Wadia CD players direct to power amps opinions

wadia is the hyper detail style of cdp and nothing wrong with that if it's your taste...mine tends toward an analogue presentation....I have owned wadia...fine gear.
Larry

I don't know how the Wadia pre works, but there are only two ways which it can work:

- as a digital pre. This is definitely inferior to an analog pre, because it throws bits away, compresses dynamic range, and brings the signal closer to the noise floor. I have heard the effect of digital pre's and let me tell you it is not pretty.

- as an analog pre. The DAC outputs its full signal into a conventional analog preamp. The question then arises - if you are going to run the digital signal through an analog preamp, then why bother using the Wadia as an analog pre? You lose the advantages and flexibility of having a seperate pre. Why not just take the signal from the DAC and use a seperate pre?

People who might argue that the one box solution is "simpler" may as well argue that integrated amps are better than pre-power amps. A DAC with volume control integrates the analog pre to the DAC, in the same way that an integrated amplifier integrates the pre to the power amp.

I am currently running direct and have found that the level matching (out of the Wadia with dither switches) is most ctirical for proper sound.I have tried a Bent audio passive but found a loss of transparency, images were smaller and less defined. Dynamics lost the leading edge and didn't carry the same foundation of the music that I was familar with.My friends all run (GNSC Wadia 16ise & 27/2000s)&(VD resonance control ) source direct and have found similar results running into Sim W-5LE's.I do think that a good tube amp would round things out but may also limit the natural transparentness of the system.Every system is different and the listners preferences also come into play, giving us a multiplicity ( that was almost painful!!) of systems. Take care Dennis

My system wadia 302 and quad II forty with direct connection; very clean and natural. I have tried through pre, but it is getting worse; I might need much more expensive pre to beat the direct option.

Here is how Wadia's website explains the use of "DIRECT CONNECT"-

{Direct-Connect™ Technology

The Wadia 3 series and 5 series players feature the latest iteration of Wadia's Direct-Connect Technology. With Direct-Connect, the output from the CD player is connected directly to the power amplifier, bypassing the preamplifier. This eliminates several stages of analog circuitry, the analog volume control, and cables from the audio signal path providing a distinct improvement in sound quality.

There are many features of the Direct-Connect system, each of which is necessary, but not sufficient by itself, for proper performance. It is the combination of all of these elements that allows the Direct-Connect system to perform at such a high level.

1. Digital volume control (with adjustable maximum output level)
Since 1992, Wadia has continued to refine the first audiophile-quality digital volume control. It remains the only volume control that delivers the theoretical advantages of volume control in the digital domain. Although less sophisticated digital volume controls can sacrifice resolution, Wadia's volume control with adjustable maximum output level can be optimized to match a wide range of systems, ensuring greater than 16-bit resolution over the majority of the volume range. For a complete description of the WADIA Volume Control, refer to Guide to Wadia Technology Number 2.

2. High-current output stage
Wadia's Direct-Connect output stage can provide up to one-quarter amp (250 mA) of current, to drive very long cables, and low input impedance amplifiers.

3. High-voltage output stage
The Direct-Connect output stage can produce up to 4.25 Volts RMS, producing sufficiently loud volume levels even in low-sensitivity systems.

4. Low output impedance
With less than 15 ohms output impedance, the Direct-Connect output stage can drive highly capacitive and low-impedance loads with ease.

5. Quiet digital circuitry
Since the CD player output is connected directly to the amplifier, any high-frequency noise coming from the audio outputs can cause audible distortion. Direct-Connect circuitry uses the most recent techniques to minimize this noise. (See NoiseBlock)

6. True-balanced output
Fully-balanced circuit design - with the inverted signal produced in the digital domain, balanced DACs, and analog output - realizes the benefits of amplifiers with balanced inputs.

7. Digital inputs
Although CD is the reference source for most listeners, Direct-Connect components have provisions for additional digital inputs as well. These allow alternative digital sources, such as Laser Disc, DVD, DSS, DAT or Digital FM, to benefit from the Wadia decoding and Direct-Connect technology. As an alternative, listeners can connect analog sources by using a Wadia analog-to-digital converter.}

Although this is Wadia's explanation I believe it holds merit- it is not the ONLY!!! WAY too do anything but when using a Wadia w/ direct connect to power amps- for my enjoyment at least for now- it is quit inviting and warm sounding with tube amps.

Thank you for your input on this subject I think it is time to table this one!