TAV Posted June 27, 2012 Share Posted June 27, 2012 Recently took delivery of a Wadia 121 and early listening sessions are quite positive. Simple setup, no drivers, instantly recognized by my Mac Mini. The configuration is Audirvana > Mac Mini (USB) > Wadia 121 (Balanced XLR outputs) > Classe DR10 amp > Focal 1007BE speakers. Liking the digital volume control. The remote is well made and substantial feeling. I've been listening to the 2011 Reference Recordings HRx sampler (176.4kHz/24). Nice indeed. The Wadia supports up to to 192/24 on all inputs natively on a Mac. Previous DAC's in my system have been the HRT Musicstreamer II, Moon Audio 100, Moon Audio 300D, Rega DAC. This one may be a keeper. So far only downside is the bottom case says "Designed in USA, Assembled in China" I try to buy American products and had read on a trusted site that the unit was manufactured in the US. Here's a review from Audiostream: Wadia Digital 121Decoding Computer | AudioStream Link to comment
rated Posted June 28, 2012 Share Posted June 28, 2012 Have been interested in this DAC also. Any direct comparisions with the Rega? Link to comment
TAV Posted June 28, 2012 Author Share Posted June 28, 2012 Have been interested in this DAC also. Any direct comparisions with the Rega? The Rega and Wadia were not in my system at the same time so a direct comparison was not done. With that said and at a purely subjective level the Wadia is, in my opinion, more musically pleasing, has a deeper wider soundstage and is more involving. Another minor drawback I've discovered; the unit is powered on all the time with no on/off button, the volume, sampling rate & source LED's are continuously lit. There is an option to dim them a bit but they are still not exactly unobtrusive. Link to comment
Edgaronline Posted June 29, 2012 Share Posted June 29, 2012 I auditioned the Wadia two weeks ago when I was in San Fransisco. (they have low availability in Europe). A wonderfull unit with what I would call an impressive soundstage. I was not so impressed by the switching power supply. But overall, impressive performance (to the extent I was able to judge a DAC performance alone...) Finally I bought the NAD M51, because it has some practical advantages, and I like their DSP volume control as I will be replacing my preamp with the DAC. Also the M51 is reviewed to be detailled and neutral and I like that. -edgar www.edgaraudio.com <--- My DIY Audio site: full description on most items below: Synology NAS - MUSE (W7/Hiface/VDAC music player) - Edgar Audio PSI NG Interlinks - Pass Labs X2,5preamp - Edgar Audio PSI NG Balanced interlinks- Electrocompaniet AW180 power amps - Edgar Audio LSP Loudspeaker Cable - Provenance loudspeakers. Link to comment
TAV Posted June 29, 2012 Author Share Posted June 29, 2012 I auditioned the Wadia two weeks ago when I was in San Fransisco. (they have low availability in Europe). A wonderfull unit with what I would call an impressive soundstage. I was not so impressed by the switching power supply. But overall, impressive performance (to the extent I was able to judge a DAC performance alone...)Finally I bought the NAD M51, because it has some practical advantages, and I like their DSP volume control as I will be replacing my preamp with the DAC. Also the M51 is reviewed to be detailled and neutral and I like that. -edgar The Wadia has a digital volume control and I'm using it as a preamp with good results. I'm not so worried about the switching power supply and continue to very much enjoy what I'm hearing from my system right now. If anyone has considered the Wadia you owe it to yourself to audition it. Right now my only concern is slow response from Wadia support on a question regarding sampling rate switching mechanical noise ..... Link to comment
TAV Posted July 13, 2012 Author Share Posted July 13, 2012 Two week update. Still very much enjoying this highly musical DAC. I'm very surprised it has not received any more press. The only change I've made during the past two weeks is to increase the output sensitivity to better match the Classe DR10 amp from the 2v default setting (approx. +12dBV) to 4v – (approx. +6dBV). This improved the sound a bit more. I continue to be very pleased with this DAC. I've almost given up contacting Wadia on the couple of questions I had for them. I've sent emails to their support and sales addresses with no response. I decided to call and a receptionist quickly picked up and then transfered me to a Brad Anderson. That call went directly to voice mail with an outdated out of office message from late June. Sigh. So support from Wadia seems to be very poor. Such a shame. Does anyone know if they are in danger of going out of business or do they just have miserable customer support? Link to comment
TAV Posted July 23, 2012 Author Share Posted July 23, 2012 Another review of the Wadia 121 from EnjoytheMusic: Wadia 121 Decoding Computer Amazing sound and good looks at a very reasonable price. Review By Tom Lyle Link to comment
TAV Posted August 12, 2012 Author Share Posted August 12, 2012 "> ..................... I've almost given up contacting Wadia on the couple of questions I had for them. I've sent emails to their support and sales addresses with no response. I decided to call and a receptionist quickly picked up and then transfered me to a Brad Anderson. That call went directly to voice mail with an outdated out of office message from late June. Sigh. So support from Wadia seems to be very poor. Such a shame. Does anyone know if they are in danger of going out of business or do they just have miserable customer support? Final Update: Although I very much liked the musicality and features on this DAC I sadly decided to return it because of the absolutely deplorable support from Wadia. I never did receive a response to any of my three emails to various groups within Wadia including a highly placed company official. I refuse to do business with a company that ignores their customers. A shame really, as it was a very nice DAC. Link to comment
