As a long time owner of an 860, I can highly recommend this piece. Very nice specs, and it is upgradeable to 860x, or 861 specs to 24/96 capabilities. It has digital volume conrtrol, so you can run it directly into an amp if you don't want to use a preamp. It has both rca and balanced outputs. I use it through a Mark Levinson 380 preamp, because I have other components, turntable, tuner, etc. and I don't really notice any degradation at all. Check out the Wadia website for more info. The Wadia company has turned itself around, so I don't think you will have to worry about service in the future.
Good luck in finding one that has not been snatched up. If you can find one, "Grab It."
Good luck in finding one that has not been snatched up. If you can find one, "Grab It."