Instructions to Optimize the Output Level of the Wadia 381 / S7i

The Wadia 381 / S7i uses an advanced version of the Wadia Digital Volume Control. Connected directly to your power amplifier, this system performs far better than a preamp-based system - and at a lower cost. Premium sonic performance is achieved when the digital volume control is used near the top of its range. The analog output of the Wadia 381 / S7i can be adjusted to match the system sensitivity of your audio system, allowing your average listening level to remain optimal.

The Wadia 381 / S7i Driving a Power Amplifier Directly

For best performance, the volume indicator should display 75 or more when listening at your normal level. If the Wadia 381 / S7i is already operating at this volume during your listening sessions, adjustment of the analog output is not necessary. If you find that the Wadia 381 / S7i is operating below the ideal listening level of 75, the analog output level should be adjusted to match the overall sensitivity of your amplifier/speaker combination. Turn to page four for instructions to change the output level.

Using the Wadia 381 / S7i with a Pre-Amplifier

While the Wadia 381 / S7i Compact Disc Player was 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. When using a preamplifier, set the Wadia 381 / S7i volume control to its maximum level. When set to the maximum volume level, the volume display will read 100. Most preamplifiers will perform at their best with the volume control in the middle of its range. If you find that the volume control on your preamplifier must be turned down near the bottom of its range for normal listening, it may be preferable to reduce the output of the Wadia 581. Some volume controls that use solid state switches may overload when used with the Wadia 381 / S7i causing obvious distortion that does not change as you adjust the preamplifier volume control. In this case, the output level of the Wadia 381 / S7i should be reduced. You can also use the Wadia 381 / S7i output level adjustment so that the volume level is matched to other components in your system. This way the volume control position for a given listening level will be the same for each source in your system.

Wadia 381 / S7i Top Cover Removal Instructions

Tool required: 5/32 hex driver Step 1: Step 2: Step 3: Disconnect the Wadia 381 / S7i from the AC outlet and other audio components. Place the Wadia 381 / S7i on its side, on a stable surface. Remove the tip-toe spikes if they are installed. Using the 5/32 hex driver, remove the four screws that secure the four feet to the bottom of the chassis. Remove the feet and top caps from each corner. Thread the screws through the feet and into each top cap to keep them together. Using the 5/32 hex driver, remove the remaining six screws from the outside edge of the bottom of the Wadia 581. The top cover is now loose. Carefully pull the top cover away from the unit, being careful not to cut yourself on the sharp points at each corner of the top cover. Make sure that these six screws do not become mixed with the four screws from the corners, as damage to the top cover can occur if the screws are installed in the wrong place! To reassemble the Wadia 581, simply reverse the above procedure. Please note: the top cover can only be installed in one direction and cannot be installed incorrectly or backwards.

Step 4:

Wadia 381 / S7i Analog Output Adjustment

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The Wadia 381 / S7i Driving a Power Amplifier Directly

Begin by listening to a variety of CDs in your system. Notice the average number indicated on the volume display. Remembering that optimum sound occurs with 75 or more shown, determine what number must be indicated to optimize the output level.

One Switch per Twelve Volume Steps

On the main DAC board of the Wadia 581, there are two sets of four DIP switches, one set for each channel of output. Each switch reduces the output by 6 dB. Since twelve volume steps represent 6 dB, if you reduce the output level using the internal switches, you will need to turn the volume control up by twelve steps to regain the same playback level. Determining the proper analog output setting for the Wadia 381 / S7i is based upon the average volume level at which you have been listening. There are five discrete output settings ranging from a maximum of 4.2 Vrms to the minimum of .25 Vrms. Adjusting the analog output from one position to the next will permit your average listening level, moving in the same direction as the adjustment, to move twelve steps on the volume indicator. If your average listening occurs at or near 70 on the volume control, move switch 1 to CLOSED. If your average listening occurs at or near 58 on the volume control, move switch 2 to CLOSED. If your average listening occurs at or near 46 on the volume control, move switch 3 to CLOSED. If your average listening occurs at or near 34 on the volume control, move switch 4 to CLOSED. Example: If you have been listening to the Wadia 381 / S7i at an average volume level of 60, the analog output should be decreased, resulting in a higher average listening level. Referring to the Internal DIP Switch Locator (page five), decrease the output setting two positions. Both channels must be set to the same output level. The new position will allow you to operate the volume control at an average listening level of 84, well into the range of optimal sonic performance.

Internal DIP Switch Settings

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Position Attenuation Level All Switches OPEN* 0 dB Switch One CLOSED -6 dB* Switch Two CLOSED -12 dB Switch Three CLOSED -18 dB Switch Four CLOSED -24 dB

Output Voltage 4.25 Vrms 2.13 Vrms* 1 Vrms 0.5 Vrms 0.25 Vrms
*Factory Settings

Internal DIP Switch Locations

Wadia 381 / S7i Digital Output Configuration

The digital outputs on the Wadia 381 / S7i can be individually configured in four ways: 1) Digital output can be disabled (this results in slightly better overall performance) 2) Digital output can be enabled 3) The digital output can be selected as a servo output (CD Transport)
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4) The digital output can be selected as a tape loop type output (whatever input is selected will be looped through this output when configured this way) Switch Positions Switch 1 closed position Switch 1 open position Switch 2 closed position Switch 2 open position Switch 3 closed position Switch 3 open position Switch 4 closed position Switch 4 open position Switch 5 closed position Switch 5 open position Switch 6 closed position Switch 6 open position Switch 7 closed position Switch 7 open position Switch 8 closed position Switch 8 open position = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Glass fiber optic output is enabled Glass fiber optic output is disabled Glass fiber optic output configured as a tape loop Glass fiber optic output configured as a servo output Coaxial digital output is enabled Coaxial digital output is disabled Coaxial digital output is configured as a tape loop Coaxial digital output is configured as a servo output Plastic optical output is enabled Plastic optical output is disabled Plastic optical output is configured as a tape loop Plastic optical output is configured as a servo output AES/EBU digital output is enabled AES/EBU digital output is disabled AES/EBU digital output is configured as a tape loop AES/EBU digital output is configured as a servo output

Note: The Wadia 381 / S7i is shipped from the factory with all digital outputs enabled and configured as servo outputs. The illustration below shows the bottom of the unit with the bottom panel removed.