2. digital
  3. 1093837986

Comparing Wadia vs. Meitner

I believe that this represents the pinnacle of CD playback. Jerry, a fellow audiogoner was gracious enough to allow me to audition his broken-in Meitner CDSD / DCC2. In my system, the boxes were switched with mine, so they each had the same cables, power conditioning, power cords, and stand. Both were run directly into the amp without a preamp. My CD playback system includes the Wadia 27ix / 270se with the latest software and full modifications from Great Northern Sound. Also included are Elrod Statement power cords, a Hydra conditioner, and a Mana rack.

In short, I think that these are both excellent units. They are also very different in what they do. In my system, it was easy to distinguish between the two within several minutes. It probably comes down to personal preference in deciding which is best here. I’ll just simply say that I’m keeping the Wadia because I think it is a perfect match for my musical preferences, my system, and what I appreciate in music.

What I love about the Wadia is its ability to convey an (absolutely) astonishing amount of detail without being harsh or fatiguing. Not only is the melody and rhythm imaged with speed and coherence, but you can actually appreciate the musicians technique, the weight and color of the instrument(s), and the ambience of the recording venue. It simply presents a convincing image of a live event. The emotional quality is all there. You can understand what separates a great and (justly) famous professional musician from a pretty good one. Everything is properly proportioned, the soundstage is appropriate and believable, everything is audible, and the background is silent. From complex orchestral pieces and opera, to vocals, to solo instruments, I do not believe there are any weak spots. Again, it simply convinces and fools the mind into believing that you are sitting in front of the performance. I have frequented the concert halls, and I’d hate to say it but sometimes the recording is better.

I think that just about anybody could probably be happy with either of these 2 systems. Of course, curiosity makes us wonder if the grass is greener. I am just very content with where I am right now. I'd invite Jerry to make some comments when he gets a chance.

Rob
rtn1
drhst20
71 posts
 
Mejames,

I have compared the DCC2 to the Wadia in both my system and Frank's (Although I admit that in my system, the comparison was done using a cheap DVD player as my transport for the DCC2). Even using the DVD player as the transport, I prefered the DCC2 (although, with the DVD player as the transport, I prefered the Wadia's overall body, as the DCC2 sounded a little thin). It really was not difficult discerning the differences in Frank's system. Honestly, the differences where that dramatic (as I beleive Frank stated, my girlfriend immediatly noticed the difference....and she is certainly no audiophile). As far as Frank's system compard to mine....At low levels, I often prefer my system. I do alot of casual listening so my system is designed to accomodate that. It is when it gets loud that Frank's system is simply awsome!!!! His bass is about as tight as it gets!!!
robm321
932 posts
 
Awww LPs I love the sound. Oh wrong post.

I'm so uncivilized, a barbarian of the audio world
panorama
74 posts
 
I think there is a troll under the bridge.....yawn.......:-O
cenline
238 posts
 
The only thing I hate on my wadias is when the power fails, this little occurance can down my system for 3 days before the resolution and soundstaging return to normal. So when somebody brings over a cold unit and tries to compare it to a hot unit, there are some unfair advantages to be had. I also know that the Elrod is not a good p/c when compared to the Master of VD on the Wadias. So the conclusions that people arrive at may not be the most objective. Sorry if I ruffle any feathers but these little items should be noted.
rtn1 OP
535 posts
 
Cenline,

Have you heard the Elrod Statement on the Wadia? I found the improvement to be not subtle. I do not have any experience with virtual dynamics.

Rob
More to discover