Wadia Digital 781I, 581SE operation manual Digital Algorithms

Digital Algorithms

In the Wadia 581se/781i CD Player there are three user-selectable digital algorithms that can be used to optimize the sonic performance based on system matching and personal musical priorities.

The three algorithms in the 581se/781i CD Player all upsample to 32x the input rate (at 24 bit/1.4112 MHz DAC sample rate), but differ in their time and frequency domain characteristics. They are:

Algorithm A Digimaster v2.5. Wadia’s classic time-domain interpolation algorithm delivers a robust sound with extraordinary image Focus and re-creation of recorded space.

Algorithm B Provides a more extended top end than Algorithm A, with superior time-domain performance compared to conventional CD filters.

Algorithm C Retains the high frequency extension and superior detail resolution of Algorithm B, but with a more relaxed presentation overall.

The selected algorithm is used for 44.1 kHz (CD) and 48 kHz sources, either from the internal transport or any of the four digital inputs. For 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz and DSD (SACD) sources, Digimaster v2.5 is always used as it provides the best performance at high-sample rates.

We encourage you to become familiar with the unique sonic performance of each of these algorithms and enjoy the one that brings you optimum musical pleasure.

Selecting an Algorithm

To change the digital processing algorithm, press the Enter button on the remote control repeatedly to bring up this configuration screen:

The selected algorithm is shown on the second line of the display. Use the Up and Down Volume buttons

to scroll to the desired algorithm, then either press the Mute button or the Enter button to navigate to the ‘Save Changes?’ screen and choose ‘Yes’. The display will indicate ‘CONFIGURATION STORED’ and the output of the 581se/781i CD Player will mute for 5-10 seconds while the selected algorithm is downloaded to the two

DSP computers.

Performing an Algorithm Comparison

When comparing processing algorithms it is important to adjust the volume to compensate for the different gains of the algorithms. Without this adjustment the one which is louder will usually sound better in a short-term A/B comparison.

In the 581se/781i CD Player, algorithm A is approximately 1db higher output level than B and C (which are within

0.1db of each other). To compensate for this higher output level, increase the indicated volume setting by 2 units for algorithms B and C when comparing them to A.

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