Which 3K CDP: Simaudio Nova, Ayre CX-7 Wadia 302


Unfortunately the market is saturated with many 'new' ~3K CD players, all of which are well reviewed. I have heard all 3, but do not have the opportunity to do A/B comparisons, as only the Simaudio is available where I live. It is tough to compare the 3 in your mind, when you have listened to all 3 in 3 different cities, using different electronics, speakers and in different rooms. All 3 sounded great, but without the possibility of direct comparison it is tough to choose among them.

I will likely be using them with Hovland HP200 pre vs. Simaudio P-5 pre, Simaudio LE W-5 amp, and speakers still undecided (JMlab Alto Be vs. Dynaudio Confidence C2 vs. Wilson Sophia)
thom_y
not to mention, when is the last time you heard of a broken Wadia.

i've never seen it posted.
Thom_y-I can't comment on the other two CD players but I own the Ayre CX-7.

It's a great player and will work well with the type of music you like,most of which I enjoy also.
Simply put it works with all types of music from classical via Jazz to modern avant garde electronica and real heavy rock.
A newer CX-7 has some tweaks including a new transport and apparently is an improvement over the intial design.

Sounds like you are not in an ideal situation as a home dem. is always best.
If it makes you feel better the Ayre CX-7 is £3k in the UK and I live in the UK!
If you end up buying the Moon Nova, at least try to check out Nova LE version. I bought one, its REALLY nice. I have it paired with a Perreaux Radiance R200i Integrated Amp. I'm very happy with the system's sound
MY TWO CENTS WORTH
CHECK NORTH STAR DESIGN AT WWW.NORTHSTAR.IT THEY MAKE THE M192 TRANSPORT AND DAC . ITS A TOP LOADER WITH PHILIPS CDPRO2 MECHANISM LIKE SIMAUDIO MOON ECLIPSE AND ELECTROCOMPANIET . I AM NOT SURE ABOUT THE PRICE BUT FOR SURE IT GOES FOR LESS THAT A MOON ECLIPSE OR ELECTRO...
My only additional input regarding Wadia is that if you're going to pay a heftly price I for one would like to feel comfortable for the long term. I, personally, don't feel that way with Wadia... And again, that's just my opinion...

Best.