121Decod i ngComputer
manual
Specifications:
Decoding Software: DigiMaster
Resampling Rate: 1.4MHz
Digital Inputs: AES/EBU (XLR), Coaxial (RCA and BNC),
Toslink Optical, USB B
Input Data Rates: 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz,
192kHz (up to 24 bits)
Analog Outputs: One Pair Balanced (XLR),
One Pair Unbalanced (RCA)
Both outputs simultaneously active
Headphone Outputs: One 1/4” output
Headphone Sensitivity: Adjustable
Dimensions: 2.7 x 8 x 8 in., 6.68 x 20.32 x 20.32 cm
Weight: 2.5 lbs. (1.13 kg)
Finish: Black Powder Coated Aluminum
3900 Annapolis Lane North . Plymouth . MN 55447-5447 . 763.577.0593 . www.wadia.com
W a d i a D i g i t a l W a d i a D i g i t a l
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Warranty
This Warranty covers the Wadia 121Decoding Computer. Wadia Digital warrants that this product
shall be free from defects in materials and workmanship for: 1 year for all parts of the product
(excluding batteries).
The warranty period begins at the date of sale and is subject to the following requirements and
understandings:
1 This is a non transferable warranty.
2 The product must not have been modified in any manner whatsoever, or the warranty is
immediately voided.
3 The product must not have been stored in a humid, damp environment; nor subjected to
weather, water, or salt spray.
4 During the warranty period Wadia will repair or replace at our discretion a defective Wadia
121Decoding Computer with a similar available product, at no cost to the owner for labor,
materials, and shipping charges from Wadia.
5 Wadia shall not, under any circumstances, be liable for any incidental or consequential
damages arising from the loss of property or other damage or losses due to the failure of a
Wadia 121Decoding Computer. Wadia will not pay for loss of use or inconvenience caused by
the failure of a Wadia 121Decoding Computer. Wadia will not pay for damage caused to other
audio components caused by the failure of the Wadia 121Decoding Computer within the limits
allowed by State Law.
6 The customer is responsible for the shipping charges for all repairs, warranty or non-warranty,
shipped to Wadia. Wadia will pay return shipping to the customer or dealer (within the United
States) for all warranty replacements. Special shipping methods or services will not be covered
by Wadia.
7 This product is only warranted in the country of original sale by Wadia.
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Software License Agreement
IMPORTANT! THIS AGREEMENT SETS FORTH TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR
THE DigiMaster SOFTWARE.
The DigiMaster software is copyrighted and patented. It is the property
of Wadia Digital.
Title to Licensed Software is not transferred to the customer. The customer is
granted a nonexclusive license to use the Licensed Software only on this Wadia
121Decoding Computer.
At Wadia’s sole discretion, Wadia may provide customer with updates of
the Licensed Software. Wadia retains the right to provide the Licensed
Software updates for a fee. The customer may refuse to accept such Licensed
Software updates.
Environmental Care
Wadia makes every effort to be an environmentally conservative company. We
appreciate it if our customers join our efforts. Please dispose of batteries in a
manner that is environmentally responsible
Thank You.
All of us at Wadia would like to say thank you
and congratulations for purchasing the Wadia
121Decoding Computer. We sincerely believe that
your Wadia 121Decoding Computer will bring you
many years of musical pleasure and satisfaction.
We understand how eager every new owner is
to begin listening, but we want you to become
familiar with the full capabilities of the Wadia
121Decoding Computer. Before powering on the
device, we encourage you to read this manual and
pay special attention to the sections highlighted
with an ◆.
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Should I leave the Wadia 121Decoding Computer with the power on?
The Wadia 121Decoding Computer is designed to be left with the power on
with no harm or wear to the unit. While the power light is always illuminated,
the volume and input sections of the front display can be minimized by pushing
the display command on the remote control. Leaving the power on allows the
circuitry to remain thermally stable, which provides better performance and
longer life. Careful listeners will notice that the sound of the Wadia 121Decoding
Computer will improve steadily after the unit is powered-up. A new unit will
undergo more dramatic changes when power is applied for the first time. If you
turn off your Wadia 121Decoding Computer for more than an hour, you will find
that the unit will undergo a similar, but less dramatic improvement once power
is reapplied.
Appendice
Troubleshooting:
Lock-up
If the Wadia 121Decoding Computer experiences a powerful static shock or
sudden AC surge, it is possible to “lock-up” the computer circuitry. A locked-up
computer may result in erratic display, no output, and no response to remote
commands. If your Wadia 121Decoding Computer should lock-up, unplug the
AC cord. Wait at least 30 seconds before re-plugging in the unit. If the unit still
does not operate normally, contact your dealer.
Tab l e of Contents
Installation
Connections
Questions
Appendices
Wadia Digital – a Brief History 3
◆Important Safety Instructions 5
Features 7
Unpacking 8
Accessories 8
Installing Battery in Remote Control 8
◆Connecting to AC Power 9
◆Using Surge Protectors 9
◆Output Connections 10
Back Panel 10
◆Input Connections 12
◆Connecting through USB 13
Using the Remote Control 15
Front Panel 16
Headphone Output 18
Optimizing the Output Level 19
Frequently Asked Questions 21
Troubleshooting 23
Warranty 25
Specifications 26
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Does the Wadia Volume Control compromise resolution?
The Wadia 121Decoding Computer 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 32-bit output. This high-resolution
signal is then used in the computations that in turn reduce the volume level.
This new signal is fed directly to the DAC chips. Through this innovative method,
the Wadia 121Decoding Computer maintains 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 on the LED display.
Wadia Digital – a Brief History
Wadia Digital, founded in 1988, is one of the original companies dedicated
to high performance digital audio reproduction. Wadia was formed by a team
of engineers from the Minneapolis based 3M Corporation (Minnesota Mining
and Manufacturing) who shared many years of experience in advanced digital
telecommunications research and development. In the early 1980’s, these engineers
became intrigued by the emerging compact disc technology. Disappointed with
the sound quality of early CD players, they examined the workings and designs
of these early components and found them to be unsophisticated when compared
with the technology available in other areas of digital design. In response, they
founded Wadia Digital – a company based on the philosophy of applying advanced
technology to improve the performance of digital audio components. Wadia’s
first product, the Wadia 2000 Decoding Computer, was an absolute breakthrough
in digital audio. For many discerning listeners, it proved that Digital Audio was
a musically responsive, evolving, and engaging format.
Building on a tradition of excellence, Wadia continues to develop innovative
technology; refining, listening, engineering, and improving along the way. Since
the Wadia 2000, new generations of industry-leading designs were introduced
and embraced by listeners around the world. Each step of the way, Wadia
consistently raised the standard for performance of Digital Audio playback.
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