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"Analog" = bloated, rolled off, soft and mushy?

I don't have much experience with many CD players, but with the few that I do, it's been my experience that tube output stages that supposedly give an "analog" quality to CDs, really sacrifice transparency and excitement. They sound euphonice, but ulitmately, kind of boring.

The last high end player that I owned and loved was a Wadia 860x. I'd like to find a universal player that gives me the Wadia excitement and neutrality, and have considered one of the APL, Exemplar and Modwright modded units, but the best of them use tube output stages, and this really makes me hesitate. Are they "analog" sounding and excellent, because they give you that tube sound, but sacrifice the detail, clarity and drive that I loved in my Wadia? Don't get me wrong, I love tubes, but I'm not so sure they belong in CD players. Am I wrong?
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Showing 1 response by jmcgrogan2

jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Yes, you are wrong. Just kidding.

It's all a matter of tastes. I prefer vinyl myself, but I also have a BAT VK-D5SE, which is not the most dynamic cd player. However, I find that I'm able to listen for hours without grinding my teeth, which is a good thing. I do have a couple other cd players (cheaper) hooked up to the system as well. If I'm in a rocking mood, and want more dynamics or edge, I use one of these.
If I had the money, I'd set up two seperate systems. One for smooth, rich sound (vinyl/SET/horns) and one for dynamic punch (digital/SS/dynamic drivers).

Why don't you split your budget in half and get two cd players. A smooth one (AudioMeca Obsession II?)and a dynamic one (Wadia 830/850?). Just a thought. The Wadia gear is too edgy for my tastes. I do like things smooth though so YMMV.

John
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