Acoustic Signature WOW XL Turntable w/Upgraded Rega Arm and Sumiko Songbird

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This was my personal turntable for a few years which I built from some of my favorite components.

The carefully selected parts work flawlessly together and the result is a highly detailed, well-tracking, and trouble-free turntable.

It also looks amazing.

WOW XL 'table featuring:

• Like New Sumiko Songbird MC (Moving-Coil) Phono Cartridge 

• Outboard Power Supply w/Basic Power Cord

• Rega Tonearm highly modified and upgraded by Audiomods

• Pushbutton 33/45 Speed Selector 

• Audiomods RCA cable

• SkyFi 11-Step Full Calibration and Testing Process for Cartridges ($400)

Tonearm Review:

https://www.tnt-audio.com/sorgenti/audiomods_e.html

From a "The Absolute Sound" review by Spencer Holbert"

The Wow XL is one solid piece of precision German engineering.

The plinth is a beveled design about the same thickness as the platter, though it is a combination of aluminum and wood (the wood is masked by the outer shell of the plinth). Three height-adjustable feet allow for easy leveling of the entire ’table.

The platter alone weighs fourteen pounds and is over one-and-a-half inches of solid aluminum; it could probably be used for home defense, if necessary.

Be ultra-careful as you slide the platter spindle into the bearing, as the fit is a bit snug. The heavy weight of the platter can easily pinch a finger, so make sure to drop it in while holding the outer circumference.

The bearing is Acoustic Signature’s “signature” Tidorfolon bearing, which is the same proprietary bearing design used in all AS turntables, including AS’s flagship Ascona turntable reviewed by Jonathan Valin back in 2012.

Recommended Cables:

Kimber Kable - Flagship Tonearm Interconnects - Best

Kimber Kable - Power Cords - Better

Kimber Kable - Power Cords - Best

Specifications:

Drive unit: 

Synchronous, electronically regulated internal motor

Bearing: 

Tidorfolon proprietary bearing

Chassis: 

10mm aluminum and 25mm wooden plinth

Platter: 

34mm solid aluminum

Dimensions: 

16″ x 6.5″ x 13″

Weight: 

35 lbs.

The SkyFi Testing Process for Turntables:

First we try to identify any mechanical issues, particularly in the tonearm bearings.  We check for freedom of movement or any resistance on both the horizontal and vertical range.  There is a quick test for this which involves placing the table on its front edge and allowing the arm to swing freely like a pendulum.  We then make any adjustments necessary to achieve minimal resistance and sometimes adjust the bearing pressure.  On gimbal tonearms we inspect the cone tip with a magnifier.  

We then asses the platter speed by using one of several methods, the most accuse is a playing a test tone on a test record and measuring the frequency out put with a frequency counter or oscilloscope.  We also utilize test equipment to measure the wow and flutter to ensure its within spec.  We do this for all speeds available for that particular model.  Adjustments are then made to achieve proper speed which will vary depending on table drive design.  Some require an adjustment of an internal or external potentiometer, some will require a pulley or motor adjustment.  We also inspect the platter bearing to ensure its properly lubricated keeping in mind that some don't require lubrication at all.

We then inspect the power supply and address any issues with overworked capacitors particularly on Linn and later Thorens machines which tend to need attention.  

On fully mechanical vintage tables like the Thorens TD124 and Garrard 301/401 we will go thought the entire mechanism, replace any worn parts and lubricate all components necessary to ensure smooth operation, speed change and low mechanical noise. 

When fitting a new cartridge we will go through our detailed calibration process which can involve as many as 12 steps depending on the arm design.  We perform this work on our custom turntable calibration rig which was developed in-house.  

Some of these steps include:

• Pivot to spindle adjustment

• Tracing force

• Anti-skate

• Tonearm height

• Lifter height

• VTA

• Azimuth

• Stylus Distance and Overhang

We then do a critical listening test using our test records and our test system to ensure proper sonics.