Frequently Asked Questions - Wadia 581 Information & Operation Manual

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I use a Balanced or Unbalanced connection?
If your amplifier has a true balanced input, we recommend you use the balanced analog output from your
Wadia 581 Disc Player. All things being equal, properly implemented balanced (also called differential) circuitry
sounds better than unbalanced circuitry. The Wadia 581 Disc Player is a true balanced design. It generates the
inverted signal in the digital domain and all subsequent processing is done in balanced mode. Your Wadia 581
Disc Player is designed to maintain many of the advantages of true balanced design when using the unbalanced
outputs. In addition, the Wadia 581 output stage is capable of driving both types of outputs simultaneously.
Why should I bypass the Preamplifier?
A preamplifier is unnecessary when using your Wadia 581 Disc Player. The Wadia 581 Disc Player provides all
the necessary control functions of a preamp while the signal is still in the digital domain. This avoids the sonic
degradation caused by analog circuitry, switches, and wire. The Wadia 581 Disc Player output stage can drive
any power amplifier and any interconnects, even at very long lengths.
Does the Wadia Volume Control compromise resolution?
The Wadia 581 Disc Player uses the latest generation of Wadia's proprietary digital volume control. The volume
level can be varied in the digital domain by means of mathematical manipulation of the signal, eliminating the
distortion and noise that are inevitable with even the best analog volume controls. While conventional thinking
indicates that reducing the volume digitally can sacrifice low level resolution, Wadia has created an innovative
solution. Wadia's patented digital filtering algorithm produces a 24 bit output rather than the 16 bits stored on
the CD. This high-resolution signal is then used in the computations which in turn reduce the volume level. This
new signal is fed directly to the DAC chips. Through this innovative method, the Wadia 581 Disc Player main-
tains high resolution even at the lowest volume control settings.
Can I bypass the Wadia Volume Control?
Because the Digital Volume control does not include any analog circuitry, there is none to be bypassed. Even
the mathematical program step that performs the Digital Volume Control calculation is an integral part of the
Wadia DigiMaster filter algorithm and therefore cannot be bypassed. If you do not need the Wadia Volume
Control, set it to its maximum level of 100 on the display.
What about Analog Sources?
In order to fully realize the potential of this type of system, Wadia has a range of Analog-to-Digital converters.
Now it is possible to use analog sources, such as a tuner, tape deck, or even a turntable (in conjunction with a
suitable phono stage) in your system without using a conventional analog preamplifier. Consult your dealer for
more information on the Wadia Analog-to-Digital products.
Should I leave the Wadia 581 Disc Player with the power on?
The Wadia 581 Disc Player is designed to be left with the power on with no harm or wear to the unit. All
motors and laser circuitry turn off when the unit stops playing. If desired, the front display can be turned off
(see Turning off the Display under Remote Operation). Leaving the power on allows the circuitry to remain
in thermally stable, which provides better performance and longer life. Careful listeners will notice that the
sound of the Wadia 581 Disc Player will improve steadily after the unit is poweredup. A new unit will undergo
more dramatic changes when power is applied for the first time. If you turn off your Wadia 581 for more than an
hour, you will find that the unit will undergo similar, but less dramatic improvement once power is reapplied.
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