Mark Levinson 30.5/31.5 vs Wadia 861se

Hi Chris, the way you expressed your question I would suggest you take a look at a thread I started entitled, Reference DACS: An overall perspective. It will give you some of the information you are seeking. I had a ML360s/DCSpurcell/ML31.5 in my system at one time and found it quite enjoyable. However, I believe their are other digital front ends that offer better sonics today, it still depends on personnal taste and system synergy, but my thread will you some guidelines to go by. I can't comment on the Wadia, since I have never seriously auditioned their gear, but many folks are true fans of this brand.

Chris, if I would compare my digital front end in my system now to my older front end of ML/DCS the major and most important differences would be:1) The ML was very accurate/detailed but somewhat "dry" sounding. 2) The ML did not give as large and layered soundstage with air around the players. 3) The ML overall sonic flavor was never hard or upfront but not as dynamic or alive sounding as my present gear. Stated very subjectively, the ML/DCS was a very good digital sound , while my present pieces offer what alot of audiophiles would call "analog" like.

George, I have a personnal motto, if your own ear's has not heard it you don't have an opinion. So, if you never have seriously listened to the gear up for discussion how could you "side" with anybody? I would never put down a fellow audiophiles personnal opinion, it's really finally all about personnal taste and system synergy, but its only fair to have an opinion based on actual experience. Finally, you never responded to my information regarding the cost of used ML gear, after you made statements that were not factual concerning their cost on another thread, why the great loyalty towards ML gear? Just curious.