Everything you need to know about the Wadax Studio DAC Collection
When Wadax unveiled the original Studio Player in 2024, it immediately became one of the most talked-about digital front ends in high-end audio. It wasn't simply another streamer/DAC; it distilled technologies from the extraordinary ATLANTIS Reference platform into something more attainable, while introducing listeners to the unmistakable Wadax approach to digital reproduction.
But that was only the beginning.
Over the following two years, the collection steadily expanded. First came the dedicated Studio Clock. Then the Studio PSU and Akasa DC cables. With each addition, performance climbed another level.
Now, the journey reaches its richest expression yet.
The new Studio DAC Collection transforms what was previously a single-box digital source into a fully modular ecosystem centred around two entirely new products: the Studio DAC and Studio Transport. Together with the Studio Clock, dual Studio PSUs and Akasa cabling, they create a digital source capable of scaling through ten performance levels—from an exceptional standalone DAC to one of the most sophisticated digital playback systems available today.
Why split the Player into DAC & Transport?
The original Studio Player already combined streaming, DAC and CD/SACD playback in a single chassis. So why separate them?
Because separating digital processing from disc transport allows each component to be optimised without compromise.
The new Studio DAC inherits all of the streaming capabilities of the Studio Player while introducing an entirely new dual-mono conversion architecture based around Wadax's latest RAXA™ topology. According to Wadax, RAXA delivers lower noise, faster signal processing, improved harmonic integrity and an even larger, more natural soundstage.
Meanwhile, the dedicated Studio Transport brings technologies developed for the flagship ATLANTIS Reference Transport—including the new THORstudio optical reading system with DWC technology — into the Studio platform.
The result is more than just additional boxes; it's a platform built for continuous refinement.
The heart of the system: Studio DAC
Everything revolves around the Studio DAC.
Beyond its new RAXA architecture, it serves as a complete modern digital hub, supporting:
Qobuz Connect
TIDAL Connect
Spotify Connect
Roon Ready
AirPlay
UPnP
Audirvana
JPLAY
...alongside AES, BNC, RCA and Toslink digital inputs, and the Akasa Optical connection for the new Studio Transport and future Studio applications.
For the first time in Wadax history, it also includes a dedicated headphone output stage featuring both single-ended and balanced 4-pin XLR outputs—bringing the company's proprietary musIC processing technology into personal listening.
Building performance, one step at a time
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of the Studio Collection is its modularity. Unlike many reference digital systems that require a complete replacement to improve performance, every Studio component builds on the last.
Start with the Studio DAC
Introduce an external Studio PSU
Add the Studio Clock
Add the Studio Transport with additional Studio PSU
Complete the system with Akasa DC cabling (available in three levels: Standard, Studio and Reference).
Each step extracts another layer of realism, precision and musical expression while protecting your investment. Wadax refers to this as ten distinct performance levels within a single ecosystem.
Heard first in Vienna
The Studio DAC Collection made its world premiere at High End Vienna 2026, where it formed the centrepiece of Wadax's largest-ever exhibition presence.
Across six demonstration rooms, visitors experienced everything from the original Studio Player Collection to the flagship ATLANTIS Reference system, with the new Studio DAC Collection occupying pride of place in Wadax's own dedicated listening room.
For those fortunate enough to attend, it wasn't simply another product launch—it represented the next chapter in Wadax's long-term vision for digital playback.
Early reaction
Although still very new, the reception has been immediate.
Reviewing the Studio DAC, The Absolute Sound's Tom Martin opened with perhaps the strongest endorsement possible:
"...from some angles is the best DAC I've covered."
Meanwhile, covering the Vienna launch, HiFi+ described how the completed Studio Collection extends the architecture introduced by the original Player while adding "greater connectivity and flexibility" through dedicated DAC and Transport components.
Wadax founder Javier Guadalajara perhaps summarises the philosophy best:
"By separating the DAC and transport into dedicated products and adding our latest know-how and technologies, we give music lovers a new way to experience digital playback with greater precision, realism, and emotional connection."
More than a product
Many manufacturers launch a flagship. Wadax prefers building an ecosystem.
The Studio DAC Collection is not simply the latest digital source from the Spanish company—it represents the culmination of a journey that began with the Studio Player and has evolved into a fully modular platform capable of growing alongside its owner.
Whether you're entering the Wadax world with a standalone Studio DAC or assembling the complete five-box stack, every component shares the same objective:
To bring listeners closer to the original musical performance.
That, ultimately, has always been the point.
Availability & Cost
We are already taking pre-orders for the Studio DAC Collection!
Demo units for the Studio DAC are expected at Boyer Audio in Q4 this year, with customer sales from Q1 2027.
Demo units for the Studio Transport are expected at Boyer Audio in Q1 2027, with customer sales from Q2.
Studio DAC: £41,700
Studio Transport: £38,400