SB3 with RWA mods vs Wadia 850 GNSC

zapper7 · « **on:** 26 Aug 2007, 09:09 pm »

I like the idea of the SB3, but do think sound quality wins in the end, how close would the SB3 get the the 850 in this regard, would run both directly to the amps, no pre. Could possibly send the SB3 into a Camelot Uther, I like that sound as well.
How can I get the screen of the SB3 to be bigger, I am around 13' from where it would sit. Any news on Sonos mods or their fit into the sound quality scheme?
Thanks All Z

zybar · « **Reply #1 on:** 26 Aug 2007, 09:58 pm »

Quote from: zapper7 on 26 Aug 2007, 09:09 pm

I like the idea of the SB3, but do think sound quality wins in the end, how close would the SB3 get the the 850 in this regard, would run both directly to the amps, no pre. Could possibly send the SB3 into a Camelot Uther, I like that sound as well.
How can I get the screen of the SB3 to be bigger, I am around 13' from where it would sit. Any news on Sonos mods or their fit into the sound quality scheme?
Thanks All Z

I am very confident that a Bolder Statement SB3 + a Bolder Burson Buffer + a Bolder PS (preferably a Ultimate Mk IV) would sound better than the 850. I am not so sure about the RWA.

As for accessing the SB3, you have many different choices...

1. your computer
2. PDA runninig Telcanto software (I use a Dell Axim)
3. PDA with web access (I use a Nokia 770)

Also, depending on your eye sight, you can read the display from 13' away if you set the text to the largest setting.

George

zapper7 · « **Reply #2 on:** 26 Aug 2007, 10:40 pm »

What are you talking about with the PDAs, not the computer savy, just a dumb builder.

95bcwh · « **Reply #3 on:** 26 Aug 2007, 10:55 pm »

It's all about finding the right synergy between your equipments, if you're tight with budget, then start with a modded SB3.
A friend of mine here in Houston has a Wadia 850, from my recollection, it sounded a little "warmer" than my modded SB3. So depending on what needs to be fixed in your current system, if you're looking for more transparency, then a modded SB3 will help you. But if you're looking for "warm", then Wadia may be the answer.

Quote from: zapper7 on 26 Aug 2007, 09:09 pm

I like the idea of the SB3, but do think sound quality wins in the end, how close would the SB3 get the the 850 in this regard, would run both directly to the amps, no pre. Could possibly send the SB3 into a Camelot Uther, I like that sound as well.
How can I get the screen of the SB3 to be bigger, I am around 13' from where it would sit. Any news on Sonos mods or their fit into the sound quality scheme?
Thanks All Z

zybar · « **Reply #4 on:** 26 Aug 2007, 11:02 pm »

Quote from: 95bcwh on 26 Aug 2007, 10:55 pm

It's all about finding the right synergy between your equipments, if you're tight with budget, then start with a modded SB3.
A friend of mine here in Houston has a Wadia 850, from my recollection, it sounded a little "warmer" than my modded SB3. So depending on what needs to be fixed in your current system, if you're looking for more transparency, then a modded SB3 will help you. But if you're looking for "warm", then Wadia may be the answer.

If you want the warmth you simply need to get the Ultimate PS Mk IV.

George

TomS · « **Reply #5 on:** 26 Aug 2007, 11:11 pm »

I moved from a Wadia 861SE/GNSC Statement to the Bolder SB3/Ultimate II PS and never looked back. I never thought of the Wadia as warm though. It was an extraordinary player and DAC, but the Bolder is just more transparent while still having an organic flow to the music that the Wadia never seemed to get quite right. Tom

tanchiro58 · « **Reply #6 on:** 27 Aug 2007, 12:22 am »

I got the modded SB3 (not RWA neither Bolder- modded with SC947-02 pulse transformer) and built my own PS with PS One (bought on ebay then replaced with BG caps and Hexfred diodes). I got both transparency, musical and warmth in my system.

mr_bill · « **Reply #7 on:** 27 Aug 2007, 02:15 am »

Quote from: TomS on 26 Aug 2007, 11:11 pm

I moved from a Wadia 861SE/GNSC Statement to the Bolder SB3/Ultimate II PS and never looked back. I never thought of the Wadia as warm though. It was an extraordinary player and DAC, but the Bolder is just more transparent while still having an organic flow to the music that the Wadia never seemed to get quite right. Tom

Tom,
This is quite a comparison and accolade for the modded SB3.
A move from a GNSC Wadia 861 to the analog modded SB3 with ulitmate power supply and better perfromance - wow!!??!!!!!
Now you've piqued my curiosity!
Bill

TomS · « **Reply #8 on:** 27 Aug 2007, 01:00 pm »

Quote from: mr_bill on 27 Aug 2007, 02:15 am

Quote from: TomS on 26 Aug 2007, 11:11 pm
I moved from a Wadia 861SE/GNSC Statement to the Bolder SB3/Ultimate II PS and never looked back. I never thought of the Wadia as warm though. It was an extraordinary player and DAC, but the Bolder is just more transparent while still having an organic flow to the music that the Wadia never seemed to get quite right. Tom

Tom,
This is quite a comparison and accolade for the modded SB3.
A move from a GNSC Wadia 861 to the analog modded SB3 with ulitmate power supply and better perfromance - wow!!??!!!!!
Now you've piqued my curiosity!
Bill

All I can say is the Bolder's really that good if you don't scimp on the details - mine has everything Wayne could do a few months ago (ready for another update though). Many others here with more acute listening skills than me also agree. I can always sit down for a few minutes and thoroughly enjoy the music experience with the Bolder combo. Convenience is also nice, but totally secondary to me.

