Can any player challenge Audio Aero Prestige SE ?

without specifying the way in which one player has outperformed another, a statement that "player a beats the hell out of player b" is ambiguous. please provide specific facts about the superiority of a modiefied wadia 581 over the audio aero.

I just wanted to add Accustic Arts to the discussion. I have not compared them to anything beside my recent digital set up of ARC CD3 MKII with/and without an Audio Logic 24MXL DAC - I don't know if either is SOTA, but not too shabby. The AA units sounds fantastic, are built to a very high standard, and should be considered against some of the more highly distributed products in the states. They provide great microdyanmics and macrodymanics, are neutral yet very musical, with just the right touch of liquidity. The transport and DAC costs $13,500 and have been considered as good or better than much more expensive alternatives. They make a single-box player that sells for $7,700 that I have not heard, but based on their separates is probaly worth an audition. P.S. Their basic unit is Redbook only, but they do make a one-bax multi-format players as well.

A Meridian 808 is of a much higher level. Listen to it and you'll understand.

Mrtennis: there is not need to specify. The 581 with the GNSC mod. makes everything a lot better than the AA. If it would have been a close call I would have specified..

OK, even those these seem like somewhat turbulent waters, I'll venture in nonetheless -- what about the Nova Physics Group Memory Player? From the reviews at Stereo Times and Positive feedback, this "player" seems to have raised the digital bar for single chassis players to a very high degree. Granted, I have not heard it, but would like to hear comments from those that have..

BTW - I once owned a Capitole MK II and replaced it with an Esoteric UX-3SE which is much more transparent, better soundstage, cleaner deeper bass, so would think that Esoterics top 'o the line pc. (X-01 Limited) would more than give the Audio Aero Prestige a run for the money.