ML no39, Wadia 850, Classe 1.0, or Sony?

Good advice and I agree that trying it in my system would be optimum. However, I have no way to Demo the Classe or Sony and the dealer for ML in my area is more interested in selling me a 39 rather than letting me try it out at home. I will probably try to buy something used so if its not right in my system, I won't loose too much $$$. So that's why I'm trying to get some comparitive advice. And to answer Carl's note, I have read many reviews on these players and for the most part people often say "I bought one and love it". No comparision to other the players. -Tom

Tom, It is a rare individual indeed who has actually had more than one of these players in their possession. I think that is why you are getting feedback refering only to one player, and not any direct comparisons between the players. Unfortunately, I can only continue in that tradition. I own the Sony XA7-ES and enjoy it very much. I also listen to a lot of pop/rock music (Rickie Lee Jones, Maria McKee, Jude Cole, Michael McDermott, etc). I listened to a Wadia (can't remember which) and it was excellent. Pretty much all Levinson products perform well also (although I didn't listen to any of their CD players). I don't know anything about the Classe. What prompted me to buy the Sony over other top players was: 1)Price - since it is now a discontinued model, you can pick one up CHEAP. I bought mine for $1,500 - Brand New. 2)Warranty - 5 Years. 3)Service - Sony service is readily available across the 50 states. I have not been disappointed in the least and it is an incredible bargain compared to the other units you are evaluating. Sorry I can not offer any direct comparisons, but I hope you find this information helpful nonetheless.

CD50, $1600 or less, used. I just don't see any of these beating it in any way. You don't even need to spend a lot on a preamp, since you don't need one. I wish you were in my area, you could hear mine.

You could buy a used Accuphase DP-75. I looked at the ML No.39, and at the much more expensive ML 30.5/31.5 combo. And everyone familiar with these set-ups recommended the Accuphase player, without hesitation. I was surprised as I have never heard much about Accuphase products. But, it appears to be an excellent choice--though it's pricey if you buy it new. There are several on Audiogon for sale. Otherwise, I would have to say audition the Wadia first, then the ML No.39. And pick the best fit. HTH.

I owned both the Wadia 830 and the XA7ES. I spent about 20 hours comparing them, and I seriously could not tell them apart sonically. I felt the Sony had some nice practical features such as one touch track selection and the way-cool remote door open. I also loved the sony's aesthetics and build quality. It just made me feel special. The Wadias build quality was quite good too.