The CONSONANCE WAX Engine is a quite remarkable new turntable. There are more sensible design features that are beneficial to analogue playback in this turntable than those costing several times more.
Main bearing & Spindle
If you must have a bearing then it better be a good one. The Wax Engine features a stepped stainless steel spindle that encapsulates a ceramic ball at the business end. This rides on a teflon pad and with a few drops of oil provides a low friction surface. The spindle is housed in a brass housing. The spindle is relatively “short” which results in a platter with a low centre of gravity and as a result, rotation is notably free and stable.
The DC motor is a high quality Mabuchi with a patented DC servo supply.
The tonearm is a “unipivot” design which is not unique and although have known advantages also have well recognised problems. Rather than a “needle” point commonly used, Wax Engine features a proprietary low friction brass bearing in the horizontal mode and “pre loaded stainless” in the vertical. The arm tube is carbon fibre, terminated in a low mass headshell, antiskate is achieved by a rod and rider weight. A remarkable achievement in a tonearm at this price level.
All mounted on an aluminium “T” section chassis with isolation feet. A serious attempt to give the recordings their best shot.
