Wadia upgrade - Levinson or Naim?

I Just had my Wadia 301 upgraded by Reference Audio Mods and the imrprovement is dramatic. Great bang for the buck IMHO to upgrade through mods rather than buy/sell.

For about $650, I got the Superclock 2, a Jensen cap, and about 50 Black Gates installed. It's still breaking-in (BG's are notoriously slow), but it sounded better than stock upon first use, and it's still getting better (I'm only about half way through the 300 hour break-in period).

The improvements are many- more weight to the presentation, less digital sounding, better soundstage and timbre. Pianos now sound rich and full, with proper weight, whereas before they had a slightly glassy sound that was annoying.

Reference Audio Mods really represents a value in upgrading, IMHO, since they also sell the parts. In fact, I didn't even know about them until I was searching for the best prices on Black Gates for my amp, and another A'goner (Fiddler) recommended I check them out. Not only did they have the best prices, they also installed them for the same price. I had my amp, then my CDP modded and both were big improvements. Even in components costing twice as much as mine, you won't find BG's, Jensens and Audio Consulting silver hook-up wire inside. If you want to enjoy the benefits of that level of parts, you'll have to put them in yourself.

I never modded anything before doing my amp, but now I'm a believer. If you've got something you like, you can make it better for much less than buying a new component. And just to disclaim this, I have no connection with these guys other than as a satisfied customer who felt he got good value and great sound for the money.

Thanks for the inputs. I hadn't really considered mods that much. I checked out the GNSC web site. My concern is that the testimonials all talk about improved soundstaging, iomaging, and resolution. These are all great, but my main concern is in mellowing out / fattening up the uppper midrange. I'm not sure if I need a better Wadia, or something entirely differnent - if perhaps the Wadia sound is not a good match for my Talon Hawk loudspeakers. Everyone who talks about GNSC says how honest Steve is, so I should at lest talk to him. What are Black Gates? Are they anything like Bybee filters?

Black Gates and Jensens are high quality capacitors that are an order of magnitude better than anything you'll find used stock. The guys at Reference Audio Mods recommended the Jensens for the power supply applications, and the BG's for use elsewhere. Other people may have their favorite caps, but I think all will agree these are on the short list of excellent choices.

I understand your question, and there's not easy way to respond. But the mods made every part of my Wadia 301 sound better, including making it sound less "digital." This is just my opinion, but I've found everything that comes before the speaker, is more important to what your speaker ulitmately sounds like than the speaker itself. I've upgraded my entire system, but I'm still using the same speakers- and they just keep sounding better and better the more upstream improvements I make. I should say, however, that I'm not familiar with your Talons, so you may have a system matching problem too. Like I said, no easy answers can be given over the internet and without hearing the system.

Ive owned the 390S which is a very nice player. But it sure isnt an upgrade from ANY Wadia product. The 830 I feel is a bit thin sounding and starting to show its age.A 301 in itself is a pretty big upgrade, but I would try an 861 or an 861se if you can spring for the huge transport upgrade. 100% modular and fully upgradeable.

I have a friend who has a Levinson 39, and I have a Naim CDX2. They're really much different players in the way they present the music, and I'm actually surprised you're looking at both.

The Levinson is very crisp and clear, and I find it harsh. The Naim is relatively laid back but with an incredible sense of timing. My preference is far and away the Naim and I'm craving a CDS3, but my friend swears by his Levinson and is looking at the 390.

Have you listened to both? Why are these two in your shortlist?

Graham