Wadax PRE1 Phono User Manual

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WADAX

The Art of Music Recreation

PRE1 PHONO

USER MANUAL

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.

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

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.

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!

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

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!

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

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

Phono INPUT

RCA & BNC SPDIF IN

AES/EBU

USB

Analog IN 1

(DISABLED IN PRE1 PHONO)

Analog IN 2

SETUP AND INSTALLATION

CONNECTIONS: INPUTS

RIGHT ANALOG OUTPUTS LEFT RIGHT OUTPUTS ANALOG INPUTS

2R 2R 1R 1R 2L 2L 1L 1L 1R 1L 2R 2L

BNC RCA2 RCA1 LINK

WADAX DIGITAL OUT

SPDIF OUT WCLK SYNC STREAM USB

TOSLINK AES|EBU

GAIN

0 1 2

EARTH

TOSLINK

AUX SYNC OUT

WADAX DIGITAL OUTPUT

OUTPUT 2: RIGHT CHANNEL

OUTPUT 1: RIGHT CHANNEL

OUTPUT 2: LEFT CHANNEL

OUTPUT 1: LEFT CHANNEL

SETUP AND INSTALLATION

CONNECTIONS: OUTPUTS

SPDIF OUT

WADAX DIGITAL OUT

SPDIF OUT WCLK SYNC STREAM USB

EARTH

The WADAX PRE1 is designed to capture, control, shape and nurture the fragile source inputs, supporting

adjustment of volume and balance and other functions to deliver your desired output signal. The primary

control functions supporting these processes are outlined below. The RC1 Remote control uses 2 x

CR3032 3V batteries.

SETUP AND INSTALLATION

RC1 REMOTE CONTROL

To activate STANDBY mode, use the remote control top right key.

To select the source you want to listen to, use the left-hand rotary switch

or use the remote control keys 1-9. 1 to 7 access digital inputs and 8-9 for

analog inputs:

DIGITAL INPUTS

1,2:RCA SPDIF

3: BNC SPDIF

4: AES/EBU

5: HERMES (IF INSTALLED)

6: TOSLINK

7: USB

ANALOG INPUTS

8: PHONO (PRE1 Phono)

Analog IN1 (PRE1)

9: Analog IN2

SETUP AND INSTALLATION

RC1 REMOTE CONTROL

To change VOLUME / BALANCE / MUTE: The right-hand volume level

adjustment knob is used to adjust VOLUME. If volume is set to a value of

zero, outputs will be muted.

To change BALANCE from left to right, the remote control will be needed. For

this there are BAL keys on the RC1 control. Press the MUTE to mute output..

To enter SETUP: Press SETUP key on the RC1 Remote control.

The display will show SETUP. Use VOL UP/DOWN key to move between

different SETUP options. Once a SETUP option is on display, to enter fur-

ther options press the OK key. Use VOL UP/DOWN keys to change values

and press OK again to set it. This value is saved in the internal memory

of the PRE1 and will remain even though power supply is turned off. Press

EXIT key to go back to SETUP menu options.

SETUP AND INSTALLATION

RC1 REMOTE CONTROL

SETUP OPTIONS SEQUENCE FOR FIRMWARE V2.27:

■ Balance L/R: Changes Left to Right balance.

■ Output Level: Sets maximum output level voltage to 5V, 2V or 1V.

■ Input Level: Adjusts input level gain so sources match in level.

■ Display bright.: Changes brightness.

■ Restore default: Restores factory default settings.

■ Firmware version: Displays current firmware version.

■ Map Load: To load a new Map into the MusIC board.

■ Phase: Changes output absolute phase NORMAL or INVERTED.

The WADAX key, located to the right of 9, gives a direct access to this change.

■ Mode: Sets the use of ANALOG IN1: Phono (PRE1 Phono) or LINE (PRE1)

SETUP AND INSTALLATION

RC1 REMOTE CONTROL

The PRE1 Phono represents a New Paradigm in phono play-

back quality standards. The way signal is handled, reconstruc-

ted and delivered is different from what is used until now. Please

refer to WADAX PRE1 PHONO white paper for further info.

For installation, please ensure that the cartridge output is

sent directly to the PRE1 PHONO, WITHOUT any step-up de-

vice in between. If done, the message ANALOG OVERLOAD

will be shown on the PRE1 display.

Once connected, please choose cartridge type with the level switch (MC/MM). In the way the PRE1

Phono operates, there is no need to do any cartridge loading adjustment, as in traditional analog equip-

ment. The last step is GAIN selection. Ideally, the gain setting should be as high as possible, without re-

ceiving ANALOG OVERLOAD message on the display. The recommendation is to start with highest gain

setting (2) and decrease it if the message appears. The gain order is 2 for top gain, 1 for middle gain

and 0 for the lowest.

