Stereophile Reivew Wand dark-Light tonearm September 11 2025

Michael Trei has knocked out a quick review of the Dark-Light tonearm mounted on a Wand Master turntable and talks of being captured by the beauty of its tone and concluding with a “Definitely recommended”

Some extracts below; (For the full review, see Stereophile October 2025)

“One of my favorite choral recordings is Handel's coronation anthem Dixit Dominus performed by the King's College Choir from 1966 .. The recording is rich and vibrant …. Through the Wand, this record soared, with powerful dynamics from the top parts and a well-rounded accompaniment from the English Chamber Orchestra. This is one of those records where, once it starts, I sit through it at least to the end of the side, luxuriating in the beauty of it all. The Wand drives that point home even more, making me wish it wouldn't end.

I returned to jazz bassist Gary Peacock's album Tales of Another (ECM 1-1101), which I had used while assessing the original Wand turntable and tonearm early last year. The track "Vignette" opens with drummer Jack DeJohnette making subtle percussive sounds on various cymbals before Keith Jarrett comes in with a beautiful, flowing piano line.. I no longer have the original Wand 14-4 player here for comparison, but with the Master and Dark-Light, I heard a level of refinement, clarity, and beauty of tone that I don't recall hearing back then.

More than almost any other turntable and arm I can think of, Simon Brown's recent designs reflect his individualistic approach and outside-the-box thinking. In some ways, his creations remind me of Saabs—the cars—in that so many different features are offbeat, but when you analyze the results, you realize that his choices are entirely valid. Definitely recommended.”

Given that the ‘standard’ Wand 14-4 turntable and arm appear in Class A in Stereophiles Recommended Component list in the same issue (The review was too close to the deadline to appear) the improvements noted above are significant indeed.