Any previous Wadia users?? Or did everyone move?

I've stayed with Wadia (thru thick and thin -- for them!) since 1990. Properly set up with other high quality components, they are the most musical (Redbook) digital equipment I've heard. They even do a great job with HDCD because they employ their patented software D/A conversion rather than Burr-Brown DAC chips. And they always used the TEAC/Esoteric VRDS disc-clamping mechanism, or some version of it.

If I were primarily interested in SACD (I'm not), I would definitely consider EMM-labs, as they have carved out a great reputation with that format, and I haven't heard Wadia's new multi-format player. But it sounds like Redbook is your primary interest. I haven't had Steve Huntley @ GNSC do any mods on my 27 (yet!) but he's serviced my WT2000 transport which is an incredible machine.

Aural Symphonics makes glass (AT&T) cables for both Wadia and EMM equipment. As far as I'm concerned, that's the ONLY way to go if you have separate CDT/DAC.

I am completely satisfied with my 861 it has the GN Statement mod. I cannot think of a better player this is my third I had an 860X and a stock 861.

I have never needed service but a couple years ago I needed a box they sent me one free of charge and also picked up the shipping.

I met John Schaffer at CES and he invited me to come by the factory.

Great products and a great company.

Agree with the two previous posts. I had a Wadia 25 DAC back in '96-'97 then switched to the single-box 860 in '97. Have continually upgraded the 860 over the years to current 861es. I still haven't heard digital (one-box or separates) done better to the point of making me want to switch. I intend to keep this player for another 10 years if I can keep getting it serviced.

Wadia is great - I have owned a 302 bought new for a littele over a year. There have been worries about the company's stability in the past, but they seem to be doing pretty well right now. Given the fading market for audiophile type gear I don't know how you could predict the shelf life of anyone focused solely on the high end.