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Wadia 301 Compact Disc Player
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Owner’s Manual
Contents ______________________
Safety Precautions
2
Introduction
4
4
5
A Brief History of Wadia
Wadia 301 CD Design Philosophy
Installation
7
7
7
7
8
8
Unpacking
The Accessory Kit
Installing Batteries In Remote Control
Installing Cone Feet
Choosing a Location for the Wadia 301 CD
Connections
9
9
Connecting to AC Power
Questions about Connecting the Wadia 301 CD
Bypassing the Wadia Digital Volume Control
Connecting Directly to an Amplifier
Connecting to a Preamplifier
Adjusting the Maximum Output Voltage
Infrared Input and Pass-through
Optional Digital Inputs
Digital Output
Choosing a Digital Cable
Connecting to the Digital Inputs or Output
10
12
12
12
13
14
14
14
15
15
Operation
16
16
17
18
Front Panel Display and Controls
Remote Control
Operation Commands
Appendices
21
21
21
21
Trouble shooting
DigiMaster Software License Agreement
Environmental Care
Warranty
Specifications
22
23
3
Introduction ____________________
All of us at Wadia would like to offer thanks and congratulations to you
for purchasing the Wadia 301 Compact Disc Player. We sincerely
believe that your Wadia 301 CD is an intelligent purchase decision that
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 301 CD.
To reduce the risk of injury or damage to your Wadia 301 CD, please
read the safety instructions on the first page of this manual. In addition,
please pay particular attention to the sections of this manual where the
symbol at left is shown.
A Brief History of Wadia
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 telecommunications engineers from the Minneapolis-
based 3M Corporation 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 in that it proved the viability of Compact Disc as a
musically involving format. Wadia has continued to develop new
methods and technology and each successive product has resulted in
a new standard of performance for digital audio decoding. Here is an
abbreviated list of the technological innovations Wadia engineers
pioneered:
•
Patented DigiMaster™ up-sampling algorithm, optimized for
extracting maximum musical information from digital-audio data
stream.
•
•
First company to apply glass fiber optics to home audio.
Direct-Connect™ system to connect digital audio products directly
to amplifier.
•
•
ClockLink™ proprietary jitter-reduction technology.
Swift-Current™ zero-feedback current to voltage converter.
4
Wadia’s digital expertise and record of accomplishment exceed those
of any audio company, but 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 301 CD Player, a breakthrough
in sonic performance and value, and a strong evidence of our
dedication to music reproduction.
Wadia 301 CD Design Philosophy
The Wadia 301 Compact Disc player is the first of Wadia’s new 3 –
series, a range of products that set a new standard for performance,
aesthetics, and value. The Wadia 301 CD has received the benefit of
over 12 years and thousands of hours of development that have
resulted in the Wadia legacy. Viewed this way, the Wadia 301 CD is
one of the most outstanding values in the world of high-end music
reproduction.
Wadia Digital Volume Control with Direct-Connect™
The Digital Volume Control and Direct-Connect circuitry perform the
functions of a preamplifier while the signal is in the digital domain. This
allows the Wadia 301 CD to be connected directly to your power
amplifier, bypassing the losses inherent in conventional preamplifiers.
New in the Wadia 301 CD is the ability to optimize the output level to
match your system by setting switches on the Wadia 301 CD rear
panel.
5
Swift Current I-V Converter
The Wadia 301 CD is the first Compact Disc player in this price range to
use Wadia’s patented Swift Current technology. This proprietary,
custom-fabricated integrated circuit performs the sonically critical
current-to-voltage conversion with no negative feedback, resulting in
demonstrably superior sound quality.
The Music Comes First
As with all Wadia products, the Wadia 301 CD is the result of a design
philosophy that bridges the gap between the traditional engineering
and empirical approach to audio design. That is, Wadia engineers are
guided equally by advanced measurement techniques and extensive
listening during the development process. The result is performance
that exceeds the expectations of even the most demanding listener.
6
Installation ____________________
This section includes information on how to unpack and position your
Wadia 301 CD.
Unpacking
After carefully unpacking your Wadia 301 CD, inspect for any shipping
damage and call your dealer immediately if any is found. Do not plug
your Wadia 301 CD into any outlet if you find shipping damage.
Please save all packing materials so the unit can be easily and safely
shipped if the need arises.
