Wadia at CEDIA 2014

[Adrian Low]

Hi all,
Just came back from CEDIA 2014 which was held Sept 10-13 in Denver. Wadia has some very exciting new products coming for this Fall.

First, there is an all new 1 series, which is slightly wider than the 3 series with similar cosmetics and chassis material; the chassis is made of cast aluminum with smoked glass top.
The di122 DAC has 4 S/PDIF inputs capable of 24/192 resolution. The USB input supports 24/384 and will decode DSD2.8 and 5.6. Balanced and RCA outputs with volume control. A high powered headphone output is also included. Price will be $1,500 USD

The matching a102 power amplifier is rated at 50 watts/ch into 8 or 4 ohms

 

[Adrian Low]

Following the stunning 321 Digital convertor, Wadia showed the m330 Media Server, a315 stereo amplifier and a340 monoblock amps

The m330 Media Server streams music servers like Pandora, Spotify and Rhapsody, decodes up to 24/192 and controllable from an Apple IOS or Android app. This device is a collaborative effort with Autonomics, with Wadia licensing the streaming technology and adding the company's own DAC technology; a significant improvement over the Autonomics server is a separate 30GB Solid State hard drive that houses the operating system, unlike the Autonomics. The server includes Cloud Access for file backup and synchronization with multiple systems. There is an internal 1TB hard drive to store content, as well as the ability to add external drives. Price is $6,000 USD

 

[Adrian Low]

The a315 stereo amp and a340 monoblocks feature Wadia's proprietary class D technology. The a315 stereo amp is rated at 150 watts/ch into 8 ohms and 300 watts/ch into 4 ohms. The a340 monoblocks are rated at 400 watts into 8 ohms and 800 watts into 4 ohms. Both balanced and rca inputs are available, while the monoblocks will also have XLR and RCA outputs for easy connections in bi-amp configurations.
The a315 is $3,500 and the a340 is $8,000/pr

a315

a340

 

[cmalak]

The Di122 looks killer for features at it's price :thumbsup:

Have there been any reviews of the 321 DAC so far?

 

[Adrian Low]

The Di122 looks killer for features at it's price :thumbsup:

Have there been any reviews of the 321 DAC so far?

Not that I am aware of. Some people on the 'net have concluded that the McIntosh D100 and the Wadia 321 are identical due to the fact that McIntosh manufactures Wadia now. Even the layout on the back looks similar. I asked Ron Cornelius of McIntosh when I saw him at CEDIA. He said the 2 DACs use different versions of ESS Saber chips, and the digital filters are different, among other things. I've compared both in my store, and they do sound different. The McIntosh D100 has the familiar house sound; smooth, rich, warm, very good detail. Forgiving to some degree. A great DAC all around. The Wadia has clearer detail, more air and sharper image. Not bright at all, maybe even a little soft at the extreme top compared to Mytek. If any of you have ever owned Wadia DACs and CD players, you'll know what I mean.

 

[o0OBillO0o]

The Server is just like the McIntosh MB100 - which is also an Autonomic server. :-/ nothing original, but still good.

 

[Adrian Low]

The Server is just like the McIntosh MB100 - which is also an Autonomic server. :-/ nothing original, but still good.

According to Ron Cornelius, the operating system is licenced from Autonomics. The DAC and filter are different for both Wadia and McIntosh, and both McIntosh and Wadia implement different filters. The DAC choice may also be different Sabres though I'm not entirely sure of that. I know the Wadia 321 and the McIntosh D100 use different Sabre DACs and different filters; they definitely sound different. The Operating System from Autonomics is also isolated on a separate Sold State Drive, unlike the Autonomics, so when the hard drive fails, you simply replace the drive and it will work, unlike the Autonomics.

There may be other differences but I didn't ask for all the details. The Autonomics is $4,000 USD. A McIntosh D100 is $2,500 plus the SSD drive and possibly other differences.

Not being argumentative, simply pointing out that there are legitimate differences, and both McIntosh and Wadia clearly note that the units have technology from Autonomics, which I think is ethical.

 

[CDLehner]

Following the stunning 321 Digital convertor, Wadia showed the m330 Media Server, a315 stereo amplifier and a340 monoblock amps

The m330 Media Server streams music servers like Pandora, Spotify and Rhapsody, decodes up to 24/192 and controllable from an Apple IOS or Android app. This device is a collaborative effort with Autonomics, with Wadia licensing the streaming technology and adding the company's own DAC technology; a significant improvement over the Autonomics server is a separate 30GB Solid State hard drive that houses the operating system, unlike the Autonomics. The server includes Cloud Access for file backup and synchronization with multiple systems. There is an internal 1TB hard drive to store content, as well as the ability to add external drives. Price is $6,000 USD

Wow; I was almost...very excited about this product. As a guy, who's used Squeezebox for over 10 years...and a PC-based streamer, for a few; I'd love to find a suitable all-in-one replacement. That is...it has to stream network files, play services like Spotify, Pandora, Qobuz, Deezer, et al (this is usually the part, most hi-end streamers neglect; but I, for one, listen to them plenty).

