2. digital
  3. 1143792535

Can the RA Opus 21 rock better than a Wadia?

I was almost set on getting a used Wadia unit but recently came across the Resolution Audio Opus 21. Reading the reviews, the Opus seems intriguing and a good puchase. I am thinking of picking up one brand new.

I listen primarily to rock, blues, pop with some occasional jazz. I like music that's pacy, rhythmic - where there's plenty of drive and energy, without the sound becoming too 'digital' and sacrificing air and sounstage. Where I live, I don't have a chance to audition the Opus and hoping that Audiogoners on this site can advise me.

I gather from all the positive reviews that the Opus is a great, vinyl-sounding, detailed, musical machine with good PRAT. Wanted to know if the RA21 can best the Wadia range of CD players from the 301 to 861 as a CD player that plays rock and blues. What advantages does the RA21 have over the Wadia house sound?

Any opinions from users of both machines are much appreciated.
raymond_tan
mrcyn
26 posts
 
Thanks Kurt - Looks like I will have to order a din to xlr cable.Jeff says its the way to go and you friend also agreed.Does Audience need any info or is the equipment information sufficient???......Mike
kurt_tank
1,189 posts
 
Mike.

I actually ordered it through some company called northwest audio, or something like that. (I don't know if they still advertize here or not, as I can't seem to find their ad anymore.)

What I suggest is writing to every cable reseller you can find that you need a AU24 I.C. terminated with a DIN to XLR (whatever length you need, although I suggest at least a meter), and then see what the best price you can get is. That is what I did and I ended up saving about a hundred dollars betweent he high estimate and the low estimate. (It should be about $500-600. I paid $500, but that was a couple of years ago.)

Good Luck!
mrcyn
26 posts
 
Thank You very much Kurt!!!......Mike
frankpiet
307 posts
 
Have experience with both and some other units:
I´d clearly go for the Wadia for several reasons:
- great design and superb build quality
- extremely reliable
- very convenient remote and digital pre-amp
- much higher resolution, slam and musicality
- easy to sell on the 2nd. hand market
- and with eg. GNSC mods simply awesome
If you´re looking for a one box competitior for the Wadia I´d look at Esoteric X-3/UX-1/X-1 an Ayre D-1xe or Audio Aero Capitole MK II SE.
kops's avatar
kops
478 posts
 
On a recent shoot-out this weekend the accustic arts combo (drive1 and dac mkIII) was a lot better and "rocked more" than resolution audio opus21. If the price is good give a listen to the AA combo or dac.
More to discover