Wadax PRE1 Phono User Manual

WADAX

The Art of Music Recreation

PRE1 PHONO

USER MANUAL

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Thank you for purchasing the WADAX PRE1 Phono.

Please take some time to read this manual.

It will provide you with useful information to make your pleasure of listening to

the PRE1 even higher.

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Index

Introduction 4

Set-up and Installation 6

■ Preliminaries 6

■ Unpacking 6

■ Choice of amplifier location 7

■ Power Supply 7

■ Connections 9

■ RC1 Remote Control 12

■ Phono section 16

■ Defeating the line stage: Phono stage and Pure DAC 20

■ PRE1 Phono REMAPPING 21

■ Hermes Streaming 22

Recommendations to obtain the best results 23

■ Cleaning 23

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INTRODUCTION

PRE1 - UNIVERSAL PREAMPLIFIER

The PRE1 is an extremely high-quality universal preamplifier. Equipped with analog and digital in-

puts and analog outputs, the PRE1 is for any user seeking a unique, immersive, playback expe-

rience - it can be integrated into any system or can become part of the Wadax System concept.

Following Wadax design criteria of extreme performance and simplicity, the PRE1 acts both as a

State-of-the-Art preamplifier and digital/analogue converter. This way, the playback chain is shor-

ter, more accurate, more musical.

The PRE1 accepts inputs from a computer – USB and Ethernet-, hi-fi equipment –SPDIF, TOSLINK, BNC-

and stereo line inputs and phono cartridge (PRE1 PHONO). It can also be connected to any amplifier

through its singled-ended or balanced outputs. Internal design follows a true-balanced topology, and

it has digital outputs in order to connect the PRE1 with digital input speakers, for a lossless connection.

The latest feature added to the PRE1 is the phono module, which allows the most accurate and musical

vinyl playback created to date. Wadax NanoVolt amplifier inside the PRE1 Phono amplfy weak analog sig-

nals from MC or MM cartridges before converting the signal to digital.

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No connection or manipulation may be made before reading these instructions and ob-

serving all safety warnings. This extremely high quality Preamplifier possesses new tech-

nical features which are or will become necessary for accurate power amplification of high

quality analog sources.

Observe general electrical safety precautions particularly with regard to avoiding water,

moisture and heat. To reduce the risk of electric shock do not remove the covers and refer

servicing to qualified personnel. The installation instructions must be carried out in full and

the mentioned precautions taken to provide the satisfaction the PRE1 is designed to pro-

vide and to avoid jeopardizing personal and equipment safety or impairing performance.

Nevertheless, in the PRE1 Preamplifier, Wadax engineering excellence delivers ex-

treme performance in a simple and convenient format that we hope you will enjoy for

many years to come.

WARNING!

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For exacting technicians, musicians, and all high-fidelity music purists who demand the very best in

reproduction, we strongly recommend the use of top quality power amplifiers, since most of the analog

signal integrity delivered by the preamplifier, it can be destroyed by using lower quality amplifiers. The

connection between the analog sources and the preamplifier as well as between the preamplifier and

the power amplifiers are also critical. Ultra low reflection interconnect cables are absolutely mandatory

to retain the time integrity that the preamplifier is designed to provide.

SETUP AND INSTALLATION

PRELIMINARIES

You will find within the two WADAX PRE1 PHONO transit boxes:

■ The PRE1 Phono

■ The mains powercord.

■ This manual.

■ The RC1 Remote Control.

Please keep the packaging in case you need to transport the PRE1 any time in the future. This packa-

ging has been designed specifically to protect the PRE1 in transit. Use of alternative packaging is likely

to result in damage, invalidating warranty cover.

UNPACKING

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The Wadax PRE1 has been especially designed to minimize vibration effects on the audiocircuits. The

preamplifier has been designed with four adjustable conical feet. These are used to ensure proper vi-

bration transmission to the preamplifier support in order to evacuate all detrimental vibrations inside

the unit, following Wadax Mechalock fundamentals.

SETUP AND INSTALLATION

CHOICE OF PREAMPLIFIER LOCATION

If the line voltage provided is not appropriate as supplied, please consult your dealer.

ATTENTION: At the 220V position, the Wadax PRE1 preamplifier will function properly for main

line voltages between 200V and 240V. At the 110V position, the main line must deliver between

105 and 125V. If your main supply operates out of these tolerances, please consult your Wadax

dealer.

This fuse is located on the power cord receptacle and can be accessed by raising the cover

using a small screwdriver when the power cord has been removed (ensuring power is discon-

nected before handling). Use a 2.5A slowblow fuse. Always ensure that the fuse cover is fitted.

WARNING!

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The main POWER switch is located on the back panel of the Wadax PRE1. In regular use, this switch

should be left permanently ON and the circuits of the preamplifier activated or deactivated using the

STANDBY ON/OFF in the remote control.

When the POWER switch is switched ON, the preamp will be-

come operative after few seconds delay to ensure proper sta-

bilization of all the circuitry and avoid any unwanted noise.

After this delay, the output of the preamplifier is connected to

the power amplifier.

The preamplifier can be powered off by switching the

POWER switch to the OFF position. A special safety circuit

switches the preamp to MUTE to avoid any disturbance rea-

ching the power amplifier and the speakers, even if the preamplifier is disconnected from the mains

supply by accident. .

SETUP AND INSTALLATION

POWER SUPPLY

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Warning! Always remember that a plug with bared connectors is dangerous if in contact

with a live socket. This appliance must be earthed. Connect the non-rewireable power cord

supplied to the back of the power supply and plug it into the nearest wall plug. Use only a 3

lugs grounded plug, for safety and noise reasons. Replacement mains leads can be obtai-

ned from your Wadax retailer. To get the best sound of the preamplifier, avoid any multiple

plugs or extension cords.

Warning! Take care to always handle the cable by the connectors. Never twist the cable ex-

cessively or attempt to connect or disconnect the connector by handling the cable body in

place of the connector. Connect the cabling from the power supply output to the preamplifier

input point labeled “Power”.

Warning! The next stage in setting up your Wadax PRE1 is to connect your sources, power

amplifiers and other peripheral devices. All devices should be disconnected from mains

power until safe.

SETUP AND INSTALLATION

CONNECTIONS