Wadia think about expensive CD Players ?

FWIW, I suggest that you research all of the top CDP's before you commit without listening. You say you want the CDP to be warm and detailed. Detailed (or bright or forward) is easy to comeby. Neutral is to be desired. Warm is tougher. Detailed AND warm are almost mutually exclusive. I've never heard anyone call a Wadia or Sony "warm". If you want something to err on the warm side or at least be neutral think of something that has tubes in it (and all of these aren't warm either!).

I have compared several High -end models. Krell 300 cd, Wadia 830, Electrocompaniet, Bat VK-D5SE. The Bat in my opinion was the clear winner. Actually the closest thing I have heard to it is the new Arcam CD 33 at $2500.00 it is a steal. I am a dealer for Bat and Arcam but these are still my top choices. I guess that's why I am a dealer for them.

Good point Newbee, let me substitute the word musical instead of warm. I dont want a player that is so "analytical" that its not enjoyable. It does get confusing though w/o a demo as I have read several reviews of certain $2000-3000.00 players comparing favorably to a $7000.00 player. I dont want to name names because I dont want to flame. Two players though that Ive heard very good reports on were the Top Wadia and Sim Audio. Keep your thoughts coming, pro and con. If a $2000-$3000.00 player gets me 99% there I would go with that, but if their really is , and its hard to quantify in numbers , but say a 10 percent improvement I would rather spend the extra 2 or 3 K to have the best . So far very enlightening , Thanks !

Transporter, I settled on a BAT VK5 some time ago and it has served me well - it is detailed, fairly neutral, smooth, and gives you a hugh soundstage w/out being bright. You can change its tone slightly by rolling tubes. If I had to settle for a SS unit, unheard, based on what I have read and my priorities, I'd probably take a chance on the Electrocompaniet - it has an excellent transport as well as DAC and you can get them slightly used for 3000 to 3500. I think that the higher priced CDP's could be worth the price if, and only if, you have the ancillary equipment and room which will allow you to hear the subtle differences involved.

In this case believe it or not, the more you pay for CD-player the more price you overpay. A descent $500-ish or even lower priced player can be modified with better parts so it will sound to the level of much higher-priced units.

You can consult Chris at partsconnexion.com who can guide you through the mods or perform the modifications at his lab. The wonderful thing I like about Chris that he's always available from e-mail and phone at almost any time.