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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 tireguy

tireguy
1,964 posts
 
Frank- I sympathize with you, this is the reason I stopped posting with regularity- you share your experiences and you get jumped for it. Honestly(and I am SURE you are the same way now) I'd rather be selfish and just enjoy music and keep my experiences to my self- its not worth the agrivation. Its sad what this place has become, in particular when a few select products get mentioned.

As an aside I have heard Wadia many times and always leave dissapointed. I couldn't be happier with the Meitner gear it allows me to forget about the equipment and enjoy the music- in fact Haydn is sounding mighty good in the other room I am going to listen. You guys stay here and keep argueing about how great the wadia is :^)
tireguy
1,964 posts
 
Just to clarify, I am not going to stop posting here at audiogon. I said I have stopped posting with regularity, big difference, from time to time I chime in but these days I'd rather be listening then argueing who's amp will beat up mine :^) Knowing Frank P the way I do I am sure he is the same exact way. In no way are you- the fine folks here at audiogon- going to rid me that easily!

But Dvorák is calling so I must be going- enjoy the music!
tireguy
1,964 posts
 
Alfatone69- That is really weird your experience using an AES cable instead of the fiber optic cables, not only are you not able to listen to SACD but your not able to upsample to DSD. You may want to have your unit(s) checked to see if they are working properly, from my experience the decoding to DSD is 90% of the "magic".
tireguy
1,964 posts
 
Justin in the Meitner's defense, you were using the modified phillips, which is a crutch instead of an aid. The CDSD takes it to a yet another level- everyone who has had the phillips and goes to the CDSD says the same thing.
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