Wadia 270/27ix vs. Sonic Frontiers T3/P3

I concurr with many here. I FAR prefer the Wadia to the Sonic Frontiers stuff. However, I think that the digital volume control is a bunch of hooey...it simply sounds better through a pre-amp, unless your listening volume range is ALWAYS above the 90 mark on the CD. This just doesn't work as the levels are so different CD to CD and my desire for volume changes mood to mood, type of music to type of music etc. That said...no complaints on the Wadia at all - worth the cash without the direct to amp feature. And...if the scheduled upgrade for the combo is as good as the 860-861 upgrade, it should be really great.

Stick to the Sonic Frontiers gear.Don't get fooled by the
24/96/192,etc,etc wagon.It's other things that matter most
and the T3/P3 combo delivers...

Just some related thoughts. Sonics aside, because that's a personal matter, the Wadias are built like tanks. The 270SE has a better platter mechanism than the 270 if you can find one.

The pre-amp vs. direct is very system dependent. Both approaches work fine and can only be determined by your system AND what you're looking for.

If your system is already going in that direction I think the Wadia combo could be construed as a bit bright or edgy.
If your system doesn't lean toward brightness I think you'll be alright.

The "i" designation allows a separate word clock link between the 27 & 270 or 270SE through glass cable. I'm not sure the "x" designation is worth the extra "$" but that's just my opinion.