jafant, i can’t really say more than what i would do.
Personally i would look at Wadia di322 or 320.
Could i afford i would go for di322 over any other machine.
I have not heard any of them, but i liked 381.
So my curiousity is very high talking di322.
If you use active speakers you don’t miss a pre-amp using Wadia.
Primary like the body of Wadia (Algorithm A) and the sound field is more intact and centered, than speaker A and B. You have a very strong body in the low midrange and a firm bass with punch. I would say Wadia has a sound that is leaving little lacking (if anything). My unit was bought by a guy obsessed with ARC. Actually he was so obsessed with ARC first time he was here, i had to tell him he better go home and buy ARC. Somehow he got around and came back. As far as i know, he was pleased landing the 381.
IMO, many people focus too much on tech and dacs used. I would say the analog section in conjunction with the tech is where the magic happens,.. or simply don’t.
Some machines simply leave me unimpressed with the music.
The best these days, is going with a true active speaker and a minimalistic front end.
Optimize this, position and acoustics and i think you place your money at the best horses.
Personally i would look at Wadia di322 or 320.
Could i afford i would go for di322 over any other machine.
I have not heard any of them, but i liked 381.
So my curiousity is very high talking di322.
If you use active speakers you don’t miss a pre-amp using Wadia.
Primary like the body of Wadia (Algorithm A) and the sound field is more intact and centered, than speaker A and B. You have a very strong body in the low midrange and a firm bass with punch. I would say Wadia has a sound that is leaving little lacking (if anything). My unit was bought by a guy obsessed with ARC. Actually he was so obsessed with ARC first time he was here, i had to tell him he better go home and buy ARC. Somehow he got around and came back. As far as i know, he was pleased landing the 381.
IMO, many people focus too much on tech and dacs used. I would say the analog section in conjunction with the tech is where the magic happens,.. or simply don’t.
Some machines simply leave me unimpressed with the music.
The best these days, is going with a true active speaker and a minimalistic front end.
Optimize this, position and acoustics and i think you place your money at the best horses.