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Any previous Wadia users?? Or did everyone move?

Hi,

I am playing with a Wadia 860x but am thinking of upgrading. An automatic option would be to buy the Wadia 581 with the GNSC mod. However I don't see many people using this player on the forum. I actually don't see many people using Wadia at all. Is there any reason for that? Did everyone switch or has Wadia never been popular? I see many people using the EMM-labs player (either one box or Transport/DAC) with great succes. Apparently an excellent player.

Does anyone can give their view why or why not they use Wadia and have eg EMM-Labs as alternative?

This might help me in making my decision.

Thanks
maxx1973
talon4
185 posts
 
Hello Nsgarch, I liked the Wadia 861se with GNS Statement upgrade very much--awesome bass and backround detail, good precision. Steve @ GNS really knows how to improve an already good player. The EMM Labs CDSA-SE was the best that I have heard in the upper treble and it was very clear. The treble dynamics were spectacular, but the rest of the presentation was just OK. There was texture to individual instruments with the CDSA-SE, but not near as good as the Wadia. Another problem with the CDSA-SE was that only my newer cds sounded very good. Older cds lost clarity and soundstaging. I don't know the reason for the difference. Maybe the reason is the way that the newer vs older cds were recorded, or the way that the EMM Labs reads cds. At any rate, I researched cd players--Esoteric, Audio Research, etc., but never had a chance to actually listen to those brands, due to being so far away from an audio dealer. I also looked into an AMR CD-77 player, but there was a two month plus wait for delivery. After talking with several Wadia 581 owners, I took the Wadia plunge again. It looks like it payed off in spades... Overall, my new Wadia 581 is the best cd playback that I have had in my system... and it's not broken in completely yet.
avaudiospecialist
6 posts
 
Mr,Talon
Wadia 581 and 581i now is upgrade 581SE do you knew.
Thank
talon4
185 posts
 
Hello, Yes, I found out about a week ago that Wadia is now shipping the SE version. When they offer an upgrade path, I'll probably be getting it. For one thing, it's sapposed to have a larger power supply. Stan
cenline
238 posts
 
I am moving to a Wadia 2000 w/digital volumne and a wadia 20 transport from my wadia 15i and 8 transport.Needless to say both peices are going to Steve for a GNSC special and he is also selling my old units for me! Now that is great service and I can't wait to hear the new 64x oversampling !! Take care Dennis
steveboeck
14 posts
 
Somewhat off topic but is anyone using the 581 to drive amps direct?If you are do you hear any benefit?The reason I ask is that I'm thinking of going with the 581 and driving my VTL's direct.Any thoughts?
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