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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
hifipete
13 posts
 
Hi Bauerp,

If you don't like the Krell sound then stay away from it. Their philosophy has been the same from day one. It's a matter of taste and I will not argue with anyone when it comes to personal taste. After all it's important in any audio purchase, more so with speakers though. By the way I like the Krell sound, my preference only. But for CD players not necessarly.
bauerp OP
8 posts
 
Thanks everyone for their input. Still thinking but getting closer to purchase.
Thanks again
Peter
zieman
339 posts
 
Bauerp, Before this thread got so far off track, I was going to offer something I find myself saying more and more often. If you have not heard Krell lately, you have not heard Krell. I can't think of a brand that has evolved more. Your willingness to accept that "perhaps their sound has changed over the years" puts you at the head of the class. Good luck in your search. Z.
talk2me's avatar
talk2me
325 posts
 
I want a comapny that get's it right the first time.Cary fits that bill.
zieman
339 posts
 
Dear T, Might wanna read the threads on the first gen 306 SACD player. I too really like this company. Dennis Had is the real deal. I think they bit the bullet pretty good on these first units that all failed. The price then went up 1500 to pay for it. Krell is using parts from their 10,000 SACD player to fix ($4000) SACD Standards. Also pretty cool. NO price increase... Z.
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