Wadax Studio Player Review

[divertiti]

...the adjacent point to this is software changes that address known bugs.

Typically, those fixes/changes are noted in release notes. Sometimes they are driven by customer requests, or complaints. Sometimes they are enhancements that have been on the dev roadmap for some period of time.

That said, it is not always the case that detailed release notes are provided to end users/customers. That some here are making the case that they *should* be provided is understandable, but that is an opinion and not necessarily a generic software *obligation* in the process.

I think it depends on the nature and origin of the change, to some extent. And the company philosophy, perhaps.

If users are requesting a button that makes a fart noise when activated, a company will likely note when that feature has been added.

On the other hand, if the company has been working on a refinement (fix) for some sort of error logging, signal handling (I'm making these example up, of course) that uses less energy, etc. it may not publish those changes because:

--it reveals coveted knowledge.
--it reveals an issue you didn't even know existed, and was an edge-case.
--you wouldn't understand the details.
--they don't have resources to edit/scrub release notes for user-appropriate content.

In a perfect world, all comms would be perfect. Transparent. Factual. Beautifully written. In the real world, sometimes they fall short of that ideal, IMO.

Regarding your comment on software update, I agree largely in principle. There are instances where small bug fixes on a mature product which should not necessitate detailed change log, that's why you see many update logs with just one line like "security update", or "minor UI performance tweaks". In this instance however I think it would be beneficial just to have an official channel of communicating changes in the first place. Definitely not advocating for comms to be "perfect", "beautifully written", or "ideal", but "factual" and just merely existent would go a long way.

and how would i know you are a Wadax Studio owner? before i posted i looked at your posts and your member info and did not see you post about that or disclose that. which is your choice. there is no requirement to tell us about your gear. but if you take strong positions then others are going to try and understand why you feel that way. part of that is your system details. i would not have posted what i posted if i knew that.

and for sure, welcome to Wadax. just because i give Wadax more credit for what they do do than you, does not make me right and you wrong. we just disagree. i think their communications to owners maybe could use some work but am ok with it. maybe after owning Wadax for 3 years i am more tolerant......i can see a new Wadax owner not wanting to give the benefit of the doubt. hopefully your Wadax dealer is working with you regarding your concerns. i assume as strong as you feel about this that you have reached out to him/her.

That has been precisely my point, you wouldn't have known I was an owner, because it shouldn't have mattered. The issue being raised should be judged on its own merits instead of ad hominem, and ownership in any product should not be a pre-requisite to be treated with a base level of respect and honesty. The decision to acknowledge or obfuscate an issue being raised should not be contingent upon what gear the person owns and how much money they have spent. If I'm alone in this philosophy, that's okay, but that is what I believe and why I pushed back.

I don't think I give Wadax any less credit than you do, we simply do it in different ways. I believe Wadax makes such a phenomenal product and occupies such a position in the pantheon of audio that there should be confidence to honestly discuss what needs improving without diminishing the height of its achievements. I would hope this confidence is shared more widely.

 

[divertiti]

I listened to Wadax again in munich show 2025, wadax is very different system.

Proper deep extended Bass plus unlimited depth remind me tape playback. The SNR is perfect while the dynamics is perfect, energy of music is there.

I feel Wadax by far is the best digital source in this market

The bass on the Wadax is one of the highlights for me, the depth it goes to with the proper resolution and articulation is very special. I'm sure the lowered noise and distortion that reveals the smooth detail and proper decay information on the higher frequencies is also what's revealing the lower level details in the bass.

 

[thedudeabides]

Do you think that once interested Wadax customers hear the Studio, it may cause them to question the real world benefits of climbing the Wadax ladder any further? Not to mention more boxes, cables, rack space, operation complexity etc. I also suspect, given the positive reception on the price / performance scale, a price increase in the near future is likely.

 

[divertiti]

Do you think that once interested Wadax customers hear the Studio, it may cause them to question the real world benefits of climbing the Wadax ladder any further? Not to mention more boxes, cables, rack space, operation complexity etc. I also suspect, given the positive reception on the price / performance scale, a price increase in the near future is likely.

I think that's a personal balance that's always at play in high end audio, how much more does one spend for the last few percent of believability. In most cases (with exception), it will probably come down to a function of the financial significance of the price delta compounded by the personal significance of achieving the highest possible performance as part of the passion for this hobby.

The Reference is still a higher performing product with more versatility, and the higher performing the rest of the system is, I would imagine the more pronounced the performance difference can be demonstrated. Also when you add in the Studio Clock and PSU to push the performance closer to the Reference, the price is much closer as well.

Regarding that last few percentages of believability, it could drive a much higher satisfaction in music listening. I think it's a common misconception that law of diminishing returns applies linearly to audio, one could argue when you get to the razor's edge, the relationship between performance and enjoyment could be exponential. I think there will still be a market and systems for which the Reference is a more suited product.

 

[Charles S]

Watch Post 19 of the "Munich Video thread 2025". OP is Bonzo. Hopkins is the poster. What do you see? Majority of crowd consists of older males with balding heads, grey hair, or both. Anecdotal yes but underscores my "age" comment. Not catering to a younger demographic. One of the biggest marketing failures of high end audio which, In my view, will the main reason for its demise.

I don't see a demise of the high end. I'm 76 and in excellent health. I hear better than I did when I was forty and I feel a lot better too. There are many young aspiring high-enders out there who dream of one day owning a Wadax or Magico, etc. They will succeed in realizing their dreams. I was young once and I have observed my journey which is now at an end. The high end is a journey. The folks at these shows only represent the tip of an iceberg of new folks who are beginning there journey. I observed as soon as my age 45 audiophile buddy got a better job and a little money, Walla, a Rose 151 streamer is on his desk waiting for him at his home when he returns from vacation. Next he is planning on buying a Wilson Sasha. I see no evidence the Hi Fi Buys will suffer demise. Of course the high end has its problems but I'm sorry, I think believing its demise is wishful thinking.

Best

Charles

 

[Charles S]

I think that's a personal balance that's always at play in high end audio, how much more does one spend for the last few percent of believability. In most cases (with exception), it will probably come down to a function of the financial significance of the price delta compounded by the personal significance of achieving the highest possible performance as part of the passion for this hobby.

The Reference is still a higher performing product with more versatility, and the higher performing the rest of the system is, I would imagine the more pronounced the performance difference can be demonstrated. Also when you add in the Studio Clock and PSU to push the performance closer to the Reference, the price is much closer as well.

Regarding that last few percentages of believability, it could drive a much higher satisfaction in music listening. I think it's a common misconception that law of diminishing returns applies linearly to audio, one could argue when you get to the razor's edge, the relationship between performance and enjoyment could be exponential. I think there will still be a market and systems for which the Reference is a more suited product.

I have nothing but respect for a system like Mike Lavigne's. On paper it is superior to mine in almost every respect. But I have great sound and tremendous power. Regarding gear, I have exactly what I want. I don't covet a Wadax reference or a dCS stack. Both are far too complex for my taste. I have an excellent Network Transport, DAC, and amplification. Not the best, like Mike's, no way, but I have exactly what I want. That's the key to high end: Do you love the sound your system produces? Do you arise from sleep looking forward to playing your system much of the day, or returning from roller skating wanting to play skate songs on it? Does it stir your blood, always? I can really appreciate Mike's system because I believe it will absolutely rock, but will also be as esoteric as he wants.

I have more reservation about Steve's new system because i don't believe he has at 32 watts enough power, even with his high efficiency Zellatons that will soon be arriving. Does your super expensive system just sit there and you occasionally play selected songs on it over and over? I'm a roller skater. I skate 7-8 hours every week on the skate floor. I like my music loud and and raunchy, brash, with slam and power, when I want it which is often. My system fits and suits my personality perfectly. And that's the key to high end satisfaction, and having the money to buy exactly what I want.

