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What can cause noise with my Wadia 381? HELP

My new Wadia 381 CD player (modified by a well known company in Minnesota) has exhibited a reproducible noise problem since it was new. There is a ridiculously high noise floor that sounds like hiss, louder in the left channel. But ALSO, there is static noise that sounds much like scratches on a vinyl disc that are NOT constant but recur with regularity. I can e-mail a QuickTime video to anyone who is interested that demonstrates the noises quite clearly. Just to rule out various causes, I have swapped out interconnects, amplifiers (solid state and tube), and speaker systems. In addition, I took the Wadia to a different house with no cable TV, all appliances unplugged, all fluorescent lighting turned off and the NOISES ARE STILL THERE! I SENT THE 381 in for service and they claim that the unit functioned perfectly--no noise. I am at my wits end because a very expensive Wadia 381 with mods has a very reproducible set of noises that everybody on the planet that has been in my house can hear with any system equipment that I own. But I am getting nowhere with the dealer regarding this problem--I am told that the unit checks out and it is my problem. I fear that when I send the unit back in again for service for another $100 shipping, I will once again get the "no problem" diagnosis. The dealer had the unit running for hours and claim they NEVER HEARD A SINGLE NOISE. For whatever reason, the burden of proof of what is clearly a Wadia sourced issue seems to be placed squarely on my shoulders. Any input from the community will be appreciated.
cathealer

Showing 4 responses by inpieces

inpieces's avatar
inpieces
199 posts
 
May i say a thing here!
Have you contacted Brett from Wadia?
I suspect that this is one of your two current conveyors.
If this is the case, they change both. It is quite alot of work. I suggest you call Brett at Wadia and explain this.
It really sounds from how you describe this, that it is the current conveyors that needs to be replaced.
They are actually updated so you'd probably get new better ones and this do affect the sound you hear (i do not talk of noise compaired to noiseless.)

Let me know when you called.

Hope it works out now, just keep calm it'll be solved;-)
inpieces's avatar
inpieces
199 posts
 
I understood directly, strange that some above here did not!?
What is expensive with new current conveyors (update)is mostly labour time. It certainly sounds as it is the current conveyor which is damaged. I find it strange that this happened and even stranger that Steve did not took it under warranty. Steve told me they have full warranty at these units, same as Wadia original.
I have always thought of Steve as really nice. This was all but nice. I understand and i am 100% on the same page as you. Ofcourse he should repair this unit, no question and absolutely no costs what so ever. Well, enough of this. Better see it on the brighter side. Wadia knows what they do. Probably you'll get the newest versions now (better and you'll hear that:-)
If you are unlucky, Wadia deassemble all GNSC modifications.
Good luck and take it easy now...
inpieces's avatar
inpieces
199 posts
 
I think Brett & Co feel for you in a way.
I think it sounds interesting, but not at all pleasing from your point. I would be furious, but it won't help though.
Yes please, let me know how it develops and resolves and let's hope it isn't that bad.
inpieces's avatar
inpieces
199 posts
 
It was the current conveyors, i could have placed a bet at that. I recognized what you described well. I guess it is more difficult to understand if you haven't had same issue.
I have the same current conveyors as you got now. Mine was replaced 2011 in the end of summer, for the exact same issue you experienced yourself. I think not even all S7i has these modules. They don't even look as the old ones's at all. I was told, before i got them, they were all new from Wadia.
Now enjoy amigo, no more anxiety :-)
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