Comparison Cary 306, Wadia 581, EMM Labs CDSA


Hi all,

it's time to get a new (used) CD / SACD player and I reduced the possibilities to the following 3 candidates:
Cary SACD 306 (PRO)
Wadia 581 (SE)
EMM Labs CDSA (SE)
(Volume control and/or digital inputs NOT a requirement but SACD playback a MUST)
Had anyone the possibility to compare these players? I think they are (used) in more or less the same price range and I've not the possibility to listen to all of them so I am really curious and can't wait to hear your opinions.
Listen a lot to (female) voices (Jazz, Rock, Singer/Songwriter), Classic and also Rock and Electronic.

Thanks a lot
Peter
bauerp
And this "latest" version was needed because... I guess what you are saying, is that you totally agree with me and my advice to run not walk from original CDSAs. As well as all the other "improved" versions, until they get it right. Right? In the meantime, I will take you up on your invite. Thanks! Please make sure the thing works before I arrive! This should be in May/June, in time for you to install the "latest-latest-latest-latest" version! Z.
Is this the edition with the CD mechanism that isn't practically guaranteed to fail? Meitner needs to understand that performance doesn't matter if the unit's not reliable; when it's down you're getting no performance. In any case, considering the limited number of SACD releases compared to CD, Red Book performance should be imo the first consideration, SACD secondary.
Zeiman
I have been following a number of threads in regards to the emmlabs, esoteric and marantz units I am interested in. When I read your comments regarding emmlabs I keep thinking you are a competitor( either directly or indirectly), atleast the bitterness comes across like that. You just seem so passionate about your hatred towards emmlabs.
Incidently I am sure all of the cd/ sacd players mentioned are excellent. I see no reason to trash good equipment. It is fine to bring up issues( whether reliability or whatever) but there seems to be a lot of emotion in your responses and in my books raises doubts as to your motivations.
Please make an effort to listen to the newest EMM and be your own best reference. Lots of politics on open forums
i've not come across read or transport failure issues w/ the original transport in the CDSA, and am getting the new transport in a week or so.

has anyone else had read or transport failures w/ the CDSA? i'm curious if this is a real issue or not. (i did cite the flimisness of the original transport in my review on dagogo, but in fairness, its been flimsy, but perfectly reliable).