Used Wadia 16 for $2200, can you do any better?

I was considering exchanging my Wadia 860x with a Wadia 16, and contacted Steve Huntly for his opinion, and here is what he had to say comparing the two:

I think that an "i" version of the 16 can be brought well beyond the
performance of an 860 but in all honesty it would be trade-offs to some
degree between a regular 16 modified to Reference level vs a stock 860x.
Personally I think the modified unit would be more musical, more dynamic,
more involving, but I would still have to say that the 860 would be a bit
more open, more transparent, a bit more detail, etc. Which choice is right
depends on your musical priorities and your system I guess.

In that price range, I prefer the Muse Model Nine Signature.

I would look at the Audio Aero Prim CD player. I replaced my 860x with a Capitole Mk 2 and it crushes the Wadia in every regard. My dealer told me that the Prima is as good as the Capitole 2 in many ways and very close to as good in a few ways. It retails for around 2200.00 and could be purchased with a good discount on that.

The Capitole Mk 2 is a very nice player. To say it crushes the Wadia in every way is very misleading. Both players have different qualities and it really depends on what you are looking for. A lot of people switch to different gear and when they find that a new component sounds much different they automatically think that it is "blowing away" there prevouis component. Personally, if you are seriously considering the Wadia 16 I would recommend that you call Steve Huntley for his opinion.