Best

Charles Updated System: Wilson McIntosh Audioquest

Amps: McIntosh: MC3500MKII (2); MC1.25KW (2); MC2.1KW Anniversary
Preamp: C-12000 Anniversary
Sources: MCD12000 Anniversary; MVP881; MVP851; MR87; Marantz 510LV; Lenovo Yoga laptop
Speakers: Wilson Chronosonic XVX
Sub-Woofer: Wilson Thor’s Hammer; Wilson ActivXO Stereo Electronic Crossover
Cables Main System AQ: WEL Signature speaker cables; 24’ balanced IC; balanced 1-meter Dragon IC ; WEL Signature digital, Coffee digital coaxial cables; Diamond optical (2); Diamond USB; Dragon (5 HC, 3 source cords); Thunder & Monsoon power cords
Cables Subwoofer System AQ: Redwood speaker cable; Wolf balanced subwoofer IC; Wind balanced IC to ActivXO; Hurricane HC; Firebird HC; Firebird Source; Dragon HC, power cords
Power Conditioners: AQ Niagara 7000; Niagara 5000 (3); (4) dedicated 20-amp lines.
Streaming System: Hi Fi Rose 130RS Network Transport; Samsung internal SSD; Audioquest Wel Signature digital balanced 1-meter IC; Audioquest Diamond 1.5-meter USB cable; Audioquest Dragon 2-meter source power cord; HDMI cable 24’ for music videos
Isolation: Wilson Pedestals; Bassocontinuo McIntosh Ultra Feet; X-material plinth
Cabinet: Double Custom Woodwork & Design (CWD)
Acoustic Treatments: Room and Echo Tunes

Charles

 

[Charles S]

Try "Freak a Little Sumptin" by the Eastside Boyz, Blow the Whisttle by Too Short or "Keep Bouncin". Try "Every Breath you Take" by the Police. And many more songs like these. I skate to these songs every week, and my system blows the rink's multiple speaker super expensive system away. Will yours? Does your system meet your expectations? That's the key. If it does, then you have arrived at high end satisfaction. My high end journey spans over 65 years, beginning in the late 1950's when I was about 10 years old.

Best

Charles

 

[Ron Resnick]

Does your super expensive system just sit there and you occasionally play selected songs on it over and over?

Yes. Is this a hobby violation?

 

[microstrip]

I have nothing but respect for a system like Mike Lavigne's. On paper it is superior to mine in almost every respect. (...)

Charles

IMO "On paper" (whatever it means) the only thing I can write is that he has subs and you do not have them. All else can be easily questioned ...

Edit: Charles system includes Wilson Thor’s Hammer; Wilson ActivXO , my mistake. So, everything can be easily questioned!

 

[bonzo75]

IMO "On paper" (whatever it means) the only thing I can write is that he has subs and you do not have them. All else can be easily questioned ...

Mike has analog and Charles does not, but all equal anyway

 

[LL21]

I have nothing but respect for a system like Mike Lavigne's. On paper it is superior to mine in almost every respect. But I have great sound and tremendous power. Regarding gear, I have exactly what I want. I don't covet a Wadax reference or a dCS stack. Both are far too complex for my taste. I have an excellent Network Transport, DAC, and amplification. Not the best, like Mike's, no way, but I have exactly what I want. That's the key to high end: Do you love the sound your system produces? Do you arise from sleep looking forward to playing your system much of the day, or returning from roller skating wanting to play skate songs on it? Does it stir your blood, always? I can really appreciate Mike's system because I believe it will absolutely rock, but will also be as esoteric as he wants.

I have more reservation about Steve's new system because i don't believe he has at 32 watts enough power, even with his high efficiency Zellatons that will soon be arriving. Does your super expensive system just sit there and you occasionally play selected songs on it over and over? I'm a roller skater. I skate 7-8 hours every week on the skate floor. I like my music loud and and raunchy, brash, with slam and power, when I want it which is often. My system fits and suits my personality perfectly. And that's the key to high end satisfaction, and having the money to buy exactly what I want.

