Wadax Pre One Ultimate Trio User manual

WADAX
The Art of Music Recreation
Pre One Ultimate Trio
USER MANUAL

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Thank you for purchasing the WADAX Pre One Ultimate Trio.
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.

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Index
Introduction 4
Set-up and Installation 6
nPreliminaries 6
nUnpacking 6
nChoice of amplifier location 7
nPower Supply 7
nConnections 9
nRC1 Remote Control 12
nPhono section 16
nDefeating the line stage: Phono stage and Pure DAC 20
nPRE1 Phono REMAPPING 21
nHermes Streaming 22
Recommendations to obtain the best results 23
nCleaning 23
Specifications 25

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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 (optional)-, hi-fi equipment –SPDIF, TOS-
LINK, BNC, AES-EBU- and stereo line inputs and phono cartridge (PRE1 PHONO). It can also be con-
nected to any amplifier through its singled-ended or balanced outputs. Internal design follows a
true-balanced topology, and it has digital outputs in order to connect the PRE1 with digital input spea-
kers, for a lossless connection.
The latest feature added to the PRE1 is the phono module, which allows the most accurate and musical
vinyl playback created to date. Wadax NanoVolt2amplifier inside the PRE1 Trio Phono amplify weak analog
signals from MC or MM cartridges before converting the signal to digital.

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No connection or manipulation may be made before reading these instructions and ob-
serving all safety warnings. This extremely high quality Preamplifier possesses new techni-
cal 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 a simple and convenient format that we hope you will enjoy for
many years to come.
WARNING!

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For exacting technicians, musicians, and all high-fidelity music purists who demand the very best in
reproduction, we strongly recommend the use of top quality power amplifiers, since most of the 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.
SETUP AND INSTALLATION
PRELIMINARIES
You will find within the WADAX PRE1 PHONO transit box::
nThe PRE1 Phono
nThe Power Source
nThe umbilical powercord.
nThis manual.
nThe 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.
UNPACKING

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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.
SETUP AND INSTALLATION
CHOICE OF PREAMPLIFIER LOCATION
If the line voltage provided is not appropriate as supplied, please consult your dealer.
ATTENTION: At the 220V setting, 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.
WARNING!

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The first step is to connect the umbilical cord between the Power Source and the Pre One. To insert
the connector, set the slide lock to 11am. Then push the connector toward the unit and rotate clockwise
until it is at twelve o’clock. The slide lock will click when it reaches the correct position.
The main POWER switch is located on the back panel of the Power Supply chasis. In regular use, this
switch should be left permanently ON. To power-off, use switch at the back. If the unit is non-phono
and clock module is standard, the unit can be left on at all times. In this case, power consumption is al-
most the same in normal as in standby mode. The power supply has a front blue led with a push-button.
This push-button does not have any asociated function currently.
When the POWER switch is switched ON, the preamp will become operative after few seconds delay
to ensure proper stabilization of all the circuitry and avoid any unwanted noise. After this delay, the out-
put of the preamplifier is connected to the power amplifier.
The preamplifier can be powered off by switching the POWER switch to the OFF position.
SETUP AND INSTALLATION
POWER SUPPLY

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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

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BNC & RCA SPDIF IN DISPLAY PORT
AES/EBU
USB HiRes WADAX
SETUP AND INSTALLATION
CONNECTIONS: INPUTS
TOSLINK
RCA INPUT
XLR INPUT
STREAMING
(Ethernet option) FIRMWARE UPGRADE
&
MAP LOAD PORT