Brian, first, I looked at your system, very nice! As far as how I have the Dock integrated in my system, I am using Canare 75ohm digital interface cable connected to one of two digital inputs on my Cambridge Audio Azure 840C. The 840C then re-clocks the data to reduce jitter then upsamples the data to 24/384. Again, the "slight" improvement when comparing the sound quality to the disk leads me to believe it may be somthing small I can do to get that last bit of sound quality out of the Dock. I am by the way, importing using the Lossless feature with error correction. I wonder about my interface cable, but it has been well reviewed. RPG |
Thank you very much for your response. I agree, how can it sound better than the original source. I know from the Stereophile review, they verified, (I think in WAV) rip, that the data output was exactly bit for bit perfect, so, the question is, why the subtle difference? Might it be my interface cable? As far as better sounding than the source, Music Direct magazine states "As a result of retrieving a direct digital signal from the IPod, unadulterated, with high resolution files, better than CD quality is obtained" (note this is not an exact quote but conveys the message). As I've said, it's close to CD, but how to better it? Thanks. |
Dear Nglazer, Forgive me, but I could not quite understand your suggestion inserting a computer in the system with some kind of adapter. Would you be so kind as to bring it down a notch? Also, your interface cable suggestion, do you have a dealer name I can talk to about the cable? I'm not quick to jump around with cables. Corey Greenburg (sp?) of Stereophile past claimed my inexpensive Canare was one of the best he had heard. Thanks! RPG |
Dear D, Thank you. I know there are system dependencies, but I would be interested in knowing the cable you finally selected for your Wadia ipod dock. Perhaps you could save me years of time and as I think this is where the weak point exists with the Wadia.
Thank you very much!
RPG |
Hi. I was researching cables, specifically the newer Canare offerings. When reading reviews, one writer claimed a huge improvement when inserting a ferrite bead on the interface cable. What I know (little) about ferrite beads is that they alter the characteristic impedance of the cable (75 Ohms)and may be counterproductive. However, since this was so easy to try i did. Two things; the sound improved and the strange distortion that was affecting my Luxman T-117 was gone. So, bottom line, I need a new, well shielded cable. It seems, and I'm not sure why, my IDock is very noisy at it's output. Is it in need of service? Thanks! Rpg |
Dear Neal,
Though not broken in yet, I purchased a high quality PC that had the same termination configuration that plugged directly into the power supply, (no adapters required). I can tell you i was not expecting much, boy I was wrong. The new PC cable made a significant difference. Lastly, as I mentioned, it is clear i need a higher quality interface cable. I found my old Canare to emit noise. I installed chokes at each end of my current old Canare cable while waiting for two new cables. The noise imposed on my tuner has been eliminated due to the chokes, however, little impact with the sound from the dock. It will be interesting to try the new cables as I am sure this is where the opportunity lies. Thanks! the power cable made a notable difference! Rpg |
Neal,
The power cable I purchased is from Audioquest. They have two cables with the exact configuration required for the power supply. The cables are the NRG-1 and NRG-1.5.
Thanks again for your suggestions, I'm getting closer.
Rpg |
To all who have helped so much. I have managed to exceed (not huge, but notable)the sound quality of the original CD's with my Wadia transportusing starting with WAV or Apple Loss-Less files to my IPod. Next, I introduced a New power cord, Audioquest NRG-1.5, a new Digital IC, the superb Harmonic Technology Digital Platinum. The last tweak I did was take my Fluke meter and measure the AC ripple present in the unit and, since the PC is two prong of the same size, I oriented the cable for the lowest AC ripple. You know, as I sit here writing, listening to Eagles "Alive", it without a doubt, that it sounds better then the source CD. Thanks again to all who have helped! |
Neal,
I called Wadia and talked to one of their technicians about the IDock. I was interested about a certain magazines measure of high jitter and if they ever addressed it. I learned that Wadia was taken back by these claimes and I was told that 1, they did not measure in the right area and 2, in their design they actually address jitter to lower it. One thing of interest to me and perhaps you as well, is that in the next couple of months they will be shipping a higher quality remote with the Dock. As I understand, it will be oval in shape and feel much more robust, price is not set yet, (probably around $30). For their new Dock, which will be out around the same time, it will have a substantial aluminum remote for around $100 that has more functionality. It was not quite clear to me if it offers more functionality to my current dock, but it will work with it. Lastly, I learned that all their remotes are actually TEAC remotes, which may open the door to untapped functionality. Thanks for you response! Rpg |
Perhaps the next generation of the Wadia dock will have improved performance in the area of jitter. One noteworthy comment I received from Wadia about this first generation Dock, is that though measured performance is important, the technician said their release criteria for the dock came after extensive listening sessions. I think in the world of high end products, a manufacturer caring not only about spec's but more so about the sound is admirable. Lastly, my DAC does a good job of re-clocking, and using the loss-less option when I import leaves me with sound quality very close if not equal to the source CD. Good luck and thank you. |
One last thing worth mentioning about the transports sound quality. It can sound better than your source CD depending on it's condition. I have a well recorded artist but about half way through the disk I get an almost static like noise, the disk has always been this way. Importing the disk using the Apple Loss-Less with error checking selected resulted in the problem being eliminated when played back with the IPod and Dock. So, yes, in this case the IPod sounded better than the disk. |
Levy03, congratulations! I find myself using the transports about 3/4 of the time, great music server. In terms of A/B I am going to go out on a limb here and say the sound quality of the transport when importing via Apple Loss-Less with error correction selected might just best the sound quality of the played back disk (I'll take my lumps here)at least in my system.
