The Audiophile Foundation is looking to spread the joy of our hobby. In the coming days, AF members will be offered the first opportunity to purchase some of our hardware equipment. Pickup is available via will-call in the South Bay.
Offered today is the Wadia Digital 1000 Decoding Computer (DigiMaster x64), in good to very good condition for its age. One would need a 15 amp power cord to power the unit and BNC connector to attach to your equipment.
The Wadia Digital 1000 x-64 DigiMaster is a high-end audiophile DAC from Wadia’s “DigiMaster” series, known for its proprietary digital filtering and custom DSP design. It was designed by Robert Harley Moses and marketed as a “decoding computer” due to its programmable digital filter architecture.
Design & Build
The WD1000 x-64 is a single-box, rack-mountable unit with a heavy-gauge machined aluminum-alloy chassis, “mil-grade” construction, and no ventilation grills. Features include:
- Single BNC digital input accepting 32kHz satellite, 44.1kHz CD, 48kHz R-DAT, and similar sources
- Automatic resampling between supported rates (32/44.1/48kHz), with front-panel indication
- Absolute phase invert via a front-panel button
- RCA and AES outputs (some listings note Toslink as the digital input)
- Proprietary programmable digital filter using discrete DSP ICs and EPROMs, designed on a PC and “burned” into the unit
Technology
- Custom DSP architecture with 32-bit microprocessors for filtering, allowing fine-tuned low-pass filtering and avoiding common mass-produced LSI filter compromises
- DigiMaster algorithm, shared with later Wadia models (the exact sonic contribution is debated)
- Output stage: Some early units used a “Sledgehammer” output stage, later improved for more robust performance
- Power supply: Large transformer-based PSU with multiple crystals for stability
Sound & Performance
The WD1000 x-64 is often described as:
- Solid, sonorous, and detailed, with a sense of body and weight
- Transparent in a resolving system, revealing tonal differences between sources
- Capable of producing a realistic, lifelike sound with depth and clarity
Verdict
The Wadia Digital 1000 x-64 DigiMaster combines custom DSP filtering with a robust, high-quality output stage. It delivers a rich, detailed, and powerful presentation that can be impressive in a high-end system, especially when paired with a quality transport. It is best suited for audiophiles who appreciate its distinctive character and enjoy well-built, classic high-end gear.
MSRP: $4,950.00
Average Price: $400.00
AF Special Member Price: $195.00
Reference Links
Informative review from Stereophile:
https://www.stereophile.com/content/wadia-digital-1000-decoding-computer
“The WD1000 proved its point. Digital audio replay is at long last beginning to approach the standard set long ago by the best vinyl replay.”
Manual:
https://manualmachine.com/wadiadigital/decodingcomputer/1722420-user-manual/#google_vignette
Software and instructions:
http://www.wadia.com/ContentsFiles/121_Manual_Print_03-12.pdf
Please feel free to contact me with any questions—we’re happy to help!
Manrique Zuniga
Director of Sales, Audiophile Foundation
Thank you for looking at our listing.