The Accessory Kit
Included in the carton, you will find an accessory kit that contains the
following:
•
•
•
•
•
AC power cord
Remote Control
Two type-AAA batteries
Three cone feet and flat metal discs
One BNC-to-RCA adapter
Installing Batteries In Remote Control
The Wadia 301 CD remote control requires two batteries, which you will
find in the accessory kit. To install the batteries, unscrew the battery
cover on the back of the remote. Insert the batteries as indicated on
the battery holders, and replace the cover.
7
Installing Cone Feet
The Wadia 301 CD is equipped with three cone feet that screw into
inserts in the bottom panel. These feet will improve performance by
reducing vibration. If the Wadia 301 CD is sitting on a shelf that can be
damaged by the sharp feet, place the steel discs under each foot to
protect the shelf surface.
Choosing a Location for the Wadia 301 CD
The sound quality of all high-performance digital and analog
components can be degraded by vibration. Although the Wadia 301
CD uses some of the most advanced noise-reduction circuitry
available, it too will benefit from any efforts taken to reduce vibration.
For best performance, place the Wadia 301 CD on a solid, non-
resonant shelf that will minimize vibration.
8
Connections ____________________
This section provides instructions to connect the Wadia 301 CD to the
rest of your music system. Below is an illustration of the Wadia 301 CD
rear panel, showing all inputs and outputs.
Digital inputs (Optional)
(page 14)
IR pass through
(page 14)
AC inlet and power switch
(page 9)
IN1
IN 2
IN 3
IN 4
RIGHT
ANALOG OUTPUT
LEFT
IRIN
R
L
IROUT
DIGITAL OUTPUT
DESIGNED & MANUFACTURED
INTHE U.S.A.
Analog outputs
(page 10)
Digital output
(page 14)
Maximum Output Level Adjustment
(page 13)
Avoid allowing static shocks to be applied to the inputs or outputs. To
prevent static shocks, touch any grounded surface, such as the chassis
of a component that is plugged into an AC socket, before connecting
or removing a cable. It is unlikely that a static shock will damage the
unit, but it may cause the Wadia 301 CD circuitry to lock-up (see
Trouble Shooting in Appendices).
Inputs and outputs can be safely connected to the Wadia 301 CD:
•
•
When the AC power is switched off OR
When the unit is in Relay-Mute mode (See Mute in Operation)
Connecting to AC Power
Check to make sure your Wadia 301 CD has been manufactured for
operation at your AC line voltage. Attempting to use your Wadia 301
CD at any voltage other than specified on the rear of the unit may
cause damage that is not covered by Wadia’s warranty.
9
Using AC Line Conditioners
Of the wide range of power line conditioners currently available, some
can provide substantial improvement in sound while others actually
degrade sonic performance. Use caution in selecting a power line
conditioner for your system. In particular, avoid using inexpensive “surge
protectors”. Although these can prevent damage from high voltage
spikes, they often degrade performance.
Leaving the AC power on
The Wadia 301 CD is designed to be able to have the AC power on
with no harm or wear to the unit. To reduce wear and power
consumption, all motors and laser circuitry turn off when the unit stops
playing. Leaving the power on allows the circuitry to remain at a
constant operating temperature, providing better performance and
longer life. However, there is always a slight increase in risk of fire or
damage to any electrical component when the power is left on. We
leave the decision to leave the Wadia 301 CD powered to the
individual owner.
Break-in and warm-up
Careful listeners will notice that the sound of the Wadia 301 CD
improves steadily after the unit is powered-up. A new unit will undergo
more dramatic changes when power is applied for the first time.
Depending on the resolution of the system and the attentiveness of the
listener, you may find that the sound continues to improve over the first
several weeks of operation. If the power is disconnected for a period of
an hour or more, the unit will undergo similar but less dramatic break-in.
Questions about Connecting the Wadia 301 CD
To help you decide the best way to connect the Wadia 301 CD to your
system, read the following list of question asked by Wadia owners:
10
Direct-Connect™ or Pre-Amplifier?
The Wadia 301 CD is designed to produce excellent performance in
systems with or without preamplifiers. However, in many systems a
preamplifier is unnecessary when using your Wadia 301 CD. The Direct
Connect technology incorporated into the Wadia 301 CD provides all
the necessary control functions of a preamplifier while the signal is still
in the digital domain. This avoids the sonic degradation caused by
analog circuitry, switches, and wire. The Direct-Connect output stage
can drive any power amplifier and any interconnects, even very long
lengths. Many listeners are surprised by the improvement in
performance compared to even the most expensive preamplifiers.
Even if you purchased your Wadia 301 CD with the intention of
connecting it through a preamplifier, we suggest that you experiment
with direct connection to your amplifier.
