Micromega Stage 1 vs. Stage 3 vs. everything else in this list...

Micromega Leader 2 cdp as well.

Hi jafant, 

I've seen the Leader 2 and Stage 6 on Ebay.

To give some background on the Micromega Stage Series CD Players. This is according to writings that I have found on the internet: There are NOT 6 "consecutive performance" stages to this series. Stage 1,2,3 was the original concept for this player with the Stage 3 being the TOTL model. I read an article somewhere (cannot remember where or if it's true) that the French Govt. passed a law that required certain (or all) electronics to have dedicated power on/off switches. Since the Stage 1,2,3 models did not have this, they revised the players, along with what appears to be the D/A section, and released the Stage 4,5,6. Therefore, the Stage 4,5,6 players are essentially a "revised" version of Stage 1,2 3. So I guess you could think of the Stage 6 as a Stage 3 mkII? Stage 3 and Stage 6 are the top models for each "series." Stage 1 is essentially a Stage 4, Stage 2 is like Stage 5, etc. As mentioned, Stage 1,2,3 players had no power switch. You plugged them in and push any button on player or remote to bring it out of standby. When you are done listening, just let it be. It will go off by itself after about 7-10 min of non-use. I forget the exact time. I should time it. The same DAC is used in all Stage players... a Philips TDA1305T dual CMOS DAC. This is one of my favorite dacs, along with the legendary TDA1541A, and current Wolfson DACs. The 1305 is a very dynamic and musical DAC. The Stage 1 & 4 used one dac, whereas stages 2,3,5,6 used dual dacs in a reverse configuration. You can google the different stage players to see pics of the different DAC sections "Stages" uses at each level. I have personally owned a Stage 1, 5 and currently a 3. The 3 is by far the best sounding of what I had. The 5 sounded a little thin in the mids, and I've read too that the later revised 4,5,6 didn't sound quite as good as the original series. However, I would need a Stage 6 to A/B with my Stage 3 to be certain. But, in looking at pics or "nudies" each stage player, the Stage 3 definitely looks to have the most extensive DAC section of all of them.  

Good to see you- jsbach1685

Thanks! for sharing the historical background on these players.
I love CD and SACD players. Each is unique, yet, accomplishes the listening mission.  Happy Listening!

I've owned a micro mega stage 3 for fifteen years.I also own a rega planet,an arcam cd33,and a musical fidelity kw dm 25 transport and dac.I think the micro Mega sound quality is very good and holds its own with all these players.

Thanks! for sharing- g11657