AA capitole mk2 VS. Wadia 861

The 301 isn't close sounding to an 861. Drawing a conclusion from that isn't fair.

From what i've read, the AA can be more natural, the Wadia more accurate (and I owned an 861 and won't speculate on the AA despite hearing it at shows/demos numerous times).

It really is a system synergy thing.

I preferred the Linn Unidisk 1.1 to the Wadia btw...it costs a lot more as well :)

The bottom line is that you should really audition both. And frankly the auditions could go either way, based on the auditioning system and source material.

In a system well beyond what most sane people would consider, i prefered the GNSC Wadia 861se. But that's just me and my ears.

You should really audition both. There's good reason why both of these players still command $$ used. And a used "se" is even more. In that price range, I'd consider the newest offering from SimAudio Moon.

Thank You for the inputs!!
I can see some of You blow (and still blowing!!?)
off some heat here!
Cool off guys!
Friendly advices is a great thing,
leave it that way, please!

My setup is Krell FPB 600C and a small serie speaker close to Kharma Midi Grand or Avalon Eidolon.
Bass module; 10' TC sounds bass driver.
83kg each + External crossover 10kg.
Monitor; Thiel & Partner 7' mid/bass, 1' tweeter added bybee purifier.
39kg each + External crossover 7kg.
83db sensivity and 4ohm nom imp/min 3ohm.
Speaker isolation from Sound Design.
Exactly matched for weight of speakers.
Under bassmodule one set, also between monitor and module.
The isolation feets do this; No smear, higher resolution, tighter bass, better impact and attack, highten control from highest high to lowest low.
Speakers Sound is; very open and airy, extremely resolute, deep super dry bass and speakers reacts very much to what is in the system.
I have had Meridian 588 and Classe CP 47.5mk2.
Powerconditioner for pre and cd.
Highgrade powercords.
I will never use others than cd, therefore wishing a singelbox player.
I mainly search more attack, speed, impact -
Let's say an allover livelier performance!
I do NOT search a soft, over polished/ tired and
overly well mannered evolution!
That is not how i want my music.
Adrenalin!
Do not mistake me for the disco dude now!?

Speaker is tri wired and cables are fixed (silver wire)
They share some of the philosophy of Kimber trifocal!
As interconnects i've been using a Norwegian cable named Silk mk2 XLR. It is very detailed and neutral.
Though i have a newcommer, a silver-cable never used,
here too.

If the AA CAP mk2 risks to sound fat/wet (or become) in (high)bass (lower)mid and/or a little slow in bass attack!?
I will not go for it!
Some claim the mid and high has more air than Wadia though!
I can say, i auditioned the Gryphon Adagio at home.
Very controlled dynamics. Very resolute. Pleasing and impressive some ways. Downside is that it was to relaxed and well mannered. Ultimately it gave music a far to soft and almost "sleepy" feel to it.
That is my subjective thought, in this system and room.
Meridian 588 and Gryphon TABU cdp1 was for compairson.

I can say, i would gladly compair Wadia 861 and AA CAP mk2 head to head... - but that will be completely impossible from how the scene is in this country.
Therefore the many questions!
you see, this will all be down to intuition and hear say in the end!
That's why i try to get most avaible info from You guys!

Once again,
Thanks
Keep posting!!

Inpieces,

>>I can say, i would gladly compair Wadia 861 and AA CAP mk2 head to head... - but that >>will be completely impossible from how the scene is in this country.

Just curious - which country are you located in. (doesn't seem like it is the USA).

I had a GNSC moded Wadia and loved it, but have never heard the AA. You might want to call Great Northern Sound Company, as they mod both (or at least used too). They are truthful, and very nice to talk to (and deal with). Give then a ring. They will give you an honest opinion. My take is this. Wadia has great resolution, inner detail, and bass. However, the highs are rolled off just a touch, and if you run it direct, you will loose some dynamics. It is also a tad on the dry side of netural. I liked running it direct, but could see how some would prefer it with a pre-amp. In the end though, I very much liked the player. I felt its inner detail and the way it held an image stable dead center in the midle of your speakers was so good that you could almost ignore any of its faults (Again, I am refering to a modded unit). I hope that helps a little. Feel free to e-mail me directly and we can talk on the phone if you like.