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Comparing Wadia vs. Meitner

I believe that this represents the pinnacle of CD playback. Jerry, a fellow audiogoner was gracious enough to allow me to audition his broken-in Meitner CDSD / DCC2. In my system, the boxes were switched with mine, so they each had the same cables, power conditioning, power cords, and stand. Both were run directly into the amp without a preamp. My CD playback system includes the Wadia 27ix / 270se with the latest software and full modifications from Great Northern Sound. Also included are Elrod Statement power cords, a Hydra conditioner, and a Mana rack.

In short, I think that these are both excellent units. They are also very different in what they do. In my system, it was easy to distinguish between the two within several minutes. It probably comes down to personal preference in deciding which is best here. I’ll just simply say that I’m keeping the Wadia because I think it is a perfect match for my musical preferences, my system, and what I appreciate in music.

What I love about the Wadia is its ability to convey an (absolutely) astonishing amount of detail without being harsh or fatiguing. Not only is the melody and rhythm imaged with speed and coherence, but you can actually appreciate the musicians technique, the weight and color of the instrument(s), and the ambience of the recording venue. It simply presents a convincing image of a live event. The emotional quality is all there. You can understand what separates a great and (justly) famous professional musician from a pretty good one. Everything is properly proportioned, the soundstage is appropriate and believable, everything is audible, and the background is silent. From complex orchestral pieces and opera, to vocals, to solo instruments, I do not believe there are any weak spots. Again, it simply convinces and fools the mind into believing that you are sitting in front of the performance. I have frequented the concert halls, and I’d hate to say it but sometimes the recording is better.

I think that just about anybody could probably be happy with either of these 2 systems. Of course, curiosity makes us wonder if the grass is greener. I am just very content with where I am right now. I'd invite Jerry to make some comments when he gets a chance.

Rob
rtn1

Showing 4 responses by jtinn

jtinn
1,124 posts
 
Wow, this thread is quite interesting.

I have had a number of Wadia trades both with and without the GNSC Statement mods. I am personally surprised that so many like the Wadia. I find it very mechanical and etched. I also find the loss of information when playing below 60 on the volume very disturbing.

I think there are quite a few other CD playback combos I would prefer to the Wadia Statement, if the EMM Labs were not available.
jtinn
1,124 posts
 
Steve,

Bias or not, the Wadia is not what I would call realistic sounding musically. I have heard many and had two of the 861's with the Statement mods come in on trade. One was the SE and the other was the Standard. While you greatly improve the player, it is still lacking the naturalness, or "analog like" nature that I look for. It is still digital sounding. I have yet to hear of a person going from the EMM Labs to a GNSC Statement Wadia.

I do not want this to escalate to a battle between you and me. I acknowledge the improvement in resolution and clarity from your mods, but it still is not close to my reference... real music.

Again, there are many other digital peices that I do not sell, that I would recommend over the modified Wadia.
jtinn
1,124 posts
 
Steve (GNSC): There was no intention in the other thread to be a "sideways comment". I merely stated the if someone likes the sound of the Wadia, they would like the GNSC mod. Why would that be taken for more than the complement that was made.

I will go on record to clarify that statement. If someone likes the sound of the Wadia player, the mod that Steve Hunley does greatly improves upon the Wadia sound. Nonetheless, it is still a Wadia.

If you want to attempt to read into something that is not there, go ahead.

Essentialaudio: STFU! How is that?
jtinn
1,124 posts
 
Audiobugged & Bombaywalla: I appreciate what both of you are saying and I agree that this is unproductive. I answered the thread as I felt with a proper and honest answer. If Steve Hunley did not like my opinion, so be it. He is attempting to discredit me and that might be what he feels he needs to do.

My feeling on the Wadia has absolutely nothing to do with the work GNSC does. I find it to be mechanical sounding and edgy. For some systems, that might be what is needed. It is always about synergy.
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