2. digital
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Wadia think about expensive CD Players ?

Hi , I live in an area where its difficult to demo the really high end digital gear. Honestly I dont mind paying a high price for CDP Playback , but w/o a demo , Im wondering if its worth it. Let me define worth it if I may. Will a top of the Line Wadia for example sound clearly better than say a Rega , or a Sony ES. Im not expecting it to trounce it, Im just asking if you have the bucks , is the improvement clearly audible ? Im looking for warm ,detailed involving sound, my speakers are Electrostats, Amp top of the Line Sunfire. Appreciate your thoughts .
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raquel
841 posts
 
I agree with Budrew, especially his comment that the differences in players tend to be subtle.

If you want a warmish, musical CD player that can be had for less than $3,000 used (the original version listed for $5,000), the Audio Research CD-3 would be a safe purchase (I chose it to be the CD player in my main system). Only caveat is that it loads from the top, so you need a good four inches at a minimum above the player to permit loading.

Remember that CD players are computers and that, like all computers, the newer designs tend to give you more for your money. I sold my Levinson 37 / 360s combo (a circa 1997 design) for the much newer, much cheaper, slightly better-sounding Audio Research CD3 (2001-2002 design).

You need to make sure your CD player is well broken in (this cannot be overemphasized) and to leave it on 24/7 (this absolutely cannot be overemphasized).

Good luck
transporter OP
23 posts
 
Yes I believe CDP 's with upgraded multi stage power supplies function more efficiently with break in and warm up.
Do the experts agree ?
unclejeff
1,313 posts
 
Becareful of Wadia as I suggest you conduct a forum search and you will find opinions all over the board. I did audition the Wadia and I went with the Audio Aero Capitole Mark II, You speak of warmpth and musicality and I am very pleased with the choice. A forum search of Audio Aero will be very informative. This unit can be upgraded so you get volumn control with tube adjustments, lots of digital inputs to run everything from satellite and DVD to another multiple disc CD transport through it. The latest release has an analog passtru for your receiver and most of the older versions are upgradable to analog passthru.
steelhead
318 posts
 
Ed Sawyer echoes what I believe. I can't think of a better deal than a SCD1 or 777 playing SACD, although, I freely admit that I haven't heard the really top drawer CD players. The 777 plays CD well enough for my purposes that I am off the upgrade train for digital.

Have Fun.
transporter OP
23 posts
 
Great, I welcome all thoughts pro and con. One of my old school buddies in Canada swears by The Sim Audio Eclipse.
It is all very confusing , nut none the less very informative. I guess as I get older , I dont want to get upgraditis ! But CDP playback has always baffled me as to what price point {not counting those machine that cost as much as automobiles } you have to invest to get the best out of the Redbook format .{Keep them coming ! Thanks !
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