Wadia 631 grainy and "dirty" sounding vs ML 390s

Those are very good players IMO, and I would agree that the ML could have the edge over the 631 (but perhpas not the bigger Wadia). As to "better" sounding one-piece cdp's, it's a matter of taste; my tastes (classical music) would opt for a Lindemann (the big cd/sacd model) or an A. Aero Capitole.

As to build quality -- I find of the above players very good -- comparatively speaking

I cannot remember if I have heard these models, but I have heard many ML's and Wadias on very revealing systems since I live near a shop that sells both. I think both are excellent brands in general and offer some of the best CD playback available. I think both are vastly better than most digital in the marketplace regardless of upsampling, oversampling, SACD, DVD etc. I will say this, I had an extended listening session at this shop a couple of years ago and heard the Wadia 861 and thought it was superb. Very natural sounding and musical. It really held my attention and was listenable for a long period of time. If you want to hear another great player, I think the Capitole Aero is right up there with these. Someone told me that they recently heard a new MSB Player on the market which they thought was unusually good.

Dbk, just FYI ...There is no model from Wadia called the 631. There is an 861, there was a 301...and many other players over the years but never a 631. Are you referring to the 861?

I have owned both and give the upper hand to Wadia.