Lindeman Posted August 12, 2012 Share Posted August 12, 2012 No help from your dealer also? Asking this because i was looking at this dac a while ago and had a couple questions about it, the dealer couldn't answer them and he asked the importer who provided the answers very quickly. SOURCES| Lindemann 825, Lindemann 820S ● MacBook Pro 2010 ◊ Audirvana Plus ● Acoustic Signature Storm ◊ SME IV ◊ Sumiko Blackbird AMPS| Lindemann 830, Lindemann 858 ● Graham Slee Revelation SPEAKERS| KEF Reference 205 SUB| REL Gibraltar G1 POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER| Nordost Thor CABLING| Nordost: Valhalla XLR, Valhalla Speaker Cable + Valhalla Jumpers, Vishnu & Shiva ● Light Harmonic LightSpeed USB Cable Split Configuration ● Furutech: Lineflux XLR, Silver Arrows ● Oyaide Tunami GPX-R, Tunami GPX ● Klotz XLR to RCA Link to comment
TAV Posted August 13, 2012 Author Share Posted August 13, 2012 No help from your dealer also? Asking this because i was looking at this dac a while ago and had a couple questions about it, the dealer couldn't answer them and he asked the importer who provided the answers very quickly. The Wadia was purchased through Amazon from Listenup and I could have called Listenup. I didn't. Any manufacturer that doesn't respond to a customer inquiry is not going to get my business. One of the first times I've had such a total lack of customer service from a top tier audio brand. Link to comment
rennq Posted August 13, 2012 Share Posted August 13, 2012 FWIW, I dealt with them a few years ago via email and always received prompt replies. There's always the possibility that your emails were not received, or mistakenly ended up in their junk folder. Sometimes a phone call can sort out these types of problems. Sorry to hear the trouble. Link to comment
AudiophileWanabe Posted August 13, 2012 Share Posted August 13, 2012 Anyone had the chance to try the headphone output? Link to comment
jfkbike Posted August 14, 2012 Share Posted August 14, 2012 I am using mine exclusively with headphones and like it. I am feeding it with a 171 and am using some AT high end cans along with HD800's. I like it better than running the same 171 through either a Bel Canto DAC or a modified PS audio DAC and then a tube headphone amp I have. Not my primary listening source so I do not over analysis but it seems to be very musical. Link to comment
jfkbike Posted August 15, 2012 Share Posted August 15, 2012 "> Final Update: Although I very much liked the musicality and features on this DAC I sadly decided to return it because of the absolutely deplorable support from Wadia. I never did receive a response to any of my three emails to various groups within Wadia including a highly placed company official. I refuse to do business with a company that ignores their customers. A shame really, as it was a very nice DAC. You know they were bought by the same group that bought ARC and a few others. The even shut them down for awhile to move them. So I do not think they have their act together yet. Give them another 6 months and see if they figure it out. They have been frustrating for the past year or so. But I suspect they will get the proper management in place soon if not already done, otherwise they will be gone Edit it was longer ago than I recalled. Maybe they won't get their act together Fine Sounds Acquires Wadia Digital MILAN, ITALY/SALINE, MI, December 28, 2010 – Fine Sounds Spa, owner of Sonus Faber Spa and Audio Research Corporation, announced today it has completed the acquisition of 100% of True Wave d/b/a/ Wadia Digital, the Saline, MI based leading manufacturer and marketer of High-End Digital Audio components. The acquisition of Wadia Digital, part of Fine Sounds’ strategy of becoming a leading multi brand player in the Two Channel High-End Audio sector, brings to Fine Sounds one of the most appreciated High-End Audio Digital brands while offering product extension opportunities in the Digital Lifestyle category. Wadia Digital will extend its reference position in the high end digital sources and Digital to Analog Conversion segment. Through the resources provided by Fine Sounds, Wadia Digital will develop and expand the Series 1 “premium lifestyle” line with a complete product offering. John Schaffer will join the Board of Directors of Fine Sounds and will continue managing the Wadia brand with the full support of Fine Sounds’ team. Fine Sounds and Wadia Digital believe the transaction will deliver important benefits to Wadia's customers, partners and employees by providing opportunities for building on Fine Sounds Group’s product development capabilities and financial resources. John Schaffer, President and CEO of Wadia Digital, said: “Wadia is proud to join with the great brands of Fine Sounds. It's their appreciation of legacy and strong leadership that gives us confidence in a bright future.” Fine Sounds is managed by Galeazzo Scarampi, Chairman (25 years of Private Equity experience in Italy, Asia and USA) and Mauro Grange, CEO (CEO of Sonus Faber). Mauro Grange said: “With the acquisition of Wadia Digital, Fine Sounds acquires the digital know-how needed to face the challenges of the future. I look forward working together with John Schaffer and the rest of the team to build Wadia into an even stronger global brand” Link to comment
rennq Posted August 15, 2012 Share Posted August 15, 2012 You know they were bought by the same group that bought ARC and a few others. The even shut them down for awhile to move them. So I do not think they have their act together yet. Give them another 6 months and see if they figure it out. They have been frustrating for the past year or so. But I suspect they will get the proper management in place soon if not already done, otherwise they will be gone Edit it was longer ago than I recalled. Maybe they won't get their act together Fine Sounds Acquires Wadia Digital I forgot about that. My dealings with them was before the buy out. conglomerate A corporation consisting of several companies in different businesses. Such a structure allows for diversification of business risks, but the lack of focus can make managing the diverse businesses more difficult. The last sentence maybe sums things up. Link to comment
TAV Posted August 15, 2012 Author Share Posted August 15, 2012 I forgot about that. My dealings with them was before the buy out.conglomerate A corporation consisting of several companies in different businesses. Such a structure allows for diversification of business risks, but the lack of focus can make managing the diverse businesses more difficult. The last sentence maybe sums things up. Although Wadia have been through a series of corporate buyouts, restructurings and reorgs it looks like they've yet to find the proper formula for ongoing success. I certainly will not be buying any Wadia branded products and would question whether Fine Sounds SPa is in any position to service the audio consumer community. Link to comment
Ale Posted September 30, 2012 Share Posted September 30, 2012 I want to connect this to my 121 preamp jeff rowland concert, you can mute the volume on this Wadia 121? Thanks Link to comment
mwheelerk Posted September 30, 2012 Share Posted September 30, 2012 I want to connect this to my 121 preamp jeff rowland concert, you can mute the volume on this Wadia 121? Thanks From the user manual "Using the Wadia 121Decoding Computer with a Preamplifier While the Wadia 121Decoding Computer is designed to be used without a preamplifier, no compromises were made in its design that will prevent excellent operation in a conventional system with a preamplifier, or A/V receiver. When using a preamplifier, set the Wadia 121Decoding Computer volume control to its maximum level" "A mind is like a parachute. It doesn't work if it is not open." Frank Zappa Link to comment
Ale Posted September 30, 2012 Share Posted September 30, 2012 So it is not recommended for use with a conventional preamp. There is a line of DAC without volume-preamp section? Thank you. Link to comment
mwheelerk Posted September 30, 2012 Share Posted September 30, 2012 So it is not recommended for use with a conventional preamp. There is a line of DAC without volume-preamp section? Thank you. Other DACs like my previous Bel Canto and current T+A can function as a pre-amp but do have a switched or fixed volume control setting when being used with a preamp. Some people claim a better sound by operating the DAC directly to the amp. My purpose for doing so was simplicity of system. I connect my T+A DAC 8 directly to powered Dynaudio speakers and love my sound. "A mind is like a parachute. It doesn't work if it is not open." Frank Zappa Link to comment
Ale Posted September 30, 2012 Share Posted September 30, 2012 Sorry, I seek only a DAC D / A converter with no volume control because I already have a preamp Link to comment
chg Posted September 30, 2012 Share Posted September 30, 2012 So it is not recommended for use with a conventional preamp. There is a line of DAC without volume-preamp section? Thank you. Sorry, I seek only a DAC D / A converter with no volume control because I already have a preamp If you prefer a DAC with no volume control that's fine, but I think you missed what mwheelerk was saying. Wadia says that the 121 can be used with a preamp with no compromises. Maybe some of the more technical members could comment on the validity of that statement, but it shouldn't be an issue. FWIW: if you plan on using iTunes it has a volume control as well, but you get around it by setting the control to max (open), same principle applies to DAC w/pre. Think of a water spigot: if you open the spigot all the way you eliminate the control. Link to comment
Blake Posted September 30, 2012 Share Posted September 30, 2012 Ale: If you go back and re-read Chris' review, you will see that he used it with, and without a preamp. It absolutely works either way without any issues at all. Connect it to you preamp, listen, and then try it directly to your power amp and see what you prefer. Speaker Room: Lumin U1X | Lampizator Pacific 2 | Viva Linea | Constellation Inspiration Stereo 1.0 | FinkTeam Kim | Revel subs Office Headphone System: Lumin U1X | Lampizator Golden Gate 3 | Viva Egoista | Abyss AB1266 Phi TC Link to comment
Ale Posted October 1, 2012 Share Posted October 1, 2012 Ale: If you go back and re-read Chris' review, you will see that he used it with, and without a preamp. It absolutely works either way without any issues at all. Connect it to you preamp, listen, and then try it directly to your power amp and see what you prefer. Thanks! I hope soon to buy. Link to comment
roboss38 Posted October 9, 2012 Share Posted October 9, 2012 It's a great DAC. It works equally well with a pre-amp or without. Digital: QNAP TVS-871 > Sonore ultraRendu > Modwright Oppo 205 Analog: VPI Prime w/Kiseki Purpleheart > Zesto Audio Andros 1.2 Amp & Speakers: Modified Line Magnetic 518ia > Daedalus Audio Argos v.2 Backbone: PS Audio P5, Wireworld Silver Electra 7 powercords, Wireworld Silver Eclipse 7 interconnects, Steve Blinn Designs Audio Rack Link to comment
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