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170iTransport - Frequently Asked Questions

iTransport FAQ

 What is up-sampling?

Digital up-sampling has been getting a lot of attention recently, and for good reason: up-sampling can provide tremendous sonic benefit. At Wadia we have been incorporating patented, high-performance synchronous up-sampling systems into our CD Players and Decoding Computers since 1988. We welcome the new attention being paid to up-sampling and would like to explain the technology behind it. Read our techincal bulletin article on up-sampling and Wadia Technology

Why use and A-to-D converter?

Read our overview: Using an A-to-D Converters with Wadia Direct Connect 

Should I use a Balanced or Unbalanced connection?

We recommend you use the balanced analog output from your WADIA front-end, connected to a true balanced input. All things being equal, properly implemented balanced (also called differential) circuitry sounds better than unbalanced circuitry. Wadia products are a true balanced design. They generate the inverted signal in the digital domain and all subsequent processing is done in balanced mode. Your Wadia is designed to maintain many of the advantages of true balanced design when using the unbalanced outputs. In addition, the output stage of Wadia CD Players and Decoding Computers are capable of driving both types of outputs simultaneously. The balanced outputs use the standard audio pin configuration: pin 1 is ground, pin 2 is positive, and pin 3 is negative.

Why should I bypass the Preamplifier?

A preamplifier is unnecessary when using a Wadia CD Player or Decoding Computer featuring Digital Volume Control. The Wadia Direct Connect technology incorporated into Wadia products, provide 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 Direct-Connect output stage can drive any power amplifier and any interconnects, even very long lengths.

Does the WADIA Volume Control compromise resolution?

The Wadia Compact Disc Players and Decoding Computers and all upgrades featuring volume control use the latest generation of Wadia's proprietary Digital Volume Control. The volume level is adjusted 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 DigiMaster 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, Wadia products featuring volume control maintain high resolution even at the lowest volume control settings.

What about Analog Sources?

To use analog sources in an otherwise digital 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 130, 150, and other future Wadia Analog-to-Digital products.

Should I leave the power on?

All current Wadia products are designed to be left with the power on, producing no harm or wear to the unit. 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. Careful listeners will notice that the sound of a Wadia 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 for more than an hour, you will find that the unit will undergo similar but less dramatic improvement once power is reapplied. 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. Although there are many theories on why this occurs, none have been proven. Years of listening experience, however, have confirmed this phenomenon.