From your comments, I get the impression that you heard the unit in a dealer set up and not your system. If that is the case, then it would be prudent to temper any "conclusions" unless you are very familiar with the system(s).
In any case, I'm not quite clear how you can determine the performance of the XDS1 based upon an audition of the CDSA, which is a model many years the XDS1's junior and by all accounts, not even in the same league.
If my spotty memory serves me right, we've discussed this offline as both of us are Wadia fans who have gone or are considering going in another direction due to Wadia's business decisions in recent years (i.e., the cancellation of the 981).
In my experience, the XDS1 betters (typically significantly) my former GNSC Statement 861se in all facets save two. Those two are forwardness of presentation and drive. Where I sometimes miss this Wadia presentation is in two types of music, female acoustic solo (since the Wadia gives a front rows perspective versus the XDS1's relatively further back presentation; however, this is purely a matter of personal preference and is merely a slight difference in degree) and hard rock (where, while close, the 861se gives the music just a little more drive).
In any case, if your EMM dealer won't loan you one for demo, you can speak with EMM direct and they should work something out. I would never buy anything that expensive (outside of speakers due to logistical issues) without an in-home demo.
Good luck.
In any case, I'm not quite clear how you can determine the performance of the XDS1 based upon an audition of the CDSA, which is a model many years the XDS1's junior and by all accounts, not even in the same league.
If my spotty memory serves me right, we've discussed this offline as both of us are Wadia fans who have gone or are considering going in another direction due to Wadia's business decisions in recent years (i.e., the cancellation of the 981).
In my experience, the XDS1 betters (typically significantly) my former GNSC Statement 861se in all facets save two. Those two are forwardness of presentation and drive. Where I sometimes miss this Wadia presentation is in two types of music, female acoustic solo (since the Wadia gives a front rows perspective versus the XDS1's relatively further back presentation; however, this is purely a matter of personal preference and is merely a slight difference in degree) and hard rock (where, while close, the 861se gives the music just a little more drive).
In any case, if your EMM dealer won't loan you one for demo, you can speak with EMM direct and they should work something out. I would never buy anything that expensive (outside of speakers due to logistical issues) without an in-home demo.
Good luck.