I’d be lying if I didn’t tell you I shed a tear when Rega dropped the P2 from their turntable arsenal years ago. It was replaced with the RP1. Don’t get me wrong, the RP1 is a great starter turntable and the best option in it’s price class. Add the “upgrade kit” and you’re at the price of a P2. What’s it got that the RP1 doesn’t? A lot! For another $230, the P2 has a classic Rega glass platter and a seriously good tonearm. The new RB220 tonearm takes off where the RB250 left off. I’ve seen $10K turntables using a RB250. See below? The head shell and tapered arm are one cast piece. This is essentially what put Rega on the map 40+ years ago. There aren’t any pesky anti skate weights hanging off fishing line that you’ll no doubt lose. Also, the pulley is metal, not plastic. It’s a big step up. I still service thirty year old Planar 2’s. Mostly, new 24v motor upgrades. Proof their owners keep them!

So here’s what I’m gonna do!

Anyone who has purchased a RP1 (and wants to take it to the next level) will get $225 credit with your trade in towards ANY new Rega turntable. This will also enable people to get into a used RP1 at a discount.

THIS DEAL IS ONLY FOR MY CLIENTS!

I should have a few P2 in the next few weeks. If you’d like to place a pre order, it wouldn’t be a bad idea. I think these will be a huge success. Again.
Planar 2 Review

Get some Grados!

A new mixed use building is going up across the street. I’m thrilled the neighborhood is growing but the next year is going to be rough. Parking is now scarce and noise is at an all time high.

This Summer I’ll be around, but I highly recommend making an appointment. By doing so, I can assure you I’ll be here and have a parking spot for you. If later in the day, relative silence.

PLEASE CALL & LEAVE A MESSAGE!! Yes, I’m screening my calls because “Bots” are calling me 15+ times a day. If you are an actual human being with a pulse and Hi-Fi needs, I will call you back ASAP!

Hootenanny Review!

Whetstone Audio will be at the 2016 Lone Star Audio Fest. I’ll be playing a full THÖRESS system with a Well Tempered / Dynavector turntable as source.  The show will be at the Embassy Suites at Dallas Park Center.  See you there!

Coming to the shop is a classic line from the UK called Sugden.  The A21 is a Class A solid state amp with quite a long pedigree. Everything is built in house. The A21, their entry level integrated, is $2200 or $2400 with a phono pre on board.  They also have the Signature, Masterclass and Sapphire Series.

www.sugdenaudio.com

Harbeth have LOWERED their prices!  Not a lot, but WHO DOES THAT?

Recently, EVERY SINGLE Harbeth model won an Editor’s Choice Award from The Absolute Sound!

Come by the shop and have a listen!  I have all current models on the floor, minus the 40.2.

Harbeth Loudspeakers

The DeVore Fidelity Gibbon X will be breaking in at the shop shortly.

Mark your calendars! John DeVore and Mike Pranka of Well Tempered and Dynavector, will be at Whetstone Audio Saturday, April 2nd! 11-7pm. Please RSVP for a head count (beer cups). 

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.