Wadax Pre One Ultimate Trio User Manual

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WADAX

The Art of Music Recreation

Pre One Ultimate Trio

USER MANUAL

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Thank you for purchasing the WADAX Pre One Ultimate Trio.

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

n Preliminaries 6

n Unpacking 6

n Choice of amplifier location 7

n Power Supply 7

n Connections 9

n RC1 Remote Control 12

n Phono section 16

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

n PRE1 Phono REMAPPING 21

n Hermes Streaming 22

Recommendations to obtain the best results 23

n Cleaning 23

Specifications 25

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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 (optional)-, hi-fi equipment –SPDIF, TOS-

LINK, BNC, AES-EBU- and stereo line inputs and phono cartridge (PRE1 PHONO). It can also be con-

nected 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 spea-

kers, 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 Trio Phono amplify weak analog

signals 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 techni-

cal 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 WADAX PRE1 PHONO transit box::

n The PRE1 Phono

n The Power Source

n The umbilical powercord.

n This manual.

n 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 setting, 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 first step is to connect the umbilical cord between the Power Source and the Pre One. To insert

the connector, set the slide lock to 11am. Then push the connector toward the unit and rotate clockwise

until it is at twelve o’clock. The slide lock will click when it reaches the correct position.

The main POWER switch is located on the back panel of the Power Supply chasis. In regular use, this

switch should be left permanently ON. To power-off, use switch at the back. If the unit is non-phono

and clock module is standard, the unit can be left on at all times. In this case, power consumption is al-

most the same in normal as in standby mode. The power supply has a front blue led with a push-button.

This push-button does not have any asociated function currently.

When the POWER switch is switched ON, the preamp will become operative after few seconds delay

to ensure proper stabilization of all the circuitry and avoid any unwanted noise. After this delay, the out-

put of the preamplifier is connected to the power amplifier.

The preamplifier can be powered off by switching the POWER switch to the OFF position.

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

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BNC & RCA SPDIF IN DISPLAY PORT

AES/EBU

USB HiRes WADAX

SETUP AND INSTALLATION

CONNECTIONS: INPUTS

TOSLINK

RCA INPUT

XLR INPUT

STREAMING (Ethernet option)

FIRMWARE UPGRADE & MAP LOAD PORT

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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

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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

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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 Ethernet

6: TOSLINK

7: USB HD (HiRes)

ANALOG INPUTS

8: RCA IN

9: XLR IN

SETUP AND INSTALLATION

RC1 REMOTE CONTROL

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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 furt-

her 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

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SETUP OPTIONS SEQUENCE:

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

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

n Input: Adjusts input level gain so sources match in level.

n Analog Setting: Configures RCA and XLR inputs.

MC: Phono Moving Coil - MM: Phono Moving Magnet GH: Gain High - GL: Gain Low Line: Line level analog input source. Earth Link: Connects ground link to analog input source. Earth Float: Disconnect ground link to analog input source. Even if

ground lug is connected from a turntable, it will not be electrically linked to the Trio.

** WARNING: Be very careful to connect a line level source and choose MC or MM as input source type. This can generate noises at max output level.

n Display bright.: Changes brightness.

n Firmware version: Displays current firmware version.

n Restore default: Restores factory default settings.

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

n Phase: Changes output absolute phase NORMAL or INVERTED.

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

SETUP AND INSTALLATION

RC1 REMOTE CONTROL

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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

device in between.

For signal input to the PRE1, there are two options: RCA and

XLR. If the tonearm has XLR outputs, the XLR input is highly

recommended. If there is a dual RCA and XLR tonearm op-

tion, both can be connected at the same time to the Trio.

Phono back panel connections

Phono INPUT (XLR)

SETUP AND INSTALLATION

PRE1 PHONO

Phono INPUT (RCA)

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WARNING: BE CAREFUL WITH LINE LEVEL SOURCES. IF MC or MM IS SELECTED,

FULL LEVEL NOISES WILL LIKELY DAMAGE SPEAKERS.

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

Once connected, please go to touch screen and touch the setup (wrench). Touch INPUT and

ANALOG SETTING. A configuration screen will be displayed. Please choose cartridge type (MC,

MM) with the level and gain (GH: Gain High, GL: Gain Low). In the way the PRE1 Phono operates,

there is no need to do any cartridge loading adjustment, as in traditional analog equipment.

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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 n OUTPUTS (FOR STOCK, UNCUSTOMIZED UNITS)

Output 2 Output 1 Output 2 Output 1

Right Channel Left Channel

EARTH

Earth connection

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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 n OUTPUTS (FOR CUSTOMIZED OR ‘MAPPED’ UNITS)

EARTH

Earth connection

Phono output connections

Output 2 Output 1 Output 2 Output 1

Right Channel Left Channel

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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. Touch SETUP in touch screen.

2. Press PREAMP

3. Press OFF to disable the preamplifier section. Full level will be output.

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.

SETUP AND INSTALLATION

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

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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. Touch SETUP in touch screen.

2. Touch MAPLOAD.

3. Insert the pendrive with the files

3. Press OK

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 n REMAPPING

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SETUP AND INSTALLATION

PRE1 PHONO n HERMES STREAMING & USB WADAX HiDef PLAYBACK

The latest advancements applied to the USB HD port in the Ultimate makes this interface the best possible

audio interface. Best in performance and stability. Sounds better than Ethernet and solves all potential incom-

patibility issues associated to DLNA systems.

Therefore, the Hermes Ethernet Streamer is now an optional module for the PRE1 Ultimate. If you still request

that module, please contact your dealer.

The Ultimate supports DSD and DSD2X playback only through USB HD interface. To play these files, a MacOS

or Windows computer is needed and corresponding drivers installed.

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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.

In any case, on the non-phono unit and without Zepto clock, the unit can be left on at all times. The

power consumption in stand-by mode and normal model with be almost the same. The phono and

Zepto required very precise warm up at 52 degrees Celsius.

2. Preferred input sources: USB HD offers best input possible.

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

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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.

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SPECIFICATIONS: Pre One - Ultimate - PHONO

Power consumption ON/Stand-by: 50W/<1.5W Digital input lock range: SPDIF: 32-192 KHz, 16-24 bits AES-EBU: 32-192 KHz, 16-24 bits BNC: 32-192 KHz, 16-24 bits TOSLINK: 32-96 KHz, 16-24 bits USB lock range(KHz): Driver is needed for PC. Lock ranges 32KHZ to 192KHz. 16-24 bits. DSD, DSD2X native playback

capability.

Digital output: BNC SPDIF: 96KHz-24 bits. Hermes Streaming (optional): 32-192KHz, 16-24 bits. Supported formats FLAC, AIFF, ALAC, WMA, WAV, MP3. Analog inputs impedance: 18kohms Analog input voltage at overload: 4V rms 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”

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www.wadax.eu

info@wadax.eu

WADAX

R210815

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NOTES

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