Wadia 171i Digital Transport Sound Issues


I enjoyed my 170i so much I decided to upgrade to the 171i, in retrospect I think I should have saved my money to spend on music. The 171i has proven itself to be a "tweak" and I'm having a tough time getting what I believe could be a more musical experience closer to the sound of CD. At the moment the unit is powered by the CIAUDIO VDC9 power supply using a run of Nordost/Magus power cord, on the digital side I tried both Toslink and 75ohm cable and settled on Kimber's D60 75ohm cable. All of this is feeding my Cambridge AZUR 840C CDP which I am using as a DAC. The problems I'm having with the sound of the 171i is the introduction of too much base and lack of top end detail (I'm using WAV files) Any suggestions that might help? Thanks!
rpg

Showing 1 response by bmartinat

RGP
I have a similar set up using the Wadia 171 being driven by a CIaudio 9v power supply. My electronics are the Benchmark Pre DAC, Sony 999es cd player, Esoteric AI-10 intergrated Amp with an on board Esoteric DAC and Esoteric MG-10 speakers. I use iTunes all recorded in the Wave format. My preference is a sound that more transparent bordering on electrostatic feel and a precise sound stage.The Esoteric MG-10's have a limited bottom end of 45hz but once i introduced the power supply the bass was more than adequate. In fact I have been by passing up my Sub woofer for a tighter but defined lower end. I am running my music now thru the Esoteric DAC. I feel that i am achieving a better resolution than CD quality sound. As luck would have it I just ordered a Have/Canare digital cable before I try a Nordquist Cable. I am on the edge of buying the Bryston BDP-1 server. I don't have much to add to your threads. I am not as well versed as many of the above but enjoy the comments.