Is Wadia 861se close to the best?

Correction: Does the "se" still need Great Northern Sound upgrade? If so, which: standard or custom? How much is each upgrade?

Kocsis- if there's any question in your mind about the
861SE's performance, then wait for the Spectral.

The Spectral won't need a $3K GNS mod to make it sound good.

If you've got $10K and can't wait check out the Theta Gen VIII.

d70 combo which i own has more depth
and detailing far superior to anything that i have heard.
add a power cord. you reach nirvana.

the esoteric p70/d70 combo which i own has more depth
and detailing far superior to anything that i have heard.
add a power cord. you reach nirvana.

I had Great Northern Sound update my Audio Research preamp.The job that was done was utterly spectacular.Meticulous attention to detail and performance that shocked,so much so that a friend immediately had the same work done.Not cheap,but,worth every cent.Thus,I would not hesitate to have the 861 work done.GNS is not a sales oriented operation.They are result oriented.Also,the diff. between the 861 and the 861se is in the transport.When you get to this level of performance(all units mentioned are superb)to actually agonize over the differences between this level of componentry is absurd.Not that there are not differences,but,it is more like saying Angelina Jolie is better looking than Charlize Theron.Rediculous!By the way,Nicole Kiddman owns the Levinson 390s.Just as good,and a bit less expensive,though,not cheap.