Any Wadia digital fans here?

Horsehead · « **on:** 16 Dec 2003, 08:02 am »

I'm thinking of purchasing a Wadia 861 with Statement modifications by Steve Huntley at Great Northern Sound and was wondering if there are any Wadia fans here and could share their experiences. I'm really looking for a "final" purchase for Redbook CD playback. Thanks!

Hantra · « **Reply #1 on:** 16 Dec 2003, 01:10 pm »

Quote

I'm really looking for a "final" purchase for Redbook CD playback. Thanks!

If you truly are looking to make a FINAL purchase, you ought to read this thread:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=6495

It truly embarrases the best digital I have heard.

PhilNYC · « **Reply #2 on:** 16 Dec 2003, 02:31 pm »

Horsehead,

I've heard Wadia stuff and think it sounds great. The main hesitation I'd have with the Wadia is its digital volume control...and it's more a philisophical thing with me that I think digital volume controls are inherently inferior to a good analog volume control. If you plan on using a preamp and not go direct to the amp, it should be fine...but then again, you are paying for the digital processing technology that you won't be using...

The other hesitation for me is that both guys I know who have Wadia cd players (one with a 301, the other with one of the 861 variants) have had transport/laser issues (both had problems about a month after the warranty on the transport expired). I haven't heard that Wadia has had big tranport issues in general, but it was a little disturbing that both owners I know have had problems....

Hope this helps...

BWentler · « **Reply #3 on:** 16 Dec 2003, 02:55 pm »

currently have a Wadia 301 cd-player that I am hoping to send to Steve at Great Northern Sound Company, GNS, sometime in February! I have many times visited and have both purchased and gotten stuff repaired by him.

I my option, he is very knowledgeable in regards to tubes and since he has worked for both Audio Research AND Wadia as an engineer, he knows those products inside and outside. He takes the time to LISTEN AFTER THE CAPS HAVE BROKEN IN not like other engineers that listen and judge the sound of stuff right after the work is done.

He is understandings and his work is OUTSTANDING. I fully recommend his craftsmanship to anyone and if you need more info, just PM me!!!

Later...
Bruce J. Wentler

audiojerry · « **Reply #4 on:** 16 Dec 2003, 03:20 pm »

Bruce, you visited Great Northern? Where is he located?

mcrespo71 · « **Reply #5 on:** 16 Dec 2003, 03:31 pm »

I have a friend who purchased the Wadia 860 around 1997 and I thought it sounded wonderful at that time. Build quality was superb and I believe he was able to upgrade it through the years. He drove it direct to the amps and I don't recall him mentioning any reliability issues, but I haven't spoken to him directly about that. For what it's worth.

Michael

BWentler · « **Reply #6 on:** 16 Dec 2003, 03:31 pm »

Steve purchased a larger home a few months ago and he just moved his shop into it. The new address is:

GREAT NORTHERN SOUND CO.
620 Birchwood Avenue
White Bear Lake, MN 55110

(651) 762-8333
email: info@greatnorthernsound.com

This is on the northside of the Twin Cities in MN. His old shop was about a three to four hour drive from Portage. Give Steve a call first before you drive up there. Since he is working out of his house now, I feel this would be polite to conect him first to setup an "appointment"

I am hoping to drive up there sometime in Febuary to pickup the 301 and to have him update the power conditioner that I got from him.

Does this answer your question Jerry?

Later...
Bruce J. Wentler

audiojerry · « **Reply #7 on:** 16 Dec 2003, 03:48 pm »

not exactly in the neighborhood

I've been to White Bear a couple of times to visit my nephew.
It's a neat area, and there sure seem to be a lot folks connected to the high-end in that area. I can think of a couple like Magnepan and Audio Research.

Horsehead · « **Reply #8 on:** 16 Dec 2003, 06:18 pm »

Quote from: Romy the Cat

*** An attitude like this is I do not drop money nether to the teenager-targeted Wadia nor to the moron-targeted CD-12, furthermore I do not need an “education” or “advisement” nether form the kids who ...

Since I am not a teenager anymore

, I was wondering if you could provide any useful and insightful information regarding the dislike for Wadia products? I never looked into the CD12, so I guess I am not a moron either, although some would argue with that position.

In all your infinite wisdom, what digital products do you use or recommend?

Thanks for all the input so far.

Mad DOg · « **Reply #9 on:** 16 Dec 2003, 06:27 pm »

Guys,

You all know the rules...NO INSULTING ALLOWED...

Romy, we would appreciate it if you would please behave yourself...

Now back to the normally scheduled programming...

MaxCast · « **Reply #10 on:** 16 Dec 2003, 06:31 pm »

RTCat, we are hear to learn and have fun. Name calling and your open ended responses are not part of that. If you have something to contribute please do so in a positive manner.

Your friendly facilitator,

rkapadia@ROOP · « **Reply #11 on:** 16 Dec 2003, 06:41 pm »

Horse,

I owned the 861 for a few months before eventually swapping out for a modWright SACD-1000. I was fortunate enough to be able to A/B in my system for a while, this was back when I was using the eAR to power a pair of CLS IIz.

The cost for the trade-in of the 861 was roughly equal to the price of a used SACD-1000 + full set of mods. I definitely miss the fit, finish, and aluminum remote of the Wadia...but the musical presentation of the SACD-1000 is more satisfying to my ears.. The ultra-detail of the Wadia left too much space between the notes - the flow of the music just didn't sound right if that makes sense. Also, the depth of the soundstage was much harder to make out with the Wadia (had to really concentrate), where as with the Philips I felt as though it was very noticable and allowed my mind to follow other aspects of the recording - YMMV, of course. If you want to swing by and borrow the SACD-1000, it just returned from Dan Wright's capable hands for a few more upgrades.

That being said, I respect Steve Huntley very much, and had the opportunity to listen to one of his older 860's with a Statement level mod. I preferred it to the stock 861 by no small margin...so if he can improve the 861 by similar levels, I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

Regards,

Rupesh