Does Direct-Connect™ compromise performance with a preamplifier?
Although we encourage listeners to bypass their preamplifier, the
Wadia 301 CD is not compromised in any way when used with a
preamplifier. The Wadia 301 CD performs all preamplifier functions
such as input selection and volume control in the digital domain. As a
result, there is no circuitry associated with Direct-Connect that affects
the audio performance. The Wadia 301 CD offers uncompromised
performance in systems with and without preamplifiers.
How should I connect Analog Sources?
To use analog sources in a system using Wadia’s Direct Connect
system, Wadia has introduced the Wadia 130 and 150 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.
11
Bypassing the Wadia Digital Volume Control
Strictly speaking, the Wadia Digital Volume Control cannot be
bypassed, because it is not in the analog signal path to begin with.
Unlike conventional volume controls, there is absolutely no circuitry in
the analog signal path of the Wadia Digital Volume Control -- no
passive parts, switch contacts, resistors, or even circuit board traces.
The Wadia Digital Volume Control operates in the digital domain; it
comprises one computer-programming step in the Wadia’s digital filter
algorithm. Even this program step cannot be bypassed, because it
performs the important function of preventing the digital signal from
exceeding the maximum level that can be processed by the digital to
analog converter chips.
If you are connecting the Wadia 301 CD to a preamplifier or amplifier
with a volume control, you can set the Wadia 301 CD volume control
to the maximum level (99).
Connecting Directly to an Amplifier
To connect your Wadia 301 CD to a power amplifier, ensure that your
power amplifier is turned off, and then connect your analog
interconnects from the Wadia 301 CD balanced or unbalanced
analog outputs to the amplifier’s inputs.
Connecting to a Preamplifier
To connect the Wadia 301 CD, simply connect the balanced or
unbalanced analog outputs from the Wadia 301 CD to a pair of line-
level inputs on the preamplifier.
When using a preamplifier, turn the Wadia 301 CD volume control to its
maximum volume (99).
12
Adjusting the Maximum Output Voltage
The Maximum Output Voltage is the output voltage when the volume
control is set to maximum setting (99). The Maximum Output Voltage is
factory set to 4.0 V on the balanced output and 2.0 V on the
unbalanced output. You can adjust the Maximum Output Voltage on
the Wadia 301 CD to match your system by setting the two small
switches on the rear panel as shown in the table below.
13
Infrared Input and Pass-through
The Wadia 301 CD is equipped with a pair of 1/8" mini-plug infrared (IR)
pass-through jacks. The IR pass-through jacks can be used with an IR
receiver/transmitter system to send remote control commands directly
to the Wadia 301 CD. This may be useful for example, if the Wadia 301
CD is located outside the field of view of your listening position.
Optional Digital Inputs
Digital inputs are available as an option on the Wadia 301 CD. The
digital inputs allow you to connect other digital sources and receive the
benefits of Wadia’s decoding performance. The Wadia 301 CD Digital
Input card has the following inputs:
Input 1: Glass-fiber optical
Input 2: Coaxial with BNC connector
Input 3: Coaxial with BNC connector
Input 4: Plastic-optical TOSLINK
All inputs automatically adjust to any of the standard digital-audio
data-rates from 32 to 96 kHz.
Digital Output
The Wadia 301 CD is equipped with one digital output to allow the
internal CD transport to feed another component, such as a digital
recording device. The digital output is a S/PDIF signal on a high-quality
BNC jack.
14
Choosing a Digital Cable
For maximum performance we recommend using an ST glass-optical
cable, which can be purchased from your Wadia dealer, for any
digital audio connections. Wadia Digital was the first company to use
glass fiber-optic data-transmission in digital audio and we believe that
it offers the best performance of all the available options. Based on our
experience, here is a list of digital interface methods in descending
order of performance:
1. ST-type Glass optical (as implemented by Wadia, with high
quality glass-optical cable)
2. AES/EBU using XLR connector
3. Coaxial S/PDIF cable using BNC connector
4. Coaxial S/PDIF 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 S/PDIF cable can
outperform a low-quality AES/EBU cable. A high-quality AES/EBU cable
may outperform a poorly implemented glass-optical system
If you are using a coaxial S/PDIF connection, we recommend having
the cable terminated with a BNC connector. This will provide higher
performance than an RCA connector. Your Wadia 301 CD input kit
comes with an RCA/BNC adapter that can be used for experimentation
between different types of coaxial S/PDIF cables.
