Bryan- I assume you have heard the 588? If so, is there something not satisfying about it which led you to consider Wadia? (And why only Wadia?)
I have the 850 (modified by GNS), and have compared it with several other CDP's in my system (see my past posts in this forum). I assume you picked 850 because of its reasonable used cost; otherwise you might consider a used 860 or 861. (In any case, the GNS mod really improves the sound overall.) Try to borrow a Wadia to see if you like its style. Yes, it has lots of detail, but it can be overly-analytical in some systems. Also, while it does present a nice soundstage, it is not the last word in creating 3-D images. What has kept me hooked is its truth in timbre and dynamics, especially in the midrange on acoustic instruments. When it comes to female vocals, though, the Audio Aero Capitole may edge out Wadia slightly.
Players I've heard in my system: The "British sound" such as Meridian 508.24, Arcam FMJ, Naim CDX (all laid back but quite musical), Levinson 390S (didn't do much for me), AA Capitole MKI (nice but a bit too "tube-like"; need to try MKII), Electrocompaniet EMC1 24/192 (closer to Wadia in style), Resolution Audio CD55 (too analytical). I've heard dCS several times outside my system (didn't wow me for the money). Would like to hear Accuphase, Linn, Audiomeca, and others, but life is short.
I have the 850 (modified by GNS), and have compared it with several other CDP's in my system (see my past posts in this forum). I assume you picked 850 because of its reasonable used cost; otherwise you might consider a used 860 or 861. (In any case, the GNS mod really improves the sound overall.) Try to borrow a Wadia to see if you like its style. Yes, it has lots of detail, but it can be overly-analytical in some systems. Also, while it does present a nice soundstage, it is not the last word in creating 3-D images. What has kept me hooked is its truth in timbre and dynamics, especially in the midrange on acoustic instruments. When it comes to female vocals, though, the Audio Aero Capitole may edge out Wadia slightly.
Players I've heard in my system: The "British sound" such as Meridian 508.24, Arcam FMJ, Naim CDX (all laid back but quite musical), Levinson 390S (didn't do much for me), AA Capitole MKI (nice but a bit too "tube-like"; need to try MKII), Electrocompaniet EMC1 24/192 (closer to Wadia in style), Resolution Audio CD55 (too analytical). I've heard dCS several times outside my system (didn't wow me for the money). Would like to hear Accuphase, Linn, Audiomeca, and others, but life is short.