CES 2009

Wadia Need Next?

Jon Iverson  |  Jan 9, 2009

Wadia's iTransport was a big hit at last year's show, so they are back this year with a pile of new products.

Using the same form factor as the iTransport is the new Series 1 121 DAC/pre. Two versions will be available: $999 for the basic unit and $1,499 for the base unit plus a built-in headphone amp designed by Ray Samuals.

Coupled with the iTransport, this would be a compact way to integrate a music server, disc player or other sources. Both products sport USB, Toslink and Coax inputs as well as stereo balanced XLR and RCA outputs. Don't get too excited yet, however, Wadia's Brent Sitterley says the 121 won't be available until the second half of 2009.

COMMENTS
Gatie's picture
Submitted by Gatie (not verified) on January 9, 2009 - 12:43pm

Sounds really sweet but $499 more for an integrated amp by Ray Samuels? Puhleeeez ...

rgibran's picture
Submitted by rgibran (not verified) on January 10, 2009 - 9:22am

A balanced Dac/Pre from Wadia for under a grand...could be killer!-RG

swt61's picture
Submitted by swt61 (not verified) on January 10, 2009 - 1:01pm

Now if the headphone amp section were designed by AMB or Pete Millet, you'd have something there.

hmm's picture
Submitted by hmm (not verified) on January 12, 2009 - 4:53am

$500 extra for a Ray "special sauce" op-amp? Wonder it comes with Ray's secret red paint? That paint makes all the difference when powering Ray's "unthinkable" headphones.

Abe Collins's picture
Submitted by Abe Collins (not verified) on January 16, 2009 - 11:59am

I want to know if it will be available in Silver to match my Wadia iTransport.

Alessandro Mol Luce's picture
Submitted by Alessandro Mol Luce (not verified) on January 19, 2009 - 8:51am

Wadia is Wadia !!! The Digital GOD!

MrMr's picture
Submitted by MrMr (not verified) on January 20, 2009 - 12:58pm

The Benchmark success must have hurt their sales. Now it's payback time! These are exciting times, the ultimate winner of competition are we.

Robert's picture
Submitted by Robert (not verified) on March 1, 2009 - 10:29am

Does the 121 have an integrated power supply, or is it a 'walwart'-type like the 170i?

dr Richard Cormier's picture
Submitted by dr Richard Cormier (not verified) on May 16, 2009 - 9:32pm

I own a P-51 Mustang designed by Ray Samuels...driving my ue-11 pro ....completely flabergasted.....never thought reaching this level of heaven glimpse of musicality.......and for my AKG 702, this forthcoming Wadia dac, 121pre....with the contribution of Ray Samuels is the realisation of my audiophile dreams !!!!!I always knew Gods could communicate.......Richard.

korean's picture
Submitted by korean (not verified) on July 26, 2009 - 11:29am

Only if the headphones amps were designed by AMB or Pete Millet, that would be something.korean clothing

acne's picture
Submitted by acne (not verified) on July 28, 2009 - 3:30am

HiI want to purchase this product.But not sure about the price.And also if the price shown here is correct that dont you think it is little bit expensive too.Acne

Zack's picture
Submitted by Zack (not verified) on August 1, 2009 - 2:40am

Love it. $999 / $1,499 bit big amounts. still its worth it for a person who have enough money.Professional myspace layouts for free

Resveratrol Supplements's picture
Submitted by Resveratrol Sup... (not verified) on August 2, 2009 - 11:26pm

Great news, Wadias are again with new products.We are really looking forward to it ,hoping that definitely there will be some new things.

remove stretch marks's picture
Submitted by remove stretch marks (not verified) on August 7, 2009 - 2:24am

Lovely product.It's looking too good.My and my friends want to purchase it,so can i know the right price of it.Scretch Marks Remover

AcaiBerry's picture
Submitted by AcaiBerry (not verified) on August 12, 2009 - 3:40am

This is very nice product. I was looking for the same one. I would like to buy it

Aviie's picture
Submitted by Aviie (not verified) on August 20, 2009 - 10:16am

Those who know about "Wadia", nothing to say for them. But, who don't yet, try to purchase this as soon as possible!As Wadia's Brent Sitterley said, 121 won't be available until the second half of 2009! So, do hurry!!You will get a new world!

Kindle 2's picture
Submitted by Kindle 2 (not verified) on August 27, 2009 - 9:08am

"Those who know about "Wadia", nothing to say for them. But, who don't yet, try to purchase this as soon as possible! As Wadia's Brent Sitterley said, 121 won't be available until the second half of 2009! So, do hurry!! You will get a new world!"I totally agree, you better hurry this will go fast.

Cricut Expression's picture
Submitted by Cricut Expression (not verified) on August 27, 2009 - 9:10am

This is a very nice unit and although the price seems high it's not really high at all when you're talking about what this device can do.

James L's picture
Submitted by James L (not verified) on September 18, 2009 - 6:32pm

"High price tag" - are you guys kidding? Wadia quality at this price is an absolute HiFi bargain - bear in mind their entry level 830 CD alone is $3250. Their 860 CD is $7450. I have the 170 and the results are outstanding - eagerly awaiting the 121 to land on our shores here in NZ. James.

CNA Trainings's picture
Submitted by CNA Trainings (not verified) on October 8, 2009 - 11:00pm

I hope I can find something like that at e-bay.. So that It's already discounted..

California Insurance's picture
Submitted by California Insurance (not verified) on October 9, 2009 - 1:14am

Wow! it's like a dvd! That's very nice to hear..

Kenlo's picture
Submitted by Kenlo (not verified) on October 19, 2009 - 9:47pm

Sounds great but the price is bit high to me...

Homeowner Rights on a Foreclosure's picture
Submitted by Homeowner Right... (not verified) on October 20, 2009 - 11:47pm

And then we heard the iTransport driving the $13,500 Wadia 781 player/DAC/preamp and Halcro DM308 power amp and a pair of Verity Parsifals. Wow!

Radjasa's picture
Submitted by Radjasa (not verified) on January 10, 2010 - 2:43am

EVERYTIME I read Stereophile, I always want to buy something.

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