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Electrocompaniet EMC-1UP Mod or try Wadia 861 ?

As most of you have seen, I have been toying with the idea of having my Electrocompaniet EMC-1UP modified through Steve Nugent at EmpiricalAudio. With the cost of this mod however, the player will also be nearing the cost of the Wadia 861 player.

Does anyone have any experience with an Empirical Audio modified EMC-1UP and a Wadia 861 cd player?

I have read many threads that the Wadia is a better player than the stock EMC-1UP, however I was curious if anyone has had the luxury of comparing the two.

Input greatly appreciated.
audiofankj

Showing 1 response by marcelo_cinicola

marcelo_cinicola
49 posts
 
I've had the ECM1UP for about a year, last winter I had the chance to play for 2 weeks with the 861 and the ARC CD3 at the same time.
My honest conclusion (and also the store manager whom very kindly brought the 2 cdp's to my home) was that the ECM1UP had nothing to envy the Wadia (and I really was excited about owning one!) They both sounded exactly the same, I was really surprised!
The ARC was a different story. It sounded 'different' (not better or worse, just 'different') but I couldn't honestly decide to keep either the 861 or the ARC. However, the sound of all 3 had me feeling that 'something' was missing on my setup (ARC LS25MKII + Krell FPB 300c + Martin Logan Prodigy).
I have since changed (I wouldn't dare to say 'upgraded', it is so subjective...) the EC for an Oracle CD2500, and so far I'm happy with the results and don't miss the EC at all.
brgds, marcelo
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