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
Family feuds, Audiobugged? Even worse!

My poor great-great-great uncle Leo was victim to the tug-o-war between the Great Powers.

The Pig War

It's been a fun thread, in spite of some remarks that appear to have been posted by a snooty 12 year old that got a hold of daddy's PC. Of course, this eliminates my own post because I own by PC.

So there.
bunch of punctuation that when tilted 90 degrees simulates a tongue sticking out, plus a raspberry

KP
Audiobugged, ....started over a Pig!!! That pig musta had one helