Wadia Intuition 01
Wadia integrated amplifier with 32-bit ESS Sabre DAC, capable of delivering up to 350 watts per channel via a Class D+ power stage and multiple digital inputs.
Description
The Intuition01 is an integrated amplifier from Wadia, designed to bring together in a single chassis a power stage and an advanced digital conversion stage. It is intended for use with a single digital source, without a preamplifier or external converter, the unit already integrating the full signal processing chain through to playback.
The amplification section is built around a Class D+ power stage, an architecture that allows high power output to be achieved while keeping a compact footprint. Wadia states up to 350 watts per channel, a power reserve that allows demanding speakers to be driven without an additional power amplifier.
On the digital connectivity side, the Intuition01 offers seven inputs: two coaxial RCA, one optical Toslink, one balanced AES/EBU XLR and two I2S WadiaLink, all compatible up to 24-bit/192 kHz. A USB input completes this offering, accepting up to 32-bit/384 kHz and native playback of DSD files, the SACD format, without conversion to PCM. This processing relies on a 32-bit ESS Sabre 9018 converter, a flagship reference from this manufacturer. Two analogue inputs and a remote control complete the unit.
The amplifier also incorporates DigitalMaster, a proprietary signal reconstruction technology developed by Wadia since 1989. Based on an interpolation process, it raises the processing rate to 1.536 MHz, nearly thirty times that of a 96 kHz signal, with the aim of improving playback compared with conventional filtering techniques.
This type of amplifier suits a fully digital setup, paired with speakers capable of making the most of substantial power and a high-end DAC, for a system centred on playing high-resolution digital files, including DSD format.
Technical specifications
| Power | 350 W per channel |
| Amplification type | Class D+ |
| Converter | 32-bit ESS Sabre ESS9018 |
| Digital inputs | 2 x coaxial RCA, 1 x optical Toslink, 1 x AES/EBU XLR, 2 x I2S WadiaLink (24-bit/192 kHz) |
| USB input | 32-bit/384 kHz, native DSD playback |
| Analogue inputs | 2 |
| Proprietary technology | DigitalMaster (rate up to 1.536 MHz) |
What to check before buying used
The motorised potentiometer and rotary controls deserve a check: listen for crackling or value skipping when turning them. Check that the I2S WadiaLink inputs lock properly and that the USB input is recognised reliably in high resolution and DSD, as a firmware fault can limit these modes. Also inspect the ventilation of the Class D+ power stage, as prolonged heating can accelerate ageing of the internal capacitors.
Looking for this reference: intégré ?
Tell us what you are looking for: our merchants are notified, and one of them may have it in stock.