Comparison Cary 306, Wadia 581, EMM Labs CDSA


Hi all,

it's time to get a new (used) CD / SACD player and I reduced the possibilities to the following 3 candidates:
Cary SACD 306 (PRO)
Wadia 581 (SE)
EMM Labs CDSA (SE)
(Volume control and/or digital inputs NOT a requirement but SACD playback a MUST)
Had anyone the possibility to compare these players? I think they are (used) in more or less the same price range and I've not the possibility to listen to all of them so I am really curious and can't wait to hear your opinions.
Listen a lot to (female) voices (Jazz, Rock, Singer/Songwriter), Classic and also Rock and Electronic.

Thanks a lot
Peter
bauerp

Showing 1 response by rtn1

For anyone living on the bleeding edge of technology, there are going to be issues. I believe most companies have faltered at least a couple times in customer service and reliability. I would agree upon the importance of hearing equipment yourself. However, that is difficult for most and arguable whether valid under most conditions.

These threads are important to better understand manufacturer issues which may affect us. People have taken shots and Wadia, and same with EMM. In the end, one has to consider the facts, the source, and make an informed decision. Since the reviewers do nothing more than heap praise upon all that come through their system, we need to rely on each other to help buy the equipment that best suits our own tastes.

Each of the units in the original post have vastly different sonic signatures. It really depends upon the what the poster values in listening to music. Since there is no indication as to what that may be, we get threads that have nothing more than polarizing views.

Rob