Wadax Studio Player Review

[mxk116]

Curious what other users are selecting for output and impedance level on the Studio Plus?

I started out using 4V output level mainly because it mimicked the volume settings with the preamp from the previous digital sources. But the more I listened I ended up preferring 2V. Ultimately more dynamic in my rig but it is obvious that the impedance setting is quite interactive with the output level.

I like to settle on one set of specific settings but I’m finding it a challenge to find the one impedance that stands out with the 2V output. I do prefer the lower impedance settings (0 ohm & 7.4 in particular). Anything higher than that and the sound quality becomes less lively and less rhythmically in the pocket.

Yeah, first world problems.

 

[Cycles2]

@Cleese74
I noticed that in general the sound level when playing tracks via Qobuz Connect is noticably higher than the SACD player for the same music tracks. Perhaps there's variables involved with streaming services. Anyone else notice this?

 

[AndrewChen]

@Cleese74
I noticed that in general the sound level when playing tracks via Qobuz Connect is noticably higher than the SACD player for the same music tracks. Perhaps there's variables involved with streaming services. Anyone else notice this?

Because SACDs are typically mastered -6dB down compared to Redbook equivalents for headroom without clipping.

 

[Mike Lavigne]

Because SACDs are typically mastered -6dB down compared to Redbook equivalents for headroom without clipping.

most PCM hirez files are typically a bit down compared to redbook in my experience, but not down as much as dsd or SACD. seems like there is more 'there' there when the gain is increased. expanded dynamic range is how it sounds generally. not sure if that is technically why.

 

[Elliot G.]

 

[Alrainbow]

May I ask who is the lucky buyer ?

 

[rthomeint]

I was just reading the latest issue of the absolute sound magazine, and saw that in the golden ear awards, the price of Studio player is listed at $49,800. I was wondering if that’s the current price or if that’s a typo.

 

[MarkusBarkus]

...it works. You pass.

 

[Elliot G.]

May I ask who is the lucky buyer ?

this one is my first "stock" piece every other one was pre sold. This will be the last one for a while as they are on holiday in August and my next scheduled units are Sept

 

[Elliot G.]

I was just reading the latest issue of the absolute sound magazine, and saw that in the golden ear awards, the price of Studio player is listed at $49,800. I was wondering if that’s the current price or if that’s a typo.

current US price is 40,800.

 

[mxk116]

View attachment 155761

current US price is 40,800.

Worth every penny.

 

[Stereophonic]

Wadax Studio Akasa DC Cable....

 

[Tripoint Audio]

Two Tripoint Audio Emperor instrument signal filters being used on Wadax Studio.

 

[Stereophonic]

Two Tripoint Audio Emperor instrument signal filters being used on Wadax Studio.

More expensive than Wadax Studio Player itself.....

 

[Tripoint Audio]

More expensive than Wadax Studio Player itself.....

Not really. Akasa cables are not cheap either.
Tripoint Emperor instrument signal filter more powerful. I dare you to try…

 

[Stereophonic]

 

[Kingsrule]

Two Tripoint Audio Emperor instrument signal filters being used on Wadax Studio.

I only see one in xlr input

 

[Elliot G.]

FYI the Akasa cables are not used with a Studio player unless it’s to run from the optional power supply .
So if you have a studio player you don’t have any use for them yet

 

[Tripoint Audio]

I only see one in xlr input

Two. One on the Studio binding post.

 

[Stereophonic]

Wadax Studio Player. Tad Reference One....
What else?