Anybody auditioned new Wadia 301 CDP?

I have not heard it yet, but a friend of mine has. He heard it at a demo by the Wadia rep last week at a local stereo store here in So. Cal. He ordered one on the spot. He is replacing a very well known player that sells for almost twice as much. He told me it retails for $3600.00 and he should have it by the end of Feb. I am looking forward to hearing it for myself and comparing it to what I have. That may be a $3600.00 comparison........Bob

Any new comments on the Wadia 301 CD player? I heard it in the store but was not impressed due to poor associated equipment. I heard the Linn Ikemi vs. the Meridian 588 and the Linn sounded much better. I also compared the Linn to the Rega Jupiter to determine if the extra money was worth it. In my opinion, the Ikemi is worth the extra money. I am looking for any comments on the Wadia 301 Cd player. thanks..

Yes, I arranged a dem of the Wadia 301 several months back at Midland Audio Exchange in the UK. I had kind of set my heart on it before I'd even heard it (mistake!). Anyway whilst there, the dealer had a ML 390s and an Advantage S1 (from Sweden). First off, I listened to the Wadia, mostly with Diane Krall installed. My first impressions were of a big fast sound, but one I couldnt relax with, no matter how many tracks I listened to. Imagine my disappointment, I didnt like the Wadia, the player I'd always aspired to. Anyway, next I asked for the ML 390s to be hooked up (to the same Bel Canto Evo 2 and Red Rose Rosebuds). Well I shouldn't have done that. I couldnt believe how much better the ML was, my overriding memory is of the immense soundstage and the space between performers, so much so that you felt you could get up and walk around amidst the performance. My problem was the Wadia was £3600, the ML £6500. Then he suggested the Advantage S1 which like the other 2 players has a built volume control. Firstly I found it far more easy to listen to than the Wadia, same detail retrieval, big soundstage but most importantly, not fatigueing. It didnt possess the walk around ability of the ML but it did cost £3000 less.