Wadia 861 GNSC Reference Upgrade

algorithm A PERIOD

I would agree that if you are doing an upgrade, you might as well go the whole hog. I have the SE with statement mods which I shipped half way round the world. I wouldn't change my Wadia for anything. I use algorithm A. B and C seem flat and lifeless in my system. The only thing that improved my Wadia was the addition of a Supratek preamp. Now that I'd recommend!

I agree that algorithm A gives the music sparkle and life that doesn't seem as apparent in B and C. The difference is quite subtle, and perhaps I'd be hard pressed to guess which mode I was in if blinded. My general sense is that the top of the frequency is rolled-off slightly and more progressively with B and then C. This is in contradiction with the product manual, which claims 'an extended top' with B and C. On the 27ix, there is also a resolution enhancement, which I turn off. This enhancement gives the effect of more 'air', but I find it adds an unnatural decay to the instruments.

Rob

A second to Mejames' and Markvetnz's statements: "A" is my only choice, and my Supratek Chenin made a pre-amp vs no pre-amp believer out of me.

I use Algorithm B. I did not like Algo C as it seems that the midrange has been boosted, which (naturally) emphasizes the mids @ the expense of the rest of the spectrum. I listened to Algo A & here the music presented as tho one was sitting in, say, row C. The music is a bit in-your-face (just as it should be when one is in row C!). This is not always to my liking.
Algo B is a sort of mid-hall presentation. When you sit mid-hall, the room/hall acoustics come into play & the sound is more diffuse. The instruments, OTOH, can be better identified 'cuz the further away you go from the stage, the sound integrates/comes together. When one is in row C, the sound has just left the instruments on the stage & so the ear is flooded w/ individual sounds coming from each instrument. It's great in 1 way as you can hear each instrument but it's bad in another way as it gives the feeling of "separate sound". Algo B does a better job of giving you "together sound". (Ha! what funny terms I have coined!!! I couldn't think of any better way to describe the sound as I hear it. So, please bear w/ me).
Anyway, there are some rock CDs for which Algo A is best but most of my Jazz & Blues CDs I use Algo B.
FWIW. YMMV.