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Comparing Wadia vs. Meitner

I believe that this represents the pinnacle of CD playback. Jerry, a fellow audiogoner was gracious enough to allow me to audition his broken-in Meitner CDSD / DCC2. In my system, the boxes were switched with mine, so they each had the same cables, power conditioning, power cords, and stand. Both were run directly into the amp without a preamp. My CD playback system includes the Wadia 27ix / 270se with the latest software and full modifications from Great Northern Sound. Also included are Elrod Statement power cords, a Hydra conditioner, and a Mana rack.

In short, I think that these are both excellent units. They are also very different in what they do. In my system, it was easy to distinguish between the two within several minutes. It probably comes down to personal preference in deciding which is best here. I’ll just simply say that I’m keeping the Wadia because I think it is a perfect match for my musical preferences, my system, and what I appreciate in music.

What I love about the Wadia is its ability to convey an (absolutely) astonishing amount of detail without being harsh or fatiguing. Not only is the melody and rhythm imaged with speed and coherence, but you can actually appreciate the musicians technique, the weight and color of the instrument(s), and the ambience of the recording venue. It simply presents a convincing image of a live event. The emotional quality is all there. You can understand what separates a great and (justly) famous professional musician from a pretty good one. Everything is properly proportioned, the soundstage is appropriate and believable, everything is audible, and the background is silent. From complex orchestral pieces and opera, to vocals, to solo instruments, I do not believe there are any weak spots. Again, it simply convinces and fools the mind into believing that you are sitting in front of the performance. I have frequented the concert halls, and I’d hate to say it but sometimes the recording is better.

I think that just about anybody could probably be happy with either of these 2 systems. Of course, curiosity makes us wonder if the grass is greener. I am just very content with where I am right now. I'd invite Jerry to make some comments when he gets a chance.

Rob
rtn1
mejames
986 posts
 
Drhst20 was the Wadia you referred to the 861 SE or just 861? could anybody who has done this comparison give some specific sonic impressions of the differences between the two units please?
honest1
586 posts
 
Fmpnd - You have done nothing wrong. Blah, lifeless and dull are not attacks, but an honest appraisal of your experience. It was a great thread until Audiobugged's hearing aid comment. It sounded quite insulting to me, although I think he may have been surprised at those terms in conjunction w/ Wadia (I own a GNS 850, and would never use those words to describe its sound, but I've never heard Meitner gear either). His next sentence was valid regarding pre-amp useage. Maybe he just didn't realize how offensive the hearing aid comment sounded.
Please don't stop posting honest appraisals of equipment - that's what makes this site useful. If I only wanted to hear positive things, I would subscribe to Stereophile. There is a difference betwen an attack and describing a piece of equipment as not as good as another, and people can disagree on the relative merits of a product if they say why - no piecde is perfect, and if one piece excels at bass, maybe its midrange resolution is fuzzy. Saying so is not an attack, but provides useful info to all.
drhst20
71 posts
 
MeJames,

The Wadia was a 861 (Not SE) with the latest statement upgrades from GNSC. The differences, as I remember them, are as follows.

As Far As running direct to amps:

1. The Wadia simply did not have the resolution of the EMM Gear. This is important as resolution is what I loved about my Wadia compared to everythng else I have ever owned (If you are curiuous as to what I have owned, just check out my Virtual system).

2. The bass (which I also loved about my Wadia) sounded muddy compared to the Emm Gear.

3. Transparency and air increased substantially. This was probably the first and easiest thing we noticed.

4. When I first recieved my Wadia, I noticed it was ever so slightly rolled off. As I became accustom to its sound, I did not notice it anymore. However, every time I placed it against another player, or played a piece of music with say a high soprano, I would notice that the highs where just slightly rolled off. It never bothered me much, but when you compared it to the EMM gear, it was noticable. The EMM gear just seems to take the highs to the stratosphere without becoming eggy.

When using the Wadia thorugh the EMM Switchman preamp:

1. Bass control and Transperecny improved along with Dynamics. I actually prefered the Wadia thorugh the Switchman vs running direct to the amps. This surpirsed me as I have tried a number of preamps (Bat VK-51SE, Placette, etc)with the Wadia and prefered it direct (Although as I have stated previously, I could see how some might always prefer it thorugh a pre-amp. My taste do not always correspond to others tastes).

I hope that helps everyone. Again, I loved my Moded Wadia 861, especially with my Elrod Statement II and would not hesitate to recomend it to someone looking for a one box player, but to me, the EMM labs gear is better. The DCC2 is the first pieces of digital gear that I have no real complaints about when I listen to it.

jim63's avatar
jim63
27 posts
 
I think (and I know, my thoughts are like golden nuggets of wisdom that shine light on all that is dark....kidding) that the hearing aid comment may have come off differently in print than what the posters intent actually was. (I could be wrong?)

But, I for one am a bit of a smart ass and sarcastic at times, which in print, can often sound offensive. So, I try to be very aware of that and save the "funny" comments for live conversations with people who know my true nature and can see my disarming charm. Of course, there may be a history in other threads between members. But from what I read in this thread, at worst, a thoughtless comment was made, and response was returned before the emotion subsided which heightened the emotion.

Moving on - I am anxious to hear the comments and opinions on the actual comparison - If I read this thread correctly, 2 digital sources were compared, but nothing has been stated about either players performance or characteristics other than: they are both excellent but different in what they do, a quote from a non-poster, and a we liked this one. What did you like? what did you not like? How were they different? That's the stuff we want to hear about. I for one may never have 2 players of this caliber in my system on the same day, so I am very intrigued. I doubt that I will be swayed in my decision to go with a stock Wadia 861 SE, but that is me for various reasons (which I'll share if anyone cares), and I still want to hear other's opinions - because? I do not know, other than the possibility that I like to drive myself nuts occasionally.

I appreciate hearing all perspectives, and pledge not to get offended or become offensive. Please understand though, that I am human, so do not be too disappointed if I too have a human moment with a thoughtless or defensive post.

Jim
jond's avatar
jond
5,845 posts
 
Wow, who knew this seemingly innocent thread would ruffle so many feathers? I have to say to Tireguy and Fmpnd that Audiogon would be lessened by your absence. However perhaps everyone is being just a bit touchy here. Lets remember, we're talking about steroes, not politics or religion. So let's everybody take a deep breat and lets start over. Perhaps a good place to start would be the original poster completing his shootout by giving his impressions of the Meitner gear. As for everone else, peace.
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