Wadia 861

I had a Wadia 301 and sold it partly because of high frequency glare and smearing. (Rather serious listening fatigue on less than pristine recordings). I almost bought the 861 but was advised that it exhibits many of the same characteristics -- unless you let Steven Huntley mod it. I ended up with an AA Cap, which is much more listenable, but certainly looser and slower in the bass and perhaps w/o the sparkling top end detail.

If the Wadia 861 sounds edgy or bright, it's probably a cable -- or associated component -- issue.

9rw I concur. Cable issues are blamed as component problems very often. All equipment must have the correct matching cables for their specific sonic balances.

I've heard the 861 and 861se in several very revealing systems. Neither Wadia is edgy or graining by itself.

Compared to the ARC or the Ayre, the Wadias are in a different league. The Wadias also cost more.

I'd love to compare an 861se side by side a 270se plus either a dCS Purcell/Delius or Elgar...or a 27ix. I love my GNSC modified 270se!!!