Rpg |
It will be interesting to see what Wadia offers in their soon to be released high-end Dock. The 170i is going to be a real hard act to follow. |
I talked to Wadia, They are going to to eliminate the passive outputs, keep the vidio out's and use higher-end discreet components, and lastly, a very nice aluminum remote which you can purchase for around $100. The current offering, the 170i I think will also loose the passive outputs, but include a higher end remote, which again can be purchased for around $30? This remote will again be made of the white plastic, but be oval in shape, much more ergonomic, and substantial. Again you can purchase this remote,I intend too as my teenagers will certainly loose the one I have then I'm hosed. Check the Wadia website as these products should be available very soon. |
Markeetaux, I have never encountered the problem you described. If you still have the time, can you return it to your place of purchase for an exchange?
Mcondon, one area of performance where the iTransport is very sensitive is the interface cable, too sensitive in my opinion. I went through a number of cables where some produced poor sound quality. With the right cable and good DAC the sound, at least for me, sounds extremely close to the CD. As you mentioned, sitting down in your sweet spot with remote in hand, it's a good, musical little server. I'm lazy and just love it. And the price; I think this little device is a bargan. |
Dear Ben,
I'm not sure, but I believe if you contact a dealer, they should be able to answer your questions. If you go to the Wadia home page I think there is a link for a dealer locater.
Good luck and happy listening.
Rpg |
I have an IPod touch, I just loaded the free application "PANDORA", it's completely free for download from the ITunes store, and yes, it works great. For the app to work, of course, your IPod must have an interconnect connection. I'm delighted you asked this question, I'm emjoying commercial free streaming audio off my Ipod now and would not have without your question.
Enjoy!
Rpg |
High Res files are not yet available through ITunes, however I heard they are thinking about it. To load high res files you must use a CD and import it, selecting a high res option. I highly suggest in your import settings you select Apple LossLess with error correction. This option provides you with high res and corrects minor errors on the disk. This option does not take as much space as importing straigh WAV files, but it is a bit for bit copy, how it works I'm not sure but it sounds great. Enjoy.
Rpg |
Ben,
With Pandora on my Ipod, I use the coaxial output on the Wadia to my D/A converter and it sounds great. By the way, the Wadia does not have an optical out. I hope this helps. It sounds based on some of your questions you may not have purchased one yet. For the price, I think the Wadia is a great product. However, the Wadia is sensitive, it requires high quality cables to get the most out of it. You can read through this to see.
Rpg |
Though somewhere out there is a better combination of cables than what I have finally settled with, you could spend a lifetime and crazy amounts of $$ in your quest. I have finally settled on the Audioquest NRG 1 power cable (you MUST upgrade the stock power cable) and the lesser known Harmonic Technology Digital Platinum. I am now quite satisfied and just take pleasure in the music.
Rpg |
Lev,
Found a Digital IC that goes against the grain of everything I know about Digital IC's. The cable is made by Harmonic Technology. From the spec's and configuration it should sound terrible, however, this cable blew me away, I have never heard better, and I've had some pretty good cables in the past. The cable uses 7 nine's silver and 7 nine's copper in the same run and is double shielded. This cable is not a coax, is not impedance matched, and is 110 Ohm. You would think it to sound terrible. Check out their website, I purchased their Digital Platinum for around $230, you can't beat the price for the sound quality.
Cheers,
Rpg |
Levy03,
All digital connections in my Home Theater system are Canare. The Canare cables these days are about $48.00 per meter and are all copper, 75Ohm coax configuration with excellent true 75Ohm connections. The cable I'm using now only slightly edged out the Canare. A well engineered and realistically priced cable. You can return the cable within 30 days if not satisfied. For just $48 I would suggest you give it a try. :)
Rpg |
Talked to Wadia about very slight distortion in the sound of my 170iTransport, (very slight distortion but distortion all the same). Wadia said to keep the price of the product as low as possible, they used a lower quality power supply and suggested upgrading. Wadia did not have a upgraded supply, but Music Direct has for $279 a supply specifically designed for the Dock. I'll follow-up after receipt and post to see if it made a difference. One note; I replaced the system first as it was under warranty and it made no difference, hence, the upgraded supply.
Rpg |
The noise progressed, and my dealer replaced the unit and then the noise was gone. Additionally, if you have $279 burning in your pocket, the CIAUDIO power supply made a marked improvement in many areas of sound quality, the most remarkable of which was an incredible increase in sound stage. The top end increased in extension, sweetness and articulation, and the bottom extended as well. Again, I'm not sure I'm going to keep it as the improvements were not like a light switch was turned on, but if you want everything you can get out of your Dock, go for it!
Rpg |
