WADIA Intuition 01 Power DAC Integrated, snazzy in silver

Brushed silver Wadia Intuition 01 digital "power DAC" integrated amplifier. Opened and used for a few hours to confirm it's working (it is), so conservatively rated at 9/10.

Here's a brief overview: Wadia has advanced its tradition of progressive technology and industrial design, to deliver a product with the utmost in performance and aesthetics while also being environmentally conscious. Intuition focuses on the digital inputs, with 192 kHz/24 bit resolution for Coax, optical and AES and 384 kHz/32 bit via USB. There are also two analog inputs. At the heart of the digital decoding is a high resolution, 32 bit AD/DA digital preamp with a 1.5 MHz sampling frequency. The 350 watt, high efficiency power amplifier is capable of driving any loudspeaker.

Key Features of INTUITION 01:

• High power output and excellent current delivery: 350 watts per channel via Class D+ technology
• High resolution USB input: 384 kHz/32 bit
• Native DSD playback via USB

The Intuition 01 utilizes an innovative implementation of Wadia’s celebrated Digimaster algorithm, the Delta-SigMaster (the original Digimaster was a groundbreaking design created over two decades ago). Delta-SigMaster is a 1.536 MHz upsampling algorithm (IIR/FIR 800 taps) far superior to standard industry practices, as well as the previous Wadia Delta-Sigma implementation. The ESS 9018 SabreDAC provides the decoding horsepower delivering effortless musical performance.

In short, technology, musicality and stunning design combined in a component destined to become an instant classic. If only I could afford to keep it! Warranty via authorized Wadia dealer included. Check the laudatory reviews: it is one of the finest amplifier-DACs available at any price -- a true cutting edge instrument. It is also beautiful, crafted at the Fine Sounds in Vincenza, Italy, and supported by McIntosh in Binghamton, NY. It is really awesome and I hate to part with it, but have to to accommodate analog sources. Firm, fair price -- well below dealer cost, in fact.