT 12
Thanks guys. Wish I was able to be there! Yes, the photo is confusing with the disc clamp and what I think is a SUT behind (not needed with the LV-1). Hope to have more photos later in the week (Gary will be posting on his thread too)
Simon Brown
Design Build Listen Ltd,
Makers of The Wand Analogue Products
Distributor of Hana Cartridges
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Post by Owen Y on Oct 3, 2018 12:16:53 GMT 12
Great - we'll watch out for posts/pics from RMAF 2018 in Denver, Colorado this weekend! From garym if finds time.... Or via simonb
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Pundit
Post by simonb on Oct 8, 2018 7:50:34 GMT 12
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Post by Owen Y on Oct 8, 2018 8:55:33 GMT 12
Excellent simonb. We hear that.... " in 2019, RMAF will relocate to its new home in the brand new Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center, just five miles from Denver International Airport.....tedious long rides to and fro—and even longer waits for shuttle service—will be ancient history. Instead, attendees will be able to board the light rail either at the airport or in downtown Denver, and take it to the hotel's free shuttle service that will run non-stop. " (Stereophile)
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Post by Citroen on Oct 8, 2018 19:07:30 GMT 12
Some photos as the Show is drawing to a close, Dave has been pretty busy playing great music! including the Cello recording he was involved with. See below
 I have a copy of that lp and it is indeed excellent! And I bet it sounds superb in that set up.
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Post by Citroen on Oct 13, 2018 13:38:29 GMT 12
Thats a nice review. I do hope that some positive sales are helped along as a result. Its getting into serious $$ with no arm included! RMAF price quoted as USD4200 (~NZ$6500) so much cheaper to buy in NZ!
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Post by andrewp on Oct 13, 2018 14:26:33 GMT 12
Really dislike the front end of the arm with its raked point.
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Post by Citroen on Oct 13, 2018 14:35:26 GMT 12
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, as they say.
I like the look.
And its very practical, as it serves as the tonearm lifter!
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Post by Owen Y on Oct 13, 2018 15:00:51 GMT 12
The pointed tonearm end actually serves very nicely as a finger-lift, IME. simonb will tell you that it was of course, designed that way (Visual cartridge alignment can be trickier because of the big diameter 'headshell-less' solid end - but many headshells are similar to some extent.)
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Post by Owen Y on Oct 13, 2018 15:09:08 GMT 12
When the tonearm is on the record, it looks clean & spectacular (IMVHO) ..   (Pics of the no-frills 'Classic' model Wand from around 2013/2014.)
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Post by Citroen on Oct 13, 2018 15:14:31 GMT 12
The large hole lets you see a lot IME 
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Post by Citroen on Oct 13, 2018 15:16:13 GMT 12
I see that your earlier version doesn't have that hole.
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but also impeccable diagnostic abilities on quality/performance of audio equipment), I was wanting to hear the Wand TT/Arm combo.
I agree with these strengths. 