So I was excited, when I saw this m330 did. But it also leaves me scratching my head a bit :doubtful:

What do they mean, by "decodes up to 24/192"? Does that mean, it will play files...up to 24/192; or more likely...it is also a DAC (hence the decodes up to...)? IDK...I don't see any s/pdif in; so maybe it does just mean...plays to 24/192.

Either way...therein start the problems. If it only plays, up to 24/192; uh...you've got to be kidding me? A $6k streamer, and no DSD support? If it is a DAC also...and only decodes up to 24/192; where's the s/pdif in (and...again; why no DSD support).

Listen...for the record; I think Wadia is top-shelf...and the 321 would probably be at the top of my list, if it weren't also for apparent lack of DSD support. And this streamer hits all the right notes...local files, services, remote app, etc; except...a) stopping short, IMO, at 24/192 support. And...the $6k price-tag.

Listen...I know you are all millionaires but not I. I can't swing a $6k streamer...when I can build one for $6-hundred (and I'm being generous, to make a point). I'm not trying to be miopic; I know Wadia...didn't just have me and my needs in mind, when they crafted this thing. I just think it's a little narrow, in its reach. There has to be at least 2 of me...that needs/wants services, DSD, and a price tag around half of this. Especially when your di122, does do DSD...for $1500 (And yes...this will be high on my try list).

 

[Adrian Low]

Good questions, and I don't have the detailed answers. I have the McIntosh "equivalent" on order and it should arrive within a couple of weeks. Will try and get some answers.

I suspect that the unit will decode whatever resolution it is fed, don't know if it upsamples, but likely. There has to be a DAC internally to convert digital signals to analog, and it has USB inputs so you can feed files from hard drives. As to S/PDIF, dunno. I suppose it would have been better if it did have that as an option.

Re DSD, I tend to agree that it would be better to have the option. The di122 definitely seems to be a great buy with lots of features, but I doubt it will sound as good. And it doesn't have streaming.

For what it's worth though, I've listened to the Wadia 321, which is a large part of the upcoming m330, and the 321 is really quite good. Plus it looks sexy as hell

 

[o0OBillO0o]

A

Not being argumentative, simply pointing out that there are legitimate differences, and both McIntosh and Wadia clearly note that the units have technology from Autonomics, which I think is ethical.

Adrian- fair enough Yes, they are different. I would push this question to those under consideration, "Am I going to connect these servers to my own digital to analog converters and not use the internal digital to analog converters of the Wadia/Autonomic/McIntosh Server?"

My answer, and I certainly don't speak for the group, is to use my C2500's internal digital to analog converter. So I am saying that whatever differences may exist, I would by-pass them.

I would place these servers very high on the list for those who desire little to no compatiblity and reliablity issues, furthermore a integrated system approach. e.g. Where a music lover has McIntosh pre-amp controller and desires almost seamless incorporation of streaming audio along with there other McIntosh Sources ( M88 AM/FM/XM Tuner, MCD1100 or MT-5/10 Turntable).

A complete-est system.

 

[Hawkeye]

I own the current 121 and think it's a great DAC. My first sample unfortunately had reoccurring problems with a misbehaving muting circuit that made the DAC unusable and was repaired twice under warranty. When the same issue occurred a third time Wadia stepped up to the plate and replaced it with a new unit which has been working flawlessly now for the past few months. So kudos to Wadia.

When I saw the current 121 discounted on online sites I suspected a replacement was in the works. I know that audio companies want to give advance notice of upcoming new products in order to gain the attention of us audio junkies who are always looking to upgrade. Knowing in advance of a future product often has the effect of stopping one from buying a competing current product because of the anticipated potential benefit that the newly-announced product will have vs. what's available now. In the time between product announcement and product availability many companies will discount the current product thinking (rightly so) that not as many customers will be inclined to purchase the current product if they know of an upgraded in the pipeline that will be available soon. The only problem is that this strategy kills resale value for your current owners. At $1,299 my 121 would probably have been worth $700-$800 on the used market. Now it's only worth $500-$600 at best because a new one can now be purchased at a 31% discount for $899.

We all know that the resale value on digital electronics is horrendous to begin with. I wish manufacturers wouldn't push that down even further by their advance product announcements. Until the hardware is actually available to purchase, it's just vaporware. Advance product announcements generate "buzz" and press exposure and theoretically help manufacturers but these same advance announcements actually punish their current customer base.