Oh, I should add that Steve Huntley at GNSC still does magic to these components. They are far better than most I've heard with the exception of maybe the Modwright 9100 with tube PS (a terrific player). I also have a Resolution Audio Opus 21/GNSC Reference which is quite good, but for sale too at the moment.

Tom

zapper7 · « **Reply #9 on:** 27 Aug 2007, 01:56 pm »

So now I have someone to get on if it doesn't work out!

Just kidding.
That is what I am looking for. You guys are giving me something to think about for sure. The guy who wants to buy the Wadia is getting impatient, I guess I will sell and hopefully this works out. Hate taking a step back, but that doesn't look like it will be the situation.
Any other comparisons of CDPs to the SB?

95bcwh · « **Reply #10 on:** 27 Aug 2007, 01:59 pm »

You already have the Wadia? Ever thought of sending your Wadia for a mod?

Quote from: zapper7 on 27 Aug 2007, 01:56 pm

So now I have someone to get on if it doesn't work out!
Just kidding.
That is what I am looking for. You guys are giving me something to think about for sure. The guy who wants to buy the Wadia is getting impatient, I guess I will sell and hopefully this works out. Hate taking a step back, but that doesn't look like it will be the situation.
Any other comparisons of CDPs to the SB?

zybar · « **Reply #11 on:** 27 Aug 2007, 02:08 pm »

Quote from: 95bcwh on 27 Aug 2007, 01:59 pm

You already have the Wadia? Ever thought of sending your Wadia for a mod?

Quote from: zapper7 on 27 Aug 2007, 01:56 pm
So now I have someone to get on if it doesn't work out!
Just kidding.
That is what I am looking for. You guys are giving me something to think about for sure. The guy who wants to buy the Wadia is getting impatient, I guess I will sell and hopefully this works out. Hate taking a step back, but that doesn't look like it will be the situation.
Any other comparisons of CDPs to the SB?

Personally, I wouldn't invest more money in the Wadia.

Go the full Bolder Cable route and you will improve your sound, improve the usability, and be investing in a forward facing solution.

George

zapper7 · « **Reply #12 on:** 27 Aug 2007, 02:33 pm »

I do have the Wadia with the Statement upgrade, trying to sell to get into the SB3.
I am trying not to step backwards as I know what the sound of the Wadia is, and it is the best I have had to date, but seems to be going in the direction of the SB3 with mods from the comments made here. A tough decision as I have an interested buyer, but no way to compare.
Ooops, need to get back to work for awhile, keep any comments coming.
Jason

PLMONROE · « **Reply #13 on:** 27 Aug 2007, 03:21 pm »

And if the Boulder or Red Wine mods don't exactly get you there I'll bet adding Empirical Audio's PaceCar will, and in spades!

Paul

zapper7 · « **Reply #14 on:** 27 Aug 2007, 10:13 pm »

Been looking at the Pace Car, have an email in right now.

Thanks for the ideas, this is almost fun

zapper7 · « **Reply #15 on:** 29 Aug 2007, 11:07 pm »

How about the Olive offerings, there are RAM & RWA mods vailable.
Has anybody tried these, and how are they?

Double Ugly · « **Reply #16 on:** 29 Aug 2007, 11:42 pm »

I have some experience with RWA, none with RAM (none that was completed, anyway).

I suggest you stick with Bolder, and go for the whole enchilada.

The only other option I'd even consider at present is the forthcoming Transporter from ModWright. I don't believe anyone aside from Dan has heard it yet, but the odds of it failing to impress are small.

Difference is, the Bolder combo has been slaying giants for years. If I wanted to make a change today with complete confidence, that's the route I'd take.

jhm731 · « **Reply #17 on:** 29 Aug 2007, 11:47 pm »

zapper7 - before going the full Bolder Cable or Empirical Audio routes, you should consider a
modified Transporter.

IMO, an Aberdeen Transporter is much better investment, especially if your amp has balanced inputs.

zapper7 · « **Reply #18 on:** 29 Aug 2007, 11:52 pm »

Thanks guys, I don't see any $$ on the Aberdeen site, and have emailed with no response, yet. I would love the Transporter with mods, but need to wait for Anthony to email back with the specifics.
Thinking of the SB3 with dig mods into a DAC as well.
If anybody has info on Aberdeen that I missed, let me know, or how to contact him, or where to see the prices.

mdconnelly · « **Reply #19 on:** 30 Aug 2007, 02:32 am »

Anthony can work magic with audio gear, but getting him to reply to email is much tougher. Try calling him... definitely worth your time - just need to be patient until you reach him.