Wadia Digital 581 User Manual
581 Disc Player
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Thank You
All of us at Wadia would like to offer thanks and congratulations to you for purchasing the Wadia 581 Disc
Player. We sincerely believe that your Wadia 581 Disc Player 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 581 Disc Player.
If you are in a hurry to begin listening, please 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 were 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 balance of technology shaped by a
passion for music.
Wadia is proud to introduce the Wadia 581 Disc Player, a breakthrough in sonic performance and value, and a
strong statement of our years of dedication to music.
Table of Contents
Preliminaries
Brief History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Installation and Set-up
Unpacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Installing the Tip-Toes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Connecting to Your System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Connecting to AC Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Connecting Directly to a Power Amplifier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Using with a Preamplifier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Optimizing the Output Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Connecting Digital Sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Choosing a Digital Cable (Wadia 581i only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Frequently Asked Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
General Operation
Front Panel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Display Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Display Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Remote Control Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Theory of Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Menu Screen Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Playback Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Digital Algorithms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Appendices
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Software License Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Environmental Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Safety Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
581 Disc Player Information & Operation Manual
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581 Disc Player
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Installation and Set-up
Unpacking
Use care in unpacking your Wadia 581 Disc Player. Inspect it for any shipping damage and call your dealer
immediately if any is found.
Do not plug your Wadia 581 Disc Player 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 581 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
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 581 Disc Player 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.
Connecting to Your System
Check to make sure your Wadia 581 Disc Player 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 to AC Power
The best performance is obtained when the Wadia 581is Disc Player 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 581 Disc Player chassis, before connecting or removing a cable. It is
unlikely that a static shock will damage the unit, but it may cause the Wadia 581 circuitry to “lock-up” (see
Lock-Up under Tr ouble Shooting).
Inputs and outputs can be safely connected to the Wadia 581 Disc Player
1 Before the unit is powered up
2 When the unit is in Relay-Mute mode
We strongly recommend that you use your Wadia 581 Disc Player connected directly to your power amplifier.
Even if you purchased your Wadia 581 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 581 Disc Player to a power amplifier, ensure that your power amplifier is turned off
then connect your analog interconnects from the Wadia 581 analog outputs to the amplifier’s inputs.
Using with a Preamplifier
While the Wadia 581 Disc Player was designed to be used without a preamplifier, no compromises were made
in its design that will prevent excellent operation in a conventional system with a preamplifier.
When using a preamplifier, set the Wadia 581 Disc Player volume control to its maximum level.
CHECK
VOLTAGE
HERE
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581 Disc Player
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Optimizing the Output Level
Best performance is obtained when operating the Wadia Volume Control near the top of its range. If needed,
the maximum output level of your Wadia 581 Disc Player can be adjusted to match the overall sensitivity of your
system so that the critical listening will take place with the volume control operating near the top of its range.
The maximum output level of the Wadia 581 Disc Player is adjustable by means of a set of internal switches.
The Wadia 581 Disc Player is factory set to accommodate the most common range of system sensitivity. If
you find that your typical volume level during critical listening is below 65 on the volume display, it will be
advantageous to use a different setting. To change the output level, consult your dealer.
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Connecting to Other Digital Sources
The Wadia 581i Disc Player is equipped with digital inputs which can accept digital signals from any of the
established digital formats. Input 1: Glass-fiber optical Input 2: Coaxial with BNC connector Input 3: Plastic-optical
TOSLINK Input 4: AES/EBU with XLR connector
The Wadia 581i Disc Player digital inputs will decode any word length up to 24-bit, and any of the standard
digital audio sampling frequencies up to 96kHz.
Choosing a Digital Cable (Wadia 581i only)
While the Wadia 581i Disc Player supports all currently accepted transmission formats for digital audio, we
recommend using a high quality glass-fiber cable such as the one available from Wadia. Wadia Digital was the
first company to use glass fiber-optic data transmission in digital audio. We have continually improved this
format and believe that it offers the best, most consistent performance of all the available options.
Based on our experience, here is a list of digital interface methods in descending order of performance:
1 Glass optical (as implemented by Wadia)
2 AES/EBU using XLR connector
3 Coaxial cable using BNC connector
4 Coaxial cable using RCA connector
5 TOSLINK plastic-optical cable
The quality of any of these transmission methods depends on the quality of the cable and the sophistication of
the transmitter and receiver. For example, a high quality coaxial cable can outperform a low quality AES/EBU
cable. A high quality AES/EBU cable will outperform a poorly implemented glass optical system.
If you are using a coaxial cable we recommend that you have the cable terminated with a BNC connector. This
will provide higher performance than an RCA connector. Your Wadia 581 comes with an RCA/BNC adapter that
can be used for experimentation between different types of coaxial cable.
Again, we highly recommend that you take advantage of your dealer’s experience and, most importantly,
trust your ears.
All XLR-type inputs and outputs on the Wadia 581i Disc Player, both digital and analog, use the standard audio
pin configuration:
Pin 1 - Ground
Pin 2 - Positive signal
Pin 3 - Negative signal
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use a Balanced or Unbalanced connection?
If your amplifier has a true balanced input, we recommend you use the balanced analog output from your
Wadia 581 Disc Player. All things being equal, properly implemented balanced (also called differential) circuitry
sounds better than unbalanced circuitry. The Wadia 581 Disc Player is a true balanced design. It generates the
inverted signal in the digital domain and all subsequent processing is done in balanced mode. Your Wadia 581
Disc Player is designed to maintain many of the advantages of true balanced design when using the unbalanced
outputs. In addition, the Wadia 581 output stage is capable of driving both types of outputs simultaneously.
Why should I bypass the Preamplifier?
A preamplifier is unnecessary when using your Wadia 581 Disc Player. The Wadia 581 Disc Player provides all
the necessary control functions of a preamp while the signal is still in the digital domain. This avoids the sonic
degradation caused by analog circuitry, switches, and wire. The Wadia 581 Disc Player output stage can drive
any power amplifier and any interconnects, even at very long lengths.
Does the Wadia Volume Control compromise resolution?
The Wadia 581 Disc Player 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 24 bit output rather than the 16 bits stored on
the CD. This high-resolution signal is then used in the computations which in turn reduce the volume level. This
new signal is fed directly to the DAC chips. Through this innovative method, the Wadia 581 Disc Player 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 of 100 on the display.
What about Analog Sources?
In order to fully realize the potential of this type of system, Wadia has a range of Analog-to-Digital converters.
Now it is possible to use analog sources, such as a tuner, tape deck, or even a turntable (in conjunction with a
suitable phono stage) in your system without using a conventional analog preamplifier. Consult your dealer for
more information on the Wadia Analog-to-Digital products.
Should I leave the Wadia 581 Disc Player with the power on?
The Wadia 581 Disc Player is designed to be left with the power on with no harm or wear to the unit. All
motors and laser circuitry turn off when the unit stops playing. If desired, the front display can be turned off
(see Tu rning off the Display under Remote Operation). Leaving the power on allows the circuitry to remain
in thermally stable, which provides better performance and longer life. Careful listeners will notice that the
sound of the Wadia 581 Disc Player will improve steadily after the unit is poweredup. A new unit will undergo
more dramatic changes when power is applied for the first time. If you turn off your Wadia 581 for more than an
hour, you will find that the unit will undergo similar, but less dramatic improvement once power is reapplied.
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