The Wadia S7i Integrated CD Player / Decoding Computer is a high-performance digital audio component designed to deliver exceptional sound quality from compact discs and other digital sources. It integrates the functions of a CD player, a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), and a preamplifier, allowing for a streamlined audio system with fewer components.

Function Description

At its core, the Wadia S7i acts as an integrated CD player, capable of playing standard Red Book CDs, as well as CD-R and CD-RW discs. Beyond traditional CD playback, it extends its capabilities as a "Decoding Computer" by incorporating multiple digital inputs. This allows the S7i to serve as the central digital hub for an audio system, accepting digital signals from various external sources such as computers, network streamers, or other digital transports. The device is equipped with a Wadia USB input, coaxial (BNC), plastic-optical (TOSLINK), and AES/EBU (XLR) inputs, accommodating a wide range of digital audio formats up to 24-bit word length and sampling frequencies up to 96kHz.

A key feature of the Wadia S7i is its advanced digital processing. It employs Wadia's proprietary DigiMaster™ patented algorithm, a filter optimized for reproducing music, which upsamples all input signals to a 32x rate (24 bit/1.4112 MHz DAC sample rate). This sophisticated processing is designed to enhance resolution and reduce digital artifacts, contributing to a more natural and engaging sound. The S7i offers three user-selectable digital algorithms (Algorithm A, B, and C), each with distinct time and frequency domain characteristics, allowing users to tailor the sonic performance to their system and personal preferences. Algorithm A, DigiMaster v2.5, provides a robust sound with extraordinary image focus and re-creation of recorded space. Algorithm B offers a more extended top end with superior time-domain performance compared to conventional CD filters. Algorithm C retains the high-frequency extension and detail resolution of Algorithm B but with a more relaxed overall presentation. For higher sample rate sources (88.2 kHz and 96 kHz), DigiMaster v2.5 is automatically engaged for optimal performance.

The S7i also features Wadia's proprietary ClockLink™ jitter reduction technology. In a conventional digital audio system, jitter can be introduced when the clock signal is recovered from the digital data stream, degrading sonic performance. ClockLink addresses this by locating the master clock at the DAC and transmitting this clock signal to the transport to keep it synchronized. By ignoring the recovered clock from the data, any jitter on that signal does not affect the sonic performance. This technology can also be utilized with external digital processors, ensuring that jitter added by such processors does not compromise sound quality.

Another significant aspect of the Wadia S7i is its integrated digital volume control. Unlike conventional analog volume controls that can introduce distortion and noise, the S7i's volume is adjusted in the digital domain through mathematical manipulation of the signal. This innovative approach, combined with Wadia's digital filtering algorithm that produces a 24-bit output, ensures that high resolution is maintained even at the lowest volume settings. This feature allows the S7i to be connected directly to a power amplifier, bypassing the need for a separate preamplifier and eliminating the sonic degradation associated with additional analog circuitry, switches, and wiring. The output stage is robust enough to drive various power amplifiers and interconnects, even over long lengths.

The S7i provides both balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) analog outputs, which can be used simultaneously. Its true balanced design means that the inverted signal is generated in the digital domain, and all subsequent processing is done in balanced mode, offering superior performance, especially when connected to an amplifier with true balanced inputs.

Usage Features

The Wadia S7i is designed for user-friendly operation, featuring both front panel controls and a comprehensive remote control. The front panel includes basic controls for volume adjustment, track navigation (previous/next), and disc operations (open/close/stop/play). The remote control expands on these functions, offering direct track access via a number pad, balance adjustment, phase inversion, display on/off, program/mode selection, and repeat functions (repeat track or repeat all).

The display screen provides clear feedback on the unit's status. The top section shows transport status (track, time, playback options, format), while the bottom indicates preamp functions (volume, input selection, ClockLink status, sampling frequency). Upon power-up, the display cycles through a turn-on screen, input screen, and then settles on the volume screen. The display also indicates when the unit is muted or if a digital input has no signal ("No Data").

The S7i supports various data disc formats beyond standard CDs, including MP3, FLAC, and WMA files. When playing data discs, the display shows the total track count and time played on the current track (time remaining options are non-operational for data discs). The unit can handle up to 999 tracks on data discs, with direct track access available via the remote's number pad.

Configuring digital inputs for ClockLink is done through the display menus. Users navigate to the configuration menu for a specific input, then use the volume buttons to toggle ClockLink ON or OFF, saving the setting with the mute button. The system is designed with safeguards to prevent ClockLink from engaging when it shouldn't, such as when the input signal is not 44.1 kHz or when the internal transport is not running.

The three digital algorithms can be selected via the remote control by navigating through the menu screens. The display shows the currently selected algorithm, and users can scroll through the options using the volume buttons. After selection, the unit mutes briefly while the new algorithm is downloaded. When comparing algorithms, it's important to note that Algorithm A has a slightly higher output level (approximately 1dB) than B and C, requiring a volume adjustment (increase by 2 units for B and C) for fair comparison.

The Wadia S7i is designed to be left powered on continuously for optimal performance and longer life. The circuitry remains thermally stable, and the sound quality improves steadily after power-up. If turned off for more than an hour, a similar, though less dramatic, improvement will be noticed upon reapplication of power. The motors and laser circuitry automatically turn off when the unit is not playing to minimize wear.

Maintenance Features

The Wadia S7i is built with durability and longevity in mind. For physical setup, it comes with threaded tip-toes and steel coasters to ensure stable placement on various surfaces while protecting them from damage.

In terms of electrical safety, the unit is equipped with a three-prong AC power cord for earth ground connection, and users are advised to ensure proper grounding. It's crucial to verify that the unit's specified AC voltage matches the local supply to prevent damage. The internal design includes power conditioning and surge suppression, making external power conditioners or surge protectors optional and subject to user preference and sonic evaluation.

The device is designed to be robust against minor electrical disturbances. In the event of a powerful static shock or sudden AC surge, the computer circuitry might "lock-up," leading to erratic display, no output, or unresponsiveness to remote commands. In such cases, unplugging the AC cord for at least 30 seconds and then replugging it in typically resolves the issue. If the problem persists, contacting a Wadia dealer is recommended.

Cleaning the unit should be done with the power supply cord disconnected, using a soft cloth dampened with plain water. Direct application of water or other cleaners to the chassis should be avoided.

For safety, users are warned against placing the unit near heat sources or in direct sunlight. In case of smoke or abnormal smells, the unit should be immediately unplugged and a dealer contacted. The device is not user-serviceable, and any repairs or modifications should only be performed by qualified service personnel. Opening the unit while it is connected to an AC outlet is explicitly prohibited.

The Wadia S7i uses a CR3032 battery for its remote control, which should be installed with the plastic protector removed from the battery chamber.

Wadia emphasizes environmental responsibility, encouraging customers to dispose of batteries in an environmentally sound manner. The DigiMaster software, which is copyrighted and patented by Wadia Digital, is licensed to the customer for use only on the S7i, with Wadia retaining the right to provide updates, potentially for a fee.

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