Advance product announcements force dealers to discount product that they will be unable to move at reasonable margins once the avid audio enthusiast/upgrader gets wind of it. manufacturers will often "protect" dealer's current stock and give accommodating wholesale prices for future purchases of the current model, but not all the time. So, the manufacturer gets their margin, the dealer will "usually" be covered by the manufacturer and maintains their margins but the current owner of the product takes it on the chin.

I don't need to know months in advance of upcoming new product. Please just tell me when it's available, and then I can actually go and see and hear it in Adrian's audio store (one of the better ones in the GTA by the way).

I'm interested in the new Di122 but will have to save up longer now that my current 121 is worth 1/3 less than it used to be. I'm willing to spend way more money on analog electronics then on digital. The 321 looks like a fabulous machine but economically, it makes no sense whatsoever from a long-term ownership and resale perspective.

Anyway I was wondering if you knew whether or not it will be available in black.

 

[Adrian Low]

I own the current 121 and think it's a great DAC. My first sample unfortunately had reoccurring problems with a misbehaving muting circuit that made the DAC unusable and was repaired twice under warranty. When the same issue occurred a third time Wadia stepped up to the plate and replaced it with a new unit which has been working flawlessly now for the past few months. So kudos to Wadia.

When I saw the current 121 discounted on online sites I suspected a replacement was in the works. I know that audio companies want to give advance notice of upcoming new products in order to gain the attention of us audio junkies who are always looking to upgrade. Knowing in advance of a future product often has the effect of stopping one from buying a competing current product because of the anticipated potential benefit that the newly-announced product will have vs. what's available now. In the time between product announcement and product availability many companies will discount the current product thinking (rightly so) that not as many customers will be inclined to purchase the current product if they know of an upgraded in the pipeline that will be available soon. The only problem is that this strategy kills resale value for your current owners. At $1,299 my 121 would probably have been worth $700-$800 on the used market. Now it's only worth $500-$600 at best because a new one can now be purchased at a 31% discount for $899.

We all know that the resale value on digital electronics is horrendous to begin with. I wish manufacturers wouldn't push that down even further by their advance product announcements. Until the hardware is actually available to purchase, it's just vaporware. Advance product announcements generate "buzz" and press exposure and theoretically help manufacturers but these same advance announcements actually punish their current customer base.

Advance product announcements force dealers to discount product that they will be unable to move at reasonable margins once the avid audio enthusiast/upgrader gets wind of it. manufacturers will often "protect" dealer's current stock and give accommodating wholesale prices for future purchases of the current model, but not all the time. So, the manufacturer gets their margin, the dealer will "usually" be covered by the manufacturer and maintains their margins but the current owner of the product takes it on the chin.

I don't need to know months in advance of upcoming new product. Please just tell me when it's available, and then I can actually go and see and hear it in Adrian's audio store (one of the better ones in the GTA by the way).

I'm interested in the new Di122 but will have to save up longer now that my current 121 is worth 1/3 less than it used to be. I'm willing to spend way more money on analog electronics then on digital. The 321 looks like a fabulous machine but economically, it makes no sense whatsoever from a long-term ownership and resale perspective.

Anyway I was wondering if you knew whether or not it will be available in black.

Hi Hawkeye,

Welcome , and thanks for the kind words. You should go over to the subforum for new members and introduce yourself. Great bunch of people here.

I sympathise with your thoughts re updates and new product introductions. Most manufacturers do not offer price protection. What will sometimes happen is that a manufacturer will offer a significant discount to dealers if they are willing to buy large quantities of an outgoing product. I believe this is probably what happened with your model. Also agree that digital/TV/video products have the highest depreciation due to the rapid change of key components from suppliers. When Motorola, for example, introduces a new microprocessor that has new features and discontinues the old model, receiver manufacturers have no choice but to discontinue old models. This is standard practice and almost always results in new models every year. In the case of the Wadia model you have, it has been on the market for quite a while, and lacks some of the features the competition now offers.

Having said all this, depreciation applies only when you decide to sell it. Otherwise, enjoy the unit you bought and don't get influenced by the constant new offerings. Easier said than done, of course, as it is normal to feel bad after you pay much more than what the same unit now sells for. I go through this often, and frankly it hurts just as much or more, since we buy in large quantities, so our loss is even bigger. Considering the low margins that exist in the real world, this means I often take a big hit on selling stock and demos etc. Then you factor in the trade-in which you must often pay top dollar in order to compete...believe me, I share your pain!

I'm not sure if the Di122 will be available in black; the temporary retail price list I got from the show indicates only "cast aluminum construction with black smoke glass top". I'll see if I can find out.