Can the RA Opus 21 rock better than a Wadia?


I was almost set on getting a used Wadia unit but recently came across the Resolution Audio Opus 21. Reading the reviews, the Opus seems intriguing and a good puchase. I am thinking of picking up one brand new.

I listen primarily to rock, blues, pop with some occasional jazz. I like music that's pacy, rhythmic - where there's plenty of drive and energy, without the sound becoming too 'digital' and sacrificing air and sounstage. Where I live, I don't have a chance to audition the Opus and hoping that Audiogoners on this site can advise me.

I gather from all the positive reviews that the Opus is a great, vinyl-sounding, detailed, musical machine with good PRAT. Wanted to know if the RA21 can best the Wadia range of CD players from the 301 to 861 as a CD player that plays rock and blues. What advantages does the RA21 have over the Wadia house sound?

Any opinions from users of both machines are much appreciated.
raymond_tan

Showing 1 response by frankpiet

Have experience with both and some other units:
I´d clearly go for the Wadia for several reasons:
- great design and superb build quality
- extremely reliable
- very convenient remote and digital pre-amp
- much higher resolution, slam and musicality
- easy to sell on the 2nd. hand market
- and with eg. GNSC mods simply awesome
If you´re looking for a one box competitior for the Wadia I´d look at Esoteric X-3/UX-1/X-1 an Ayre D-1xe or Audio Aero Capitole MK II SE.