The 861 is one of the best one box players that I have heard. It is smoother, more refined, more relaxed and just about equals the Opus in dynamics (I think the Opus may be too much but I did not live with it too long term to get a better handle on it). The Wadia was not clinical at all, as I have heard those comments too. I also had the Accuphase DP-77 which I thought was overall boring but then again there was another Agon member who loved it, but not me especially for the price.
I would try the Audio Logic DAC, it is very real sounding, excellent dynamics, excellent separation of notes and voices. I preferred the Chord slightly over it at the time but I did not get to roll tubes in it either. They were very close. The Wavelength was not nearly as good because it lacked the dynamics and lower bass output.
The Opus needs a good power cord to make it smoother and more refined, the Wadia really did not need a better cord to sound better, the cords just slightly changed the sound mostly slower/thicker or clearer sounding, depending on the cord.
BTW I also had the Electro DAC with them and it was a bargin in its price range very wide soundstage, great deep bass, nice details, but it just did not sound as real as the Audio Logic.
Hope this helps.