Best

Charles Updated System: Wilson McIntosh Audioquest

Amps: McIntosh: MC3500MKII (2); MC1.25KW (2); MC2.1KW Anniversary
Preamp: C-12000 Anniversary
Sources: MCD12000 Anniversary; MVP881; MVP851; MR87; Marantz 510LV; Lenovo Yoga laptop
Speakers: Wilson Chronosonic XVX
Sub-Woofer: Wilson Thor’s Hammer; Wilson ActivXO Stereo Electronic Crossover
Cables Main System AQ: WEL Signature speaker cables; 24’ balanced IC; balanced 1-meter Dragon IC ; WEL Signature digital, Coffee digital coaxial cables; Diamond optical (2); Diamond USB; Dragon (5 HC, 3 source cords); Thunder & Monsoon power cords
Cables Subwoofer System AQ: Redwood speaker cable; Wolf balanced subwoofer IC; Wind balanced IC to ActivXO; Hurricane HC; Firebird HC; Firebird Source; Dragon HC, power cords
Power Conditioners: AQ Niagara 7000; Niagara 5000 (3); (4) dedicated 20-amp lines.
Streaming System: Hi Fi Rose 130RS Network Transport; Samsung internal SSD; Audioquest Wel Signature digital balanced 1-meter IC; Audioquest Diamond 1.5-meter USB cable; Audioquest Dragon 2-meter source power cord; HDMI cable 24’ for music videos
Isolation: Wilson Pedestals; Bassocontinuo McIntosh Ultra Feet; X-material plinth
Cabinet: Double Custom Woodwork & Design (CWD)
Acoustic Treatments: Room and Echo Tunes

Charles

Hi Charles,

I genuinely enjoy reading your posts which exude passion, conviction and also a pragmatism and candidness which is refreshing

Regarding your XVX/Wilson Crossover, do you cut off your XVX and bring in the Thor underneath, or do you run the XVX full range and then utilize the Wilson Crossover to fine tune only the Thor? Most owners of big Wilsons I know tend to run full range and blend in the sub. I do as well...but I also am contemplating going with substantially more subwoofer air dispersion capability...and then actually seeing what happens if we relieve the XLF of sub 45hz or sub 35hz duty.

thanks for any insight into your own system...but also any insight into relieving the mains of low-end duty to give them even more enhanced mid-bass capacity.

 

[Mike Lavigne]

Mike has analog and Charles does not, but all equal anyway

it's not a competition. yes all equal. to me the issue is passion for the hobby and finding whatever/exactly what we want from it. i think Charles is fulfilled by his awesome system and it gives him what he seeks. that's the highest level to me. his system can boogie and plays his music as he likes. scratches his itch. we can all learn from him about that. how much fun he is having. i envy that finding the inner child. and following his own muse. and objectively he does have some extremely capable gear too. it's the real deal.

and for me my focus on optimizing different sources, on the purpose built room and extreme room tuning, record collecting......is my hobby passion and listening all the time. the 'zen' music connection. it's right for me.

IMO "On paper" (whatever it means) the only thing I can write is that he has subs and you do not have them.

certainly Charles has subs.

All else can be easily questioned ...

agree.

 

[bonzo75]

it's not a competition

I was referring to micro purposefully leaving out that part

 

[Elliot G.]

Mike has analog and Charles does not, but all equal anyway

Mike doesn't have roller skates either. LOL

 

[Sunny]

The Wadax Studio Player: - Gy8

Light in the darkness?

gy8.eu

The Munich show was dominated by Wadax Studio players shown in several rooms. This year we experienced what is soon to be a VALUE proposition with the one box Studio player. The CD Player cost $25K, The Unbelievable streamer cost $25K, DAC cost $25K buy them all only $41000.00. WOW ! this is unreal.
We at Sunny's will feature the Studio player at THE SHOW in Munich in Room 350 starting June 6th-June 8th 2025 Come by and say hello.

