DAC Wadia 151 PowerDAC mini

For companies Wadia, which for two decades has developed and produced exclusively digital sources and converters, PowerDAC mini - first experience of creating integrated amplifier, also very unusual - in a miniature package and without the usual analog inputs. And mentally I was ready to take it easy on the toy component, because the first attempt often comes out lumpy. However, as it turned out, it was necessary to prepare completely to another...

Attempt to combine the DAC pulse power amplifier undertaken by Wadia still ten years ago, but the project was very expensive and did not go into a series, and although the prototype was shown at CES in Las Vegas. Meanwhile, the concept of a fully digital path, in which the analog signal would be formed directly on the output terminals of the speaker, was very attractive from an engineering point of view. And in 2009, it still has been implemented, though in a different form factor and completely uncharacteristic Wadia price range.

In 151 PowerDAC mini it looks unusual, since the structural elements and ending with microscopic dimensions. In this box is difficult to see integrated amplifier top class, but it's true - the device has an input selector, volume control and balance, LCD display, complete with a solid metal remote.

Readers who are constantly monitoring our publications can remember ideologically close Japanese development - eight years ago we tested an experimental digital amplifier Sharp SM-SX100 with a one-bit path to enhance the flow of direct DSD.

But he still had analog stages - albeit ancillary, to connect traditional components for linear and balanced inputs. Engineers also Wadia refused them all - take out 151 PowerDAC mini flat of exquisite boxes, one looks at this tiny, but surprisingly solid metal block and discover a digital interfaces: two coaxial, one optical and USB.

By analogue relate only four luxury acoustic terminal. With them, according to the passport data, you can remove a total of up to 100 watts of power on a standard 4-ohm load. It is - in the denomination and dynamic power twice as much! Parameters such Wadia achieved by applying a clever (details not disclosed) kind of PWM gain. Hence, such a compact and highest efficiency with minimal heat generation. From the meager description of the device could also learn that it is capable of receiving digital audio bit depth to 24 bit/192 kHz (USB to 96 kHz), followed by recalculation to 24 bit/384 kHz on proprietary algorithms DigiMaster. Gain is set system DirectStream, which adjusts the volume in the figure with minimal mismatch between channels and without any quality loss.

When listening to the source were taken and iPod dock Wadia 170i, which has an identical form factor and is connected via digital coax.

I must say: we have experienced a considerable shock. Miniature unit issued through floor speakers Monitor Audio Gold Reference 20 solid dynamic sound without the slightest sign of overload.

So, the first observation on the power Wadia exceeds some AV-receiver with triple powerful amplifiers. This is an encouraging sign. Hours of the program at a very decent power, PowerDAC not even warmed up properly.

From other sources it was found that power hypersensitive to any and all cables in the system. For example, a digital coax to connect CD-player as a transport affects tremendously. After trying several options, I settled on Audioquest VDM-3 because it gave the most legible and coherent tonal painting, while others are either flattened bass register, like iron, or to introduce an unhealthy aggression in the top bar.

In the West, online forums write that 151 PowerDAC mini sensitive and USB-cable when the source is a computer. Not tested in the absence of cables of varying quality, but willingly believe. USB-protocol always becomes problematic when drops signal/noise ratio in the line (an extension cord - and understand). In addition, he passes into the channel and computer noise, which is also not good for the sound. This method is its simplicity and compatibility - integrated amplifier easily picked up by the operating system and then forms a workable audio complex. But the most high-quality sound is obtained, if the computer is connected to the optics - if such a connection is provided by a 100-percent electrical isolation. On the game console (which is the same computer) sound was about the same as with the audiophile CD-player.

Second degree of influence was the power cord. With Physics Style PW-Reference has improved both the resolution in the middle range, and flexibility at the top. In experiments with speaker cables, the final choice was more difficult to do. RS-15, was preferable when playing rock and jazz programs because of the clear articulation. A TC8 acoustic, chamber and symphonic Phonograms formed the most accurate three-dimensional scene and, as well as the most naturally conveyed the ambience.

Such compliance system adjustment speaks volumes. The sound of 151 PowerDAC mini does not have any irreparable flaw or hardware noticeable tint. Study of the lower band, such that never dreamed of and audiophile amplifiers. In the middle register tract neutral and extremely meticulous in relation to the smallest detail. I do not accidentally so carefully avoid direct subjective ratings of the amplifier, because it does not impose his style of playing, and vice versa - opens up all possibilities for personalization.

So it's hardly the most audiophile thing that ever came across me, in spite of quite high-endnuyu price.