2. digital
  3. 1203514867

Comparison Cary 306, Wadia 581, EMM Labs CDSA

Hi all,

it's time to get a new (used) CD / SACD player and I reduced the possibilities to the following 3 candidates:
Cary SACD 306 (PRO)
Wadia 581 (SE)
EMM Labs CDSA (SE)
(Volume control and/or digital inputs NOT a requirement but SACD playback a MUST)
Had anyone the possibility to compare these players? I think they are (used) in more or less the same price range and I've not the possibility to listen to all of them so I am really curious and can't wait to hear your opinions.
Listen a lot to (female) voices (Jazz, Rock, Singer/Songwriter), Classic and also Rock and Electronic.

Thanks a lot
Peter
bauerp
amfibius
282 posts
 
Thanks for checking back in, Cappucino. Is your Accuphase burnt in yet? It might get even better with time.

I have a Cary 306. I am really happy with it but I have been itching to see what else is out there. I know the Accuphase tone is beautiful, but my last experience with Accuphase led me to wonder whether the dynamics and PRaT are quite up to the competition. What do you think of this?
cappuccino
122 posts
 
Amfibius,
my Accuphase DP-700 is quite new and not burned in yet. Out of the box it is sounding amazing so I don't know what it really is capable of yet. But I wouldn't worry about dynamics and PRaT for this player. It seems to be there, nothing less than the Cary player, but only much more refined and musical.

I have recently ordered the latest Burmester 069 reference player, so I guess over time I will use the DP-700 for SACD only.
jamesw20
270 posts
 
Wow, this thread is like the democratic debates. Both throwing bombs at one another while the rest of us watch in amusement.
dennis_the_menace's avatar
dennis_the_menace
467 posts
 
Love the sound of Emm. But hated the reliability issues. Two power supplies blown and replaced for $500 each, strange sounds coming from the tweeter every 2 minutes using anything but the optical inputs, and all the while having to fight tooth and nail to get them to respond to inquiries, even when I was willing to pay full price for repairs. When it was working, it sounded WONDERFUL. But my system was down more than it was up in the last two years and I'm so glad to be moving on. Buyer beware.
rgs92
974 posts
 
EMM fixed my CDSD that was a few years old with one phone call with quick turnaround (about a week in the shop).
This has been my only problem with 6 years of EMM gear.
More to discover