Why should I bypass the Preamplifier?

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I use a Power Line Conditioner?

The Wadia 931 Digital Controller and Wadia 921 Mono Decoding Computers are designed to be used without AC power line conditioners. Similarly, Wadia products are designed to achieve outstanding performance with the AC power cords included with the units.

If you wish to experiment, we recommend that you proceed with caution. Only purchase an after-market AC power accessory if you are absolutely convinced that it improves sound quality. If you have any question, we strongly recommend that you consult your dealer, or contact Wadia directly. Most importantly, trust your own ears.

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 series 9 Decoding Computer System.

All things being equal, properly implemented balanced (also called differential) circuitry sounds better than unbalanced circuitry. The Wadia series 9 Decoding Computer System 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 series 9 Decoding Computer System is designed to maintain many of the advantages of true balanced design when using the unbalanced outputs. In addition, the Wadia 921 Mono Decoding Computer 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 series 9 Decoding Computer System. The system provides all of the necessary control function 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 series 9 Decoding Computer System output stage can drive any power amplifier and any interconnects, even at very long lengths.

Can I connect an Analog Source to my Wadia 931 Digital Controller?

Analog sources are connected to the Wadia 931 Digital Controller by using an analog-to-digital converter, such as the Wadia 17, Wadia 130, or Wadia 150, to convert the signal to digital, and by connecting to any of the Wadia 931 Digital Controller digital inputs.

Does the Wadia Volume Control compromise resolution?

Wadia’s patented digital filtering algorithm produces a 24 bit output rather than the 16 bits stored on a CD. This high-resolution signal is then used in the computations which in turn reduce the volume level and is fed directly to the DAC chips. This allows the Wadia to maintain high resolution at the lowest volume settings.

Can I bypass the Wadia Volume Control?

Because the Digital Volume Control does not include any analog circuitry, there is technically none to be bypassed. If you would like to bypass the Wadia Volume Control, set it to its maximum level of 100 on the display.