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Mark Levinson 30.5/31.5 vs Wadia 861se

Has anyone compared these two digital front ends. I know this is probably a question of personal taste and I should listen for myself but, there are no dealers for either in my area, and I would be looking used. I listen to all types of music. Prefer detailed but laidback sound with lots of soundstage depth. You can see my system listed. Only interested in Redbook.

One other thing.......... am I better off looking at something completely different (i.e. are these players easily beat by newer less expensive stuff these days?).

Thanks

Chris
cmo
teajay
1,690 posts
 
Chris, if I would compare my digital front end in my system now to my older front end of ML/DCS the major and most important differences would be:1) The ML was very accurate/detailed but somewhat "dry" sounding. 2) The ML did not give as large and layered soundstage with air around the players. 3) The ML overall sonic flavor was never hard or upfront but not as dynamic or alive sounding as my present gear. Stated very subjectively, the ML/DCS was a very good digital sound , while my present pieces offer what alot of audiophiles would call "analog" like.
teajay
1,690 posts
 
George, I have a personnal motto, if your own ear's has not heard it you don't have an opinion. So, if you never have seriously listened to the gear up for discussion how could you "side" with anybody? I would never put down a fellow audiophiles personnal opinion, it's really finally all about personnal taste and system synergy, but its only fair to have an opinion based on actual experience. Finally, you never responded to my information regarding the cost of used ML gear, after you made statements that were not factual concerning their cost on another thread, why the great loyalty towards ML gear? Just curious.
nickt
172 posts
 
I had the chance to own both ML 390 and Wadia 861se. In my system with B&W 800D driven by Mac 1201s.

Soundstage= Wadia
Details= Wadia
Laid back= ML

Given that the ML 390 is five years old, I will admit that it is not 30.5/31.5. However, I thought this might help you. I think your taste is more w/ the ML gears.
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