Again, we highly recommend that you take advantage of your dealer’s
experience and, most importantly, trust your ears.
Connecting to the Digital Inputs or Output
To connect to either the digital inputs or output of the Wadia 301 CD,
simply connect the appropriate digital input or output to the outboard
component.
15
Operation ______________________
This section describes how to operate the Wadia 301 CD.
Note: When loading a disc, place it on the loading tray with the
printed label facing down.
Front Panel Display and Controls
Below is an illustration of the Wadia 301 CD front panel display and
controls. Refer to the table on page 17 for information on each control.
Display
CD PLAYER
OPEN/CLOSE
Front Panel Controls
16
adia 301 CD remote control. Refer to the
r information about each command.
AUSE
PLAY
PGM
17
Operation Commands
Shown below is a table of all the controls on the front panel and the
remote to operate your Wadia 301 CD. Refer to the page number
noted for more information about each command.
Command
Open/Close
Icon
Description
Open or close loading
drawer
Control Location
Page
18
Front panel and remote
Play
To begin playing disc
Stop playing
Front panel and remote
Front panel and remote
Front panel and remote
Front panel and remote
Front panel and remote
Front panel and remote
Front panel and remote
Remote only
18
18
18
19
19
19
19
19
20
20
20
20
20
20
Stop
Pause
Pause playing
Skip forward
Skip back
Move to next track
Move to beginning of
current track
Skip back
(repeated)
Move to beginning of
previous tracks
Volume
Up/Down
Increase or decrease
playback level
Mute
Mute output
Select internal CD transport
or external digital inputs
Input
Remote only
Invert
Invert output 180º
Remote only
Repeat tracks, disc or
program
Repeat
1-10 (key pad)
>10
Remote only
Select tracks or program
Remote only
Select tracks with track
numbers greater than ten.
Remote only
Program
Used to create program
Remote only
OPEN/CLOSE
Pressing the OPEN/CLOSE key causes the disc-loading drawer to either
open or close. You can also close the drawer by gently pushing on the
drawer front, or by pressing PLAY or SKIP FORWARD.
PLAY
Pressing PLAY causes the unit to begin playing. If the drawer is open,
pressing PLAY will close the drawer before playing begins.
STOP
Pressing STOP causes the disc to stop playing.
PAUSE
Pressing PAUSE suspends playing until play is pressed, or until pause is
pressed again. Playing will resume at the same point on the CD where
the pause button was pressed.
18
SKIP FORWARD/SKIP BACK
Pressing these keys skips to the next or previous track. SKIP FORWARD
always moves to the next track. However, the function of the SKIP BACK
key is different. If a CD is playing, pressing SKIP BACK once will return to
the beginning of the current track. Pressing SKIP BACK repeatedly will
select the previous tracks. If the CD is not playing, then pressing SKIP
BACK will move to the previous track.
VOLUME UP/DOWN
Pressing these keys increases or decreases volume by 0.5 dB for each
time the key is pressed. The two-digit LED on the front panel indicates
the volume level, with a range of 0-99. When the volume is set to zero
the output is muted. Volume level of 01 is –50dB from maximum
output, and each successive step increases the output by ½ dB until
maximum output is reached and the display indicates 99.
MUTE
The Wadia 301 CD has two mute modes that are automatically
implemented under different circumstances.
1. Software Mute: When the MUTE key is pressed on the remote
control, the Wadia 301 CD DSP engine transmits a stream of zero
signal-level samples to the DAC section, which results in zero
output.
2. Relay Mute: The Wadia 301 CD has mute relay connected
between the positive and negative outputs. When this relay is
engaged, it connects the positive output to the negative output,
reducing the output to zero. This relay, which produces an audible
click when it engages or disengages, is not in the music signal
path. The mute relay is engaged under any of the following three
conditions:
•
•
Each time the Wadia 301 CD power switch is turned on.
When the Wadia 301 CD detects AC input level below its
minimum operating range.
•
When the volume control is set to zero AND the MUTE key on
the remote control is pressed.
When the Wadia 301 CD is in either software or relay mute, the Mute
indicator on the front panel will illuminate. Note that the CD will
continue playing even when the output is muted.
19
INPUT
The Wadia 301 CD can be configured with four optional digital inputs
(See section on Optional Inputs). Each time the INPUT key is pressed,
the next input is selected. For example, if you are listening to the
internal CD drive, and you press the INPUT, Input 1 will be selected.
Press it again, and Input 2 will be selected and so on. After Input 4, the
list will begin again with the internal CD drive.
