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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, 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?
talon4
185 posts
 
Hi Steve, I'm currently driving my amps directly with my Wadia 581, as I'm between preamps. I think that it had a better sound overall with the Audio Research Reference 3 preamp that I had. I'm waiting for my new Pass Labs X 0.2 preamp to arrive. However, my Wadia 581 isn't completely broken in. It has 680 hours on it. Full breakin is 750-800 hours and there is sapposed to be a marked change for the better around 750 hours. Also, the Wadia 581's volume control hasn't been up any higher than "73" driving the amps directly. I ran it on "100" with a preamp. The Wadia 581 sounds best between "85" and "100"-max. That said, I'm getting a low noisefloor with great dynamics and air. It is very clear with the best texture of instruments that I have heard in my system. The downside, since not having a preamp in the chain, is that bass, while being full and dynamic, isn't as controlled and precise as it was with a preamp. I'll know more once the Wadia and Pass are fully broken in. I do think that the voltage output can be adjusted. I'll post again as everything breaks in. I should receive the X 0.2 this coming Wednesday. Good luck. Best regards, Stan
avaudiospecialist
6 posts
 
I am Have a wadia 581-i I had ships back wadia upgrade to 581 SE i can't wait come back.Wadia great sound true Hi end.
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