 

[thedudeabides]

Of course the high end has its problems but I'm sorry, I think believing its demise is wishful thinking.

Best

Charles

You hear better now than you did at forty? I never said I wish that hi end audio would suffer demise. I said that based on what I see, I believe it's commercial viability is trending downward.

 

[Charles S]

Hi Charles,

I genuinely enjoy reading your posts which exude passion, conviction and also a pragmatism and candidness which is refreshing

Regarding your XVX/Wilson Crossover, do you cut off your XVX and bring in the Thor underneath, or do you run the XVX full range and then utilize the Wilson Crossover to fine tune only the Thor? Most owners of big Wilsons I know tend to run full range and blend in the sub. I do as well...but I also am contemplating going with substantially more subwoofer air dispersion capability...and then actually seeing what happens if we relieve the XLF of sub 45hz or sub 35hz duty.

thanks for any insight into your own system...but also any insight into relieving the mains of low-end duty to give them even more enhanced mid-bass capacity.

I run my Thor full range. LP only. LP frequency 30 Hz. I really appreciate all the positive comments. I like to share myself a little bit because it helps for folks to understand why, if you have some money which i do, I have what i have. Certainly, I like jazz, classical, etc. but I'm a roller skater at heart. I'll go downstairs and send some pics. I skate with Antonio. I call him the Great Antonio because he's amazing. He's 34 and I'm 76. He cuts me no slack. I was listening to "Keep Bouncin" by Too Short. Frequently played at the rink. I saw the Power Guard come on intermittently so turned it down a little. The 2.1KW wasn't at 2K watts but was getting close and the bass note was moving the whole house. I love to dance on skates, G-Slide, Roll, Downtown, 1-6, the "Karl", the Bullet, all kinds of spins, pivots/snaps all to the music. I got to have it loud and raunchy for the most part. I have both Power Modules plugged into only one Niagara 5000 with a dedicated 20 amp line. Really, I need another 20 amp line and another 5000 but i don't want to damage my room structurally.

I personally think the Wadax Studio is a fantastic bargain. I have had conversations with Robert Harley about the unit. He love it too. Apparently it has a great sound, certainly not for those who desire the ultimate like Mike, but extremely competitive with anything on the market. I mean as i understand it, it can function as a preamp, DAC, and superb streamer for about 40K. I need a MCD12000, C-12000, and Rose 130 RS to accomplish what this unit can do, and most likely will do a better job than what I have. In addition, I need many more power cords and IC's making mine significantly more expensive for most likely not as good performance. So, even though 40K seems expensive, it's actually a bargain, and it offers the added bonus of upgrading to an external clock, etc.

All in all, IMO, a fantastic piece of gear.

 

[Charles S]

With your kind indulgence, here's some pics.

 

[JiminGa]

You hear better now than you did at forty? I never said I wish that hi end audio would suffer demise. I said that based on what I see, I believe it's commercial viability is trending downward.

That’s not possible unless he was suffering from a condition he no longer has or he purchased hearing aids. Human hearing does not improve after age 40. It diminishes slowly over time.

 

[Mike Lavigne]

You hear better now than you did at forty? I never said I wish that hi end audio would suffer demise. I said that based on what I see, I believe it's commercial viability is trending downward.

That’s not possible unless he was suffering from a condition he no longer has or he purchased hearing aids. Human hearing does not improve after age 40. It diminishes slowly over time.

possible Charles is referring to 'listening better' as opposed to 'hearing better'. just a guess on my part that makes sense.

there is a learning factor and development factor to the art of listening. matters of recognition and understanding. some of which is related to getting an ear for particular types of music appreciation.....which is a process that mostly does improve with age (to a point). and even our system development can be helpful to open doors to better listening by allowing more types of music to work correctly and sound natural. even finding proper SPL's for extended sessions plays a part.

just seems like how it has gone for me. i have more understanding in my listening now at 73 years old, than ever. but were my ears better at hearing at 43 years old in 1994 when i got serious about hifi? i suppose but hearing is just a tool. what do you do with it?