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WADIA / dCS / AA Capitole - the ultimate CD ??? .


Hello!

The question is: what is the current ultimate digital front end?

We have Wadia 861 and 270/27ix combo. Very engaging, full & dynamic sound. Some sceptics say it is a bit "upfront" and probably "overblown in mid/upper bass region", more than it should be compared with live music. Not bad, of course, but still not delicate and sophisticated enough, that is. And maybe slightly "grainy", isn't it(?) .

We have the excellent dCS digital gear. Very detailed, with perfect space recreation and untamed dynamics. Some think it is a bit "cold" and "mechanical", though.

O.k. - so we have the Audio Aero Capitole! The new "king of the hill". Analog sounding and very seductive. But there is also a considerable drawback to it... Dynamics and bass weight could well be questioned.

What is your experince with these three units?
Have you, by chance, heard them all?
What would you choose as your ultimate CD source for the years to come..?
mrgigi
cyounkman
28 posts
 
The definitive answer to your question from the people who Know is the EMM Labs DAC-6 and modified Philips SACD-1000 transport. I have heard this in close proximity to the Capitole Mk II (which I love dearly) and it is sigificant step higher in resolution and musicality, as opposed to a mere change in voicing.
glreno
224 posts
 
You don't say what version of the DCS gear you are using, but because of your "cold and analytical" comments, I assume it is the non-DSD version. I have heard this comment about the older versions of the DCS gear, and can agree that in some systems it might be. But the 1394 DSD version changes all of that. This is a MAJOR upgrade. I have owned the EMC 1, Accuphase DP75V, Wadia (I do think that Wadia gear has an upfront sonic signature), Audiomeca, Camelot, Northstar, and many others not mentioned here. I also have experience with the Audio Aero. The latest DCS components are simply in another class. The detail, soundstaging, natural tonal balance, and liquidity are unmatched in my experience. The latest Stereophile review is right on the money.
fcrowder
191 posts
 
Given recent experiences with the Lindemann and its sensitivity to power cords and isolation (both electrical and mechanical), I have real qualms with respect to comparisons of top notch units unless the comparisons are done in the same system over a protracted period with time spent optimizing each combination. I find myself attracted by one box solutions as they seem to be an excellent method of eliminating additional variables and of minimizing jitter. In that context, I can highly recommend the Lindemann but would caution that it requires care with respect to isolation inorder to achieve its rather considerable best.
cyounkman
28 posts
 
Of course I'm just touting my own gear:
Some would say that the GamuT CD-1 deserves to be considered on this list. I'm sure it would have a lower MFD factor than the Wadia, but it is remarkably musical, and doesn't make any sacrifices to the tube gods a la the Capitole.
mikelavigne
2,199 posts
 
i've had the Meitner emmlabs DAC6 and modified Philips SACD 1000 for the last 4 months. it replaced the 24-bit Linn CD-12 and the Marantz SA-1 in my system. i have heard all the digital sources mentioned in this thread either in my room or at CES.

the Meitner easily betters them all in redbook (including the Linn CD-12) and sacd.....and it is not close. what is amazing is that the Meitner actually does many things much closer to vinyl than i previously thought possible (on both redbook and sacd). vinyl (in my system) is still much better but for the first time digital is competing for my listening time and not just a less-complicated but inferior alternative.
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