Gain selection

Phono back panel connections

Cartridge type

Phono INPUT

SETUP AND INSTALLATION

PRE1 PHONO

WARNING: On a PRE1 Phono, the ‘ANALOG 1’ input will not work.

Please use ANALOG2 input instead.

IMPORTANT: Each output is available BOTH on single ended and balanced.

The output signal is the same.

IMPORTANT: If you require more output level, power is doubled on the balanced

output..

SETUP AND INSTALLATION

PRE1 PHONO

The PRE1 Phono has 2 sets of stereo ouputs and the output is a RIAA reconstruction with an improved time

alignment . This is to compensate for the common time distortion footprint during the cut process.This is how

the PRE1 is delivered from the factory.

NOTE: Each output is available BOTH on single ended and balanced. The output signal is the same.

NOTE: If you require more output level, power is doubled on the balanced output.

NOTE: The EARTH connection will provide the connection to ground the turntable.

Phono output connections

SETUP AND INSTALLATION

PRE1 PHONO ■ OUTPUTS (FOR STOCK, UNCUSTOMIZED UNITS)

Output 2 Output 1 Output 2 Output 1

Right Channel Left Channel

EARTH

Earth connection

The PRE1 Phono has 2 sets of stereo outputs:

1. Advanced RIAA: The reconstruction has an improved time alignment . This is to compensate for the com-

mon time distortion footprint during the cut process. (Output 1).

2. Ultimate performance: Custom mapping: using the Wadax custom LP and some Wadax dealer equip-

ment, each user system is mapped into the musIC chip for the best possible recovery of delicate music

signals stored in the LP. (Output 2).

NOTE: Each output is available BOTH on single ended and balanced. The output signal is the same.

NOTE: If you require more output level, power is doubled on the balanced output..

NOTE: The EARTH connection will provide the connection to ground the turntable.

SETUP AND INSTALLATION

PRE1 PHONO ■ OUTPUTS (FOR CUSTOMIZED OR ‘MAPPED’ UNITS)

Phono output connections

Output 2 Output 1 Output 2 Output 1

Right Channel Left Channel

EARTH

Earth connection

Although the best results are attained when the PRE1 Phono drives the power amplifier directly, the unit

allows to deactivate the internal preamplifier and perform as a pure phono stage and as a stand alone DAC.

The internal preamplifier can be deactivated (or reactivated) by means of the remote control.

The key sequence required is:

1. Press SETUP

2. Press VOL UP key until the FIRMWARE message shows on the display.

3. Press OK

4. The display will show PREAMPLIFIER ON or PREAMPLIFIER OFF. Use VOL UP to select the desired value.

5. Once selected, press EXIT. The display will then show “Are you sure?”.

6. If you do NOT want to proceed with the changes, press SETUP and you will exit the menu.

7. If you DO want to proceed with the changes, a sequence of three keys must be pressed: WADAX, 9,

WADAX.

NOTE: The WADAX key is located to the right of ‘9’.

As soon as the last key is pressed, the required action will be done.

WARNING: Wadax assumes no liability for any damages that may occur due to improper handling or setup.

SETUP AND INSTALLATION

PRE1 PHONO AS A PHONO STAGE AND DAC ■ DiVin AND PureDAC

The core of the PRE1 Phono is the Wadax propietary musIC chip. The parameters at which it operates are

stored in ‘maps’. The specific behaviour of a phono playback chain (cartridge, tonearm, loading, ..) is defined

in the map. The PRE1 Phono is shipped by default with a time aligned RIAA reconstruction but the user’s par-

ticular setup is not considered. To reach extreme performance, a characterization of the user system needs

to be done by the Wadax Lacquer and the approved recorder. The recording done is to be sent to Wadax and

after analysis the user will receive by e-mail two files that should be copied into a pendrive and inserted into

the PRE1 Phono. The following sequence should be followed to load the new files into the PRE1 MusIC board.

The key sequence required is:

1. Press SETUP

2. Press VOL UP key until the Map Load message shows on the display.

3. Press OK

4. The display will then show “Are you sure?”.

6. If you do NOT want to proceed with the changes, press SETUP and you will exit the menu.

7. If you DO want to proceed with the changes, a sequence of three keys must be pressed: WADAX, 9,

WADAX.

NOTE: The WADAX key is located to the right of ‘9’. NOTE: The pendrive must be formatted in FAT32.

