Specifications

Choosing a Digital Cable

Based on our experience, here is a list of digital interface methods in descending

order of performance:

USB

AES/EBU using XLR connector

Coaxial cable using BNC connector

Coaxial cable using RCA connector

TOSLINK plastic-optical cable

The quality of any of these transmission methods depends on the quality of

the cable and the sophistication of the transmitter and receiver. Higher quality

cables (especially USB) are required to support higher data rates. 176.4kHz or

192kHz data rates can be transmitted via Coaxial, and AES/EBU (balanced)

digital cables, but one must choose cables that will transfer higher data rates

without signal loss. Toslink connections are not rated for data files exceeding

96kHz. Again, we highly recommend that you take advantage of your dealer’s

experience and, most importantly, trust your ears.

All XLR-type inputs and outputs on the Wadia 121Decoding Computer, both

digital and analog, use the standard audio pin configuration:

Pin 1 - Ground

Pin 2 - Positive signal

Pin 3 - Negative signal

Avoid allowing static shocks to be applied to the inputs or outputs. To prevent

static shocks, touch any grounded surface, such as the Wadia 121Decoding

Computer chassis, before connecting or removing a cable. It is unlikely that a

static shock will damage the unit, but it may cause the Wadia 121Decoding

Computer circuitry to “lock-up” (see TroubleShooting: Lock-up – page 23).

Inputs and outputs can be safely connected to the Wadia 121Decoding Computer:

1 Before the unit is powered up

2 When the unit is in Mute mode (see Mute Modes – page 17)

To connect your Wadia 121Decoding Computer to a power amplifier (or powered

speakers), ensure that your power amplifier is turned off, then connect your

analog interconnects [either balanced XLR (1) or unbalanced RCA (2)] from the

Wadia 121Decoding Computer analog outputs to the amplifier’s inputs.

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.

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