Like Bombaywalla, I too have an 861 non-SE without GNS upgrades. Its running into a Supratek Chennin, and then into CAT JL1 Amps., driving Soundlab M1s
Firstly, moving from running the Wadia direct into my CATs, and into the Supratek pre, was an across the board improvement.
While the 861 is a very good and satisfying CDP, my analog rig is more so.
The purpose of my Supratek purchase was to gain phono capabilities. As mentioned, a side benefit was improved digital playback.
But oh, my recent return to vinyl playback has represented the most fun that Ive had in this 40-year hobby. After a 20+ year hiatus, I jumped back into vinyl playback, with wads of greenbacks strapped to both feet, by purchasing a Galibier Quattro Turntable, and Tri-Planar Tonearm, with a stupidly good -- because of its low cost -- Denon 103R cart. Since this was my first complete table/arm/cart set-up, I didnt want to chance fat fingering a mega buck cartridge, and went with the Denon. Since doing so, I havent had a real desire to upgrade.
Since my foray into vinyl, approximately a year ago, my Wadia has done little more than gather dust. I liken the difference between digital and vinyl to the proverbial appearance over substance debate. Ive found that there is a certain wow factor associated with CDs, but this, like lust, quickly diminishes, and doesnt necessarily turn into love, like the vinyl playback that Im experiencing.
If youre concerned that you must invest a commensurate amount in a vinyl rig as the cost of a Wadia 861se GNS, I believe you will find that you do not. Sure the care and feeding of a vinyl rig and the software is more time consuming. A RCM is necessary, if not downright mandatory. And cleaning those records takes time. Buying and finding LPs can be costly and a chore, but for the most part, I havent found it to be so. Thankfully, I saved all the LPs from my youth, and have had a blast on the hunt for used, and most times, very inexpensive vinyl. Those small plastic cases dont compare to the ascetics and feel of albums. These not so young eyes, find the difference in size alone, a plus.
An interesting benefit is that Im finding myself spinning much more rock than I ever did with CDs. While having lots of rock on CD, much was not what I would play as a steady diet. I found that I quickly tired of most rock CDs. But thats not the case with vinyl. Rock, even poorly recorded, essentially non-listenable on CD rock, is palatable on vinyl. Thus, well recorded rock is even more listenable on vinyl than CD. In fact, while Dire Straits recordings are done very well on digital, casual non-audiophile listeners have readily heard, and appreciated the differences of vinyl to digital.
With that said, I cant directly answer your question because I lack your specific CDP, however, I cant help believe that a vinyl rig costing less, and even much less than your Wadia, would be more to your liking. It would certainly be different, and if your sensibilities are anything like mine, those differences would be to your liking
Cheers!
PS. My Galibier Turntable purchase was a very rewarding one. Thom Mackris is a peach of a guy, and has forgotten more about audio than I will ever know. Although over 1,000 miles away, Thom patiently provided long distance hand holding, and encouragement during the setting-up process, and has continued to stay in touch. Formerly in league with folks like Chris Brady of Teres, and Peter Clark of Redpoint, puts Thom in what I, and many others, would say is pretty darn good company, providing a good reference point on your assumed quest for an analog rig.