As soon as the last key is pressed, the process will start. The total load process will take 3-4 minutes.

SETUP AND INSTALLATION

PRE1 PHONO ■ REMAPPING

SETUP AND INSTALLATION

PRE1 PHONO ■ HERMES STREAMING

The Hermes Streamer built into the PRE1 (if installed), allows for audio file streaming with the best possible

quality. Supported file formats are FLAC (up to 192KHz | 24bits), WAV(up to 192KHz | 24bits), Apple Lossless

(ALAC -up to 192KHz | 24bits), WMA, MP3. The Hermes Streamer requires a server, a control point and a DHCP

server in the network. It is highly reccomended a professional computer network installer/dealer to guide/do

the home install.

The server hosts the audio file database and the control point is the user interface to control the streaming

playback. Although the Hermes Streamer is uPnP compatible, Wadax recommends Asset uPnP server from

Illustrate (PC) and Songbook Lite (available for iPad/iPhone, Android).

Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe dust off the music system. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Wipe

dust off the surfaces using a dry, soft cloth. To remove stains or dirt, use a soft,.damp cloth and a solution of

water and mild detergent, such as washing-up liquid.

RECOMMENDATIONS TO OBTAIN THE BEST RESULTS

1. WARM-UP SONIC EFFECT:

If the preamplifier has been left un-powered for some time, the optimum sound quality may only be at-

tained after 6 TO 24 hours. The critical circuits have to warm up to around +55 degrees Celsius (+131

degrees Fahrenheit) before achieving their optimal performances. This is why WADAX recommends

that the PRE1 is always powered on.

2. Use Hermes Streaming (if available), SPDIF sources (BNC, RCA) for best results. USB performance

heavily depends on the data source due to low quality signal resampling applied by the Operating

Systems of most computers. For this and other reasons WADAX does not reccommend using USB as

a top quality data source.

3. Absolute phase: From firmware version 2.16, the absolute phase can be toggled with the Wadax key on the re-

mote for quick A/B evaluation. The Wadax key is the key to the right of ‘9’. Recorded music sound best when inverted

because they were recorded this way. It is a good listening practice to find best results inverting absolute polarity.

CLEANING

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Environmental protection

The European Parliament and the Council of the European Union have issued the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive. The purpose of the Directive is the prevention of waste of electrical and electronic equipment, and to promote the reuse and recycling and other forms of recovery of such waste. As such the Directive concerns producers, distributors and consumers.

The WEEE directive requires that both manufacturers and end-consumers dispose of electrical and electronic equipment and parts in an environmentally safe manner, and that equipment and waste are reused or recovered for their materials or energy. Electrical and electronic equipment and parts must not be disposed of with ordinary household refuse; all electrical and electronic equipment and parts must be collected and disposed of separately. Products and equipment which must be collected for reuse, recycling and other forms of recoveryare marked with the pictogram shown.

When disposing of electrical and electronic equipment by use of the collection systems available in your country, you protect the environment, human health and contribute to the prudent and rational use of natural resources. Collecting electrical and electronic equipment and waste prevents the potential contamination of nature with the hazardous substances which maybe present in electrical and electronic products and equipment.

Your Wadax retailer will assist with and advise you of the correct way of disposal in your country.

SPECIFICATIONS: PRE1 - PRE1 PHONO HERMES

Power consumption ON/Stand-by: 30W/<1.5W Digital input lock range: SPDIF: 32-192 KHz, 16-24 bits BNC: 32-192 KHz, 16-24 bits TOSLINK: 32-96 KHz, 16-24 bits USB lock range(KHz): No driver is needed. 48 KHz, 16-24 bits Digital output: BNC SPDIF: 96KHz-24 bits. Hermes Streaming: 32-192KHz, 16-24 bits. Supported formats FLAC, ALAC, WMA, WAV, MP3. Analog inputs impedance: 18kohms Analog input voltage at overload: 4V rms Analog outputs impedance RCA/XLR: 75 ohms/150 ohms Max output voltage RCA/XLR per leg: 5Vrms Wadax Digital Outputs: RJ45 carrying high definition data traffic intended for WADAX SPEAKERS. Phono loading: MC 100 Ohms||100pF. MM 47KOhms||100pF.

Custom mode compensates all loading effects in vinyl subsystem.

Weight: 20Kg. / 44 Lbs Dimensions(WxDxH):

46.9cm x 34.1cm x 10.1cm

18.46”x13.42”x3.98”

This product is in conformity with the provisions of the Directives

www.wadax.us

info@wadax.us

WADAX

NORTH AMERICA

R250712

NOTES

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Wadax PRE1 Phono User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual