Wadax_PRE-1_Manual ()
Contents
1. PRE1 PHONO USER MANUAL Thank you for purchasing the WADAX PRE1 Phono Please take some time to read this manual It will provide you with useful information to make your pleasure of listening to the PRE1 even higher Index Introduction 4 Set up and Installation 6 E Preliminaries 6 E Unpacking 6 Choice of amplifier location 7 E Power Supply 7 E Connections 9 E RC1 Remote Control 12 E Phono section 16 Defeating the line stage Phono stage and Pure DAC 20 E PRE1 Phono REMAPPING 21 E Hermes Streaming 22 Recommendations to obtain the best results 23 E Cleaning 23 INTRODUCTION PRE1 UNIVERSAL PREAMPLIFIER The PRE1 is an extremely high quality universal preamplifier Equipped with analog and digital in puts and analog outputs the PRE1 is for any user seeking a unique immersive playback expe rience it can be integrated into any system or can become part of the Wadax System concept Following Wadax design criteria of extreme performance and simplicity the PRE1 acts both as a State of the Art preamplifier and digital analogue converter This way the playback chain is shor ter more accurate more musical The PRE1 accepts inputs from a computer USB and Ethernet hi fi equipment SPDIF TOSLINK BNC and stereo line inputs and phono cartridge PRE1 PHONO It can also be connected to any amplifier through its singled ended or balanced outputs Internal design follows a true balanced topology and2. back quality standards The way signal is handled reconstruc ted and delivered is different from what is used until now Please refer to WADAX PRE1 PHONO white paper for further info For installation please ensure that the cartridge output is Phono INPUT Phono INPUT sent directly to the PRE1 PHONO WITHOUT any step up de Cartridge type vice in between If done the message ANALOG OVERLOAD Gain selection will be shown on the PRE1 display Once connected please choose cartridge type with the level switch MC MM In the way the PRE1 Phono operates there is no need to do any cartridge loading adjustment as in traditional analog equip ment The last step is GAIN selection Ideally the gain setting should be as high as possible without re ceiving ANALOG OVERLOAD message on the display The recommendation is to start with highest gain setting 2 and decrease it if the message appears The gain order is 2 for top gain 1 for middle gain and 0 for the lowest 16 SETUP AND INSTALLATION PRE1 PHONO WARNING Ona PRE1 Phono the ANALOG 1 input will not work Please use ANALOGZ2 input instead IMPORTANT Each output is available BOTH on single ended and balanced The output signal is the same IMPORTANT If you require more output level power is doubled on the balanced output gt gt gt 17 SETUP AND INSTALLATION PRE1 PHONO OUTPUTS FOR STOCK UNCUSTOMIZED UNITS The PRE1 Phono
3. it has digital outputs in order to connect the PRE1 with digital input speakers for a lossless connection The latest feature added to the PRE1 15 the phono module which allows the most accurate and musical vinyl playback created to date Wadax NanoVolt amplifier inside the PRE1 Phono amplfy weak analog sig nals from MC or MM cartridges before converting the signal to digital WARNING No connection or manipulation may be made before reading these instructions and ob serving all safety warnings This extremely high quality Preamplifier possesses new tech nical features which are or will become necessary for accurate power amplification of high quality analog sources Observe general electrical safety precautions particularly with regard to avoiding water moisture and heat To reduce the risk of electric shock do not remove the covers and refer servicing to qualified personnel The installation instructions must be carried out in full and the mentioned precautions taken to provide the satisfaction the PRE1 is designed to pro vide and to avoid jeopardizing personal and equipment safety or impairing performance Nevertheless in the PRE1 Preamplifier Wadax engineering excellence delivers ex treme performance in simple and convenient format that we hope you will enjoy for many years to come A SETUP AND INSTALLATION PRELIMINARIES For exacting technicians musicians and all high fidelity music purists who
4. demand the very best in reproduction we strongly recommend the use of top quality power amplifiers since most ofthe analog signal integrity delivered by the preamplifier it can be destroyed by using lower quality amplifiers The connection between the analog sources and the preamplifier as well as between the preamplifier and the power amplifiers are also critical Ultra low reflection interconnect cables are absolutely mandatory to retain the time integrity that the preamplifier is designed to provide UNPACKING You will find within the two WADAX PRE1 PHONO transit boxes The PRE1 Phono The mains powercord E This manual The RC1 Remote Control Please keep the packaging in case you need to transport the PRE1 any time in the future This packa ging has been designed specifically to protect the PRE1 in transit Use of alternative packaging is likely to result in damage invalidating warranty cover SETUP AND INSTALLATION CHOICE OF PREAMPLIFIER LOCATION The Wadax PRE1 has been especially designed to minimize vibration effects on the audiocircuits The preamplifier has been designed with four adjustable conical feet These are used to ensure proper vi bration transmission to the preamplifier support in order to evacuate all detrimental vibrations inside the unit following Wadax Mechalock fundamentals WARNING Ifthe line voltage provided is not appropriate as supplied please consult your dealer ATTENTION A
5. has 2 sets of stereo ouputs and the output is a RIAA reconstruction with an improved time alignment This is to compensate for the common time distortion footprint during the cut process This is how the PRE1 15 delivered from the factory NOTE Each output is available BOTH on single ended and balanced The output signal is the same NOTE If you require more output level power is doubled on the balanced output NOTE The EARTH connection will provide the connection to ground the turntable Earth connection Phono output connections EARTH Output 2 1 Output2 Output 1 Right Channel Left Channel 18 SETUP AND INSTALLATION PRE1 PHONO OUTPUTS FOR CUSTOMIZED OR MAPPED UNITS The PRE1 Phono has 2 sets of stereo outputs 1 Advanced RIAA The reconstruction has an improved time alignment This is to compensate for the com mon time distortion footprint during the cut process Output 1 2 Ultimate performance Custom mapping using the Wadax custom LP and some Wadax dealer equip ment each user system is mapped into the musIC chip for the best possible recovery of delicate music signals stored in the LP Output 2 NOTE Each output is available BOTH on single ended and balanced The output signal is the same NOTE If you require more output level power is doubled on the balanced output NOTE The EARTH connection will provide the connection to ground the turntable Earth connection Phono output c
6. recorded this way It is a good listening practice to find best results inverting absolute polarity CLEANING Use a soft dry cloth to wipe dust off the music system Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners Wipe dust off the surfaces using dry soft cloth To remove stains or dirt use a soft damp cloth and a solution of water and mild detergent such as washing up liquid 23 Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment WEEE Environmental protection The European Parliament and the Council of the European Union have issued the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive The purpose of the Directive is the prevention of waste of electrical and electronic equipment and to promote the reuse and recycling and other forms of recovery of such waste As such the Di rective concerns producers distributors and consumers EI The WEEE directive requires that both manufacturers and end consumers dispose of electrical and electronic equipment and parts in an environmentally safe manner and that equipment and waste are reused or recovered for their materials or energy Electrical and electronic equipment and parts must not be disposed of with ordinary household refuse all electrical and electronic equipment and parts must be collected and disposed of separately Products and equipment which must be collected for reuse recycling and other forms of recoveryare marked with the pictogram shown When disposing of electrical and ele
7. NSTALLATION CONNECTIONS OUTPUTS WADAX DIGITAL OUTPUT SPDIF OUT AUX SYNC OUT WADAX D GITAL OUT y OUT Ojo Si WELK SYNC STREAM OUTPUT 2 OUTPUT 1 OUTPUT 2 OUTPUT 1 RIGHT CHANNEL RIGHT CHANNEL LEFT CHANNEL LEFT CHANNEL 11 SETUP AND INSTALLATION RC1 REMOTE CONTROL The WADAX PRE1 is designed to capture control shape and nurture the fragile source inputs supporting adjustment of volume and balance and other functions to deliver your desired output signal The primary control functions supporting these processes are outlined below The RC1 Remote control uses 2 x CR3032 3V batteries lt lt EN ok setup 12 SETUP AND INSTALLATION RC1 REMOTE CONTROL To activate STANDBY mode use the remote control top right key To select the source you want to listen to use the left hand rotary switch or use the remote control keys 1 9 1 to 7 access digital inputs and 8 9 for analog inputs DIGITAL INPUTS ANALOG INPUTS 1 2 RCA SPDIF 8 PHONO PRE1 Phono 3 BNC SPDIF Analog IN1 PRE1 4 AES EBU 9 Analog IN2 5 HERMES IF INSTALLED 6 TOSLINK GU 7 USB 13 SETUP AND INSTALLATION RC1 REMOTE CONTROL a To change VOLUME BALANCE MUTE The right hand volume level adjustment knob is used to adjust VOLUME If volume is set to a value of zero outputs will be muted To change BALANCE from left to right the
8. ctronic equipment by use of the collection systems available in your country you protect the environment human health and contribute to the prudent and rational use of natural resources Collecting electrical and electronic equipment and waste prevents the po tential contamination of nature with the hazardous substances which maybe present in electrical and electronic products and equipment Your Wadax retailer will assist with and advise you of the correct way of disposal in your country 24 SPECIFICATIONS 1 PRE1 PHONO HERMES Power consumption ON Stand by 30W lt 1 5W Digital input lock range SPDIF 32 192 KHz 16 24 bits BNC 32 192 KHz 16 24 bits TOSLINK 32 96 KHz 16 24 bits USB lock range KHz No driver is needed 48 KHz 16 24 bits Digital output BNC SPDIF 96KHz 24 bits Hermes Streaming 32 192KHz 16 24 bits Supported formats FLAC ALAC WMA WAV Analog inputs impedance 18kohms Analog input voltage at overload 4V rms Analog outputs impedance RCA XLR 75 ohms 150 ohms Max output voltage RCA XLR per leg 5Vrms Wadax Digital Outputs RJ45 carrying high definition data traffic intended for WADAX SPEAKERS Phono loading 100 Ohms 100pF MM 47KOhms 100pF Custom mode compensates all loading effects in vinyl subsystem Weight 20Kg 44 Lbs Dimensions WxDxH 46 9cm 34 1cm 10 1 18 46 x13 42 x3 98 This product is conformity with the provisions of the Dir
9. ectives 25 WADAX NORTH AMERICA www wadax us info wadax us R250712 NOTES 27
10. ers even if the preamplifier is disconnected from the mains supply by accident SETUP AND INSTALLATION CONNECTIONS Warning Always remember that a plug with bared connectors is dangerous if in contact with a live socket This appliance must be earthed Connect the non rewireable power cord supplied to the back of the power supply and plug it into the nearest wall plug Use only a 3 lugs grounded plug for safety and noise reasons Replacement mains leads can be obtai ned from your Wadax retailer To get the best sound of the preamplifier avoid any multiple plugs or extension cords Warning Take care to always handle the cable by the connectors Never twist the cable ex cessively or attempt to connect or disconnect the connector by handling the cable body in place of the connector Connect the cabling from the power supply output to the preamplifier input point labeled Power Warning The next stage in setting up your Wadax PRE1 is to connect your sources power amplifiers and other peripheral devices All devices should be disconnected from mains power until safe SETUP AND INSTALLATION CONNECTIONS INPUTS USB TOSLINK AES EBU RCA amp BNC SPDIF IN Phono INPUT WADAX DIGITAL OUT caera C eses y SPDIF OUT WCLK SYNC DO O RIGHT ANALOG OUTPUTS SO ele LEFT RIGHT OUTPUTS SOC ANALOG INPUTS 21 RCA2 RCA1 Analog IN 1 Analog IN 2 DISABLED IN PRE1 PHONO 10 SETUP AND I
11. its WMA The Hermes Streamer requires a server a control point and a DHCP server in the network It is highly reccomended a professional computer network installer dealer to guide do the home install The server hosts the audio file database and the control point is the user interface to control the streaming playback Although the Hermes Streamer is uPnP compatible Wadax recommends Asset uPnP server from Illustrate PC and Songbook Lite available for iPad iPhone Android 22 RECOMMENDATIONS TO OBTAIN THE BEST RESULTS 1 WARM UP SONIC EFFECT Ifthe preamplifier has been left un powered for some time the optimum sound quality may only be at tained after 6 TO 24 hours The critical circuits have to warm up to around 55 degrees Celsius 131 degrees Fahrenheit before achieving their optimal performances This is why WADAX recommends that the PRE1 is always powered on 2 Use Hermes Streaming if available SPDIF sources BNC RCA for best results USB performance heavily depends on the data source due to low quality signal resampling applied by the Operating Systems of most computers For this and other reasons WADAX does not reccommend using USB as a top quality data source 3 Absolute phase From firmware version 2 16 the absolute phase can be toggled with the Wadax key on the re mote for quick evaluation The Wadax key is the key to the right of 9 Recorded music sound best when inverted because they were
12. onnections EARTH O 2 Output1 Output2 Output 1 Right Channel Left Channel 19 SETUP AND INSTALLATION PRE1 PHONO AS A PHONO STAGE AND DAC E DiVin AND PureDAC Although the best results are attained when the PRE1 Phono drives the power amplifier directly the unit allows to deactivate the internal preamplifier and perform as a pure phono stage and as astand alone DAC The internal preamplifier can be deactivated or reactivated by means of the remote control The key sequence required is 1 Press SETUP 2 Press VOL UP key until the FIRMWARE message shows on the display 3 Press OK 4 The display will show PREAMPLIFIER ON or PREAMPLIFIER OFF Use VOL UP to select the desired value 5 Once selected press EXIT The display will then show Are you sure 6 If you do NOT want to proceed with the changes press SETUP and you will exit the menu 7 If you DO want to proceed with the changes a sequence of three keys must be pressed 9 WADAX NOTE The WADAX key is located to the right of 9 As soon as the last key is pressed the required action will be done WARNING Wadax assumes no liability for any damages that may occur due to improper handling or setup 20 SETUP AND INSTALLATION PRE1 PHONO REMAPPING The core of the PRE1 Phono is the Wadax propietary musIC chip The parameters at which it operates are stored in maps The specific behaviour of a phono playback chain car
13. remote control will be needed For this there are BAL keys on the RC1 control Press the MUTE to mute output 4 enter SETUP Press SETUP key the RC1 Remote control The display will show SETUP Use VOL UP DOWN key to move between different SETUP options Once a SETUP option is on display to enter fur ther options press the OK key Use VOL UP DOWN keys to change values and press OK again to set it This value is saved in the internal memory ofthe PRE1 and will remain even though power supply is turned off Press EXIT key to go back to SETUP menu options 14 SETUP AND INSTALLATION RC1 REMOTE CONTROL E Balance L R E Output Level E Input Level E Display bright E Restore default E Map Load E Phase E Mode Firmware version SETUP OPTIONS SEQUENCE FOR FIRMWARE V2 27 Changes Left to Right balance Sets maximum output level voltage to 5V 2V or 1V Adjusts input level gain so sources match in level Changes brightness Restores factory default settings Displays current firmware version To load a new Map into the MusIC board Changes output absolute phase NORMAL or INVERTED The WADAX key located to the right of 9 gives a direct access to this change Sets the use of ANALOG IN1 Phono PRE1 Phono or LINE PRE1 SETUP AND INSTALLATION PRE1 PHONO Phono back panel connections The PRE1 Phono represents a New Paradigm in phono play
14. t the 220V position the Wadax PRE1 preamplifier will function properly for main line voltages between 200V and 240V At the 110V position the main line must deliver between 105 and 125V If your main supply operates out of these tolerances please consult your Wadax dealer This fuse is located on the power cord receptacle and can be accessed by raising the cover using a small screwdriver when the power cord has been removed ensuring power is discon nected before handling Use a 2 5A slowblow fuse Always ensure that the fuse cover is fitted A SETUP AND INSTALLATION POWER SUPPLY The main POWER switch is located on the back panel of the Wadax PRE1 In regular use this switch should be left permanently ON and the circuits of the preamplifier activated or deactivated using the STANDBY ON OFF in the remote control When the POWER switch is switched ON the preamp will be CAUTION come operative after few seconds delay to ensure proper sta 220V AC 50Hz mA T 110V AC 60Hz mA T bilization of all the circuitry and avoid any unwanted noise After this delay the output of the preamplifier is connected to the power amplifier Disconnect line before removing cover The preamplifier can be powered off by switching the MADE IN EUROPE CAUTION CE POWER switch to the OFF position A special safety circuit switches the preamp to MUTE to avoid any disturbance rea ching the power amplifier and the speak
15. tridge tonearm loading is defined in the map The PRE1 Phono is shipped by default with a time aligned RIAA reconstruction but the users par ticular setup is not considered To reach extreme performance a characterization of the user system needs to be done by the Wadax Lacquer and the approved recorder The recording done is to be sent to Wadax and after analysis the user will receive by e mail two files that should be copied into a pendrive and inserted into the PRE1 Phono The following sequence should be followed to load the new files into the PRE1 MusIC board The key sequence required 15 1 Press SETUP 2 Press VOL UP key until the Map Load message shows on the display 3 Press OK 4 The display will then show Are you sure 6 If you do NOT want to proceed with the changes press SETUP and you will exit the menu 7 If you DO want to proceed with the changes a sequence of three keys must be pressed WADAX 9 WADAX NOTE The WADAX key is located to the right of 9 NOTE The pendrive must be formatted in FAT32 As soon as the last key is pressed the process will start The total load process will take 3 4 minutes 21 SETUP AND INSTALLATION PRE1 PHONO HERMES STREAMING The Hermes Streamer built into the PRE1 if installed allows for audio file streaming with the best possible quality Supported file formats are FLAC up to 192KHz 24bits WAV up to 192KHz 24bits Apple Lossless ALAC up to 192KHz 24b
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