Wadia 521 Owner's Manual

Wadia 521

Decoding computer

Owner’s Manual

WADIA 521 DECODING COMPUTER

Thank You

All of us at Wadia would like to offer thanks and congratulations to you for purchasing the Wadia 521 Decoding Computer. We sincerely believe that your Wadia 521 will bring you many years of musical pleasure and satisfaction.

While every new owner is anxious to begin listening, we encourage you to take a few minutes to read this manual and familiarize yourself with the full capabilities of the Wadia 521 Decoding Computer.

If you are in a hurry to begin listening, please at least read the sections of this manual where the symbol at right is shown.

Brief History

Wadia was originally founded in 1988, making it one of the first high-end audio companies dedicated to digital audio. Wadia was formed by a group of engineers who we re committed to using advanced digital technology to improve the performance of digital audio equipment.

Wadia’s first product, the Wadia 2000 Decoding Computer, was a breakthrough. For many listeners it proved the viability of the Compact Disc as a musically involving format. Since then Wadia has continued to develop new methods and technology. Each product resulted in a new standard of performance for digital audio decoding.

Here is an abbreviated list of the technological innovations Wadia engineers have pioneered:

• First company to introduce an outboard Digital-to-Analog converter

• First company to develop an audio optimized upsampling digital filter

• First company to apply glass fiber-optics to home audio

• First company to recognize clock-jitter as a source of audible distortion

• First company to test and apply mechanical de-tuning to the development of audio component

chassis design

• First company to offer a CD perfect digital volume control

• First company to develop a Direct to Digital Amplifier - PowerDAC

• Patented DigiMaster upsampling algorithm, optimized for reproducing music

• RocLock proprietary jitter reduction technology

• ClockLink proprietary jitter reduction technology

• Swift-Current zero-feedback current to voltage converter

• Direct-Connect system to connect digital audio products directly to an amplifier

Although Wadia’s digital expertise and track record exceed those of any audio company, technology alone does not guarantee musical performance. Wadia designs are born of a delicate balanc e of technology shaped by a passion for music.

Wadia is proud to introduce the Wadia 521 Decoding Computer, a brea kthrough in sonic performance and value, and a strong statement of our years of dedication to music.

WADIA 521 DECODING COMPUTER

INSTALLATION AND SET-UP

Unpacking

Use care in unpacking your Wadia 521 Decoding Computer. Inspect it for any shipping damage and call your dealer immediately if any is found.

Do not plug your Wadia 521 Decoding Computer into an AC outlet if you find shipping damage.

We advise saving all packing materials so that the unit can be easily and safely shipped if the need arises.

Accessories

Provided with the Wadia 521 are the following accessories:

• AC power cord

• Four tip-toes with threaded studs

• Four steel coasters

• RCA/BNC adapter

• Remote Control

• Two type AAA batteries

• 10 ft GFO Cable

Do not tip the unit onto the back panel. This can damage input and/or output connectors.

Installing the Tip-Toes

With the unit still positioned on its side, screw one of the tip-toes into the bottom of each corner post.

Position the Wadia 521 where you would like it to reside in your system. We recommend choosing a solid, non-resonant, level surface for best performance. If this surface is susceptible to damage, place one of the steel coasters under each tip-toe.

WADIA 521 DECODING COMPUTER

Connecting the Wadia 521 to Your System

CHECK

VOLTAGE

HERE

Check to make sure your Wadia 521 Decoding Computer has been manufactured for operation at your AC line Voltage. Attempting to use the player at any voltage other than the specified on the rear of the unit may damage the unit. Damage caused by improper operation is not covered by warranty. If the voltage specified is different from your AC voltage, contact your Wadia dealer.

Connecting the Wadia 521 to AC Power

The best performance is obtained when the Wadia 521is plugged directly into the wall with the power cord provided. The Wadia has power conditioning, surge suppression and an extremely sophisticated overall protection scheme. It should not be necessary to use surge protectors power conditioners or aftermarket power cords, some of which may degrade the sonic performance. If you wish to experiment with any of these devices, work closely with your local dealer – and most of all, trust your own ears.

Connecting Directly to a Power Amplifier

Avoid allowing static shocks to be applied to the inputs or outputs. To prevent static shocks, touch any grounded surface, such as the Wadia 521 chassis, before connecting or removing a cable. It is unlikely that a static shock will damage the unit, but it may cause the Wadia 521 circuitry to “lock-up” (see Lock-Up under Trouble Shooting).

Inputs and outputs can be safely connected to the Wadia 521

1. Before the unit is powered up

2. When the unit is in Relay-Mute mode We strongly recommend that you use your Wadia 521 connected directly to your power amplifier.

Even if you purchased your Wadia 521 with the intention of connecting it to your preamplifier, we suggest that you try direct connection to your amplifier. Many listeners are surprised by the improvement in performance over even the most expensive preamplifiers.

To connect your Wadia 521 to a power amplifier, ensure that your power amplifier is turned off then connect your analog interconnects from the Wadia 521 analog outputs to the amplifier’s inputs.

Using the Wadia 521 with a Preamplifier

While the Wadia 521 was designed to be used without a preamplifier, no compromise s were made in its design that will prevent excellent operation in a conventional system with a preamplifier.

When using a preamplifier, set the Wadia 521 volume control to its maximum level.

+ 10 hidden pages