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Theta Compli vs Wadia

I am thinking of upgrading from my current Lexicon front end to either Theta or Wadia (used), and would be grateful to hear from anyone who can comment on the how Theta's Compli compares with Wadia transports/CD players.

I currently run:
Lexicon RT-10 multiformat player
Lexicon MC-8 preamp/processor
Theta Dreadnaught II 5x220W
Focal JM Labs Alto (fr), Micro (rear) & Centre Utopia Be
REL Stentor 2 sub
Synergistic Research cables

I hope to upgrade to a better DAC, like the Theta Pro Generation VIII.

I know that the Wadia CDs/transports cost more than the multi-format Compli, but used prices are not that different.
How does the redbook performance of the Compli as a transport compare with the Wadia models?
On SACD, how does the Compli compare with the Wadia 581?

Any comments or advice would be gratefully received.

Many thanks,
deetee
cytocycle
1,043 posts
 
So you need to determine your goals.....
If you want SACD then get the Wadia 581 and buy a good preamp..... I tried the SACD on my Compli, compared it to a top Marantz, and top Sony, and the latest EMM single box and didn't care for any of the SACD's presentations as I find it to bright on top. so maybe I just don't get the SACD thing..

If you are more concerned about redbook, Get the Theta Gen VIII and a Theta Compli (you would need a set of analog interconnects to us the SACD function since sony never licensed Theta to send it digitally to the Gen VIII). There is suppose to be an upgrade available for the Gen VIII in the next month (rumor on AVSFORUM, so I'm just passing on the rumor). The Theta Gen VIII analog preamp is stellar.... still It was improved when I borrowed a VTL 6.5 and another pair of $4800 Transparent Reference with MM balanced cables...5% improvement for a lot of money...

The Theta Gen VIII can be controlled by a Theta Casablanca 3 with an additional card that provides a center channel dac also... so this is an execellent way to integrate a top 2 channel system into a video system.

Disclaimer: I own the Theta Compli and Theta Gen VIII and I'm not a dealer... I like Wadia gear but I always found that direct connected to amps it was lacking compared to the Theta Gen VIII where the volume control is done in the analog stage.
9rw's avatar
9rw
318 posts
 
Cytocycle: Which Wadia piece did you own or listen to, and were the necessary internal adjustments made to ensure that you were listening with volume levels between 70 and 100? If not, that would explain how you arrived at that conclusion.
cappuccino
124 posts
 
I have a Compli myself, but would not have chosen Compli if I didn't need a dvd player. I have added separate music machine and now use Compli only for movie or multichannel sacd (which I really don't care much about...)

Compli is good as transport, but is not sota as integrated player. As CotoCycle says, if you choose Compli a good option would be to add the GenVIII DAC.

If you are not intending to use the player for movies or multichannel audio I would have picked the Wadia 581, best of all 581i.
psacanli
535 posts
 
Why don't you upgrade to the Lexicon RT20?
It is reviewed as significantly better than the RT10.
I am interested as I'm considering upgrading to a Sony XA9000ES or Lexicon RT20; which will be used primarily
for CD play.
I did hear a 581 and found it incredible. If it was within my budget I would be happy with it. Nice music & detail.
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