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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
381/381i CD Player. All things being equal, properly implemented balanced (also called differential) circuitry
sounds better than unbalanced circuitry. The Wadia 381/381i CD 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
381/381i CD Player is designed to maintain many of the advantages of true balanced design when using the
unbalanced outputs. In addition, the Wadia 381/381i CD Player 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 381/381i CD Player. The Wadia 381/381i CD 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 381/381i CD 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 381/381i CD 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 381/381i CD 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 381/381i CD Player with the power on?
The Wadia 381/381i CD 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 Turning 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 381/381i CD Player 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 381/381i CD Player for
more than an hour, you will find that the unit will undergo similar, but less dramatic improvement once power
is reapplied.