INVERT
Pressing the INVERT key on the remote control will cause the Wadia 301
CD to invert phase; pressing it again will switch the phase back to
normal. When the phase is inverted, the INVERT indicator on the front
panel will illuminate.
REPEAT
Pressing this button once will cause the current track to repeat
continuously. Pressing the REPEAT key a second time will repeat the
entire disc or program continuously. Pressing it a third time will stop
repeating. The repeat mode is indicated by the front panel display.
PROGRAM
The PROGRAM key can be used to create a program to play tracks on
a disc in any order you choose. Follow these steps to create a
program:
1. While the unit is stopped, use the SKIP keys to select the first
track in the program.
2. Press the PROGRAM key to enter that track into the program
3. Repeat until all desired tracks are entered.
4. Press PLAY to hear the tracks in the program order
5. Opening the disc loading drawer or turning the power off will
erase the program.
Direct Access Keypad
Use the direct access keypad to move directly to any track on the disc.
For track numbers greater than 10, use the >10 key to set the first digit
and then one of the number keys for the second digit.
20
Appendices _____________________
Trouble Shooting
If the Wadia 301 CD 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 301 CD should lock-up, unplug the AC cord. Wait at least
30 seconds before plugging the unit in again. If the unit still does not
operate normally, contact your dealer.
DigiMaster Software License Agreement
The DigiMaster software is copyrighted and patented and is the
property of Wadia.
Title to Licensed Software is not transferred to the customer. The
customer is granted a nonexclusive license to use the Licensed
Software on a single CD Player basis. The Licensed Software cannot be
shared among multiple CD Players. Each CD Player must have its own
separately Licensed Software.
At the sole discretion of Wadia, the customer may be provided 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 Digital makes every effort to minimize our environmental
impact. We greatly appreciate it when our customers join our efforts.
Please dispose of batteries and packing material in a manner that is
environmentally responsible.
21
Warranty _____________________
This Warranty covers the Wadia 301 CD Player. Wadia, warrants that this
product shall be free from defects in materials and workmanship for:
one year for the player mechanism’s mechanical structure and
associated electronics, and five years for all other parts of the product
(excluding batteries).
The warranty period begins at the date of sale and is subject to the
following requirements and understandings:
•
•
•
The product must not have been modified in any manner
whatsoever, or the warranty is immediately voided.
The product must not have been stored in a humid, damp
environment; nor subjected to weather, water, or salt spray.
During the warranty period Wadia will repair the Wadia 301 CD to
working order, or, at the discretion of Wadia, replace a unit with a
similar available product.
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 301 Compact Disc
player. Wadia will not pay for loss of use or inconvenience caused by
the failure of a Wadia 301 Compact Disc player, nor for damage
caused to other audio components caused by the failure of the Wadia
301 Compact Disc Player within the limits allowed by State Law.
All repairs performed after the warranty period has expired will be billed
to the owner and will carry a 90-day warranty on parts and labor.
The customer is responsible for 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 repairs.
Wadia will not cover special shipping methods or services.
All service must be performed by Wadia or an authorized service
facility. This product is only warranted in the country of original sale.
22
Specifications ___________________
Pickup Mechanism:.................................................... Pioneer Stable Platter
Decoding Software: ................................................... DigiMaster upsampling algorithm
Digital Processing Capability .................................... 24 Bits
Digital Volume Control Range.................................... 50 dB in one-hundred 1/2 dB steps
Analog Outputs.......................................................... 1 pair of Balanced (XLR);
1 pair of Unbalanced (RCA).
Both can be used simultaneously.
The balanced outputs use the standard audio pin
configuration: pin 1 is ground, pin 2 is positive, and
pin 3 is negative.
Digital Output............................................................. 1 - S/PDIF (BNC)
Digital Inputs (Optional).............................................. 1 - Glass Fiber-Optic (ST);
2 - S/PDIF (BNC);
1 - Plastic Optical (Toslink).
Output Impedance.................................................... 75 ohms
Power Consumption................................................... 18 watts
Weight........................................................................ 18 lbs.; 22 lbs. including carton
Dimensions ................................................................ Width:
17.2”
16“
(43.7 cm)
(40.6 cm)
Depth:
Height:
with tiptoes:
without tiptoes 3.9
4.7”
(11.9 cm)
(9.9 cm)
2001 Wadia
Subject to change without notice.
23
795 Highla nd Drive Ann Arbor MI 48108 734.975.4217 te l 734.975.4299 fa x www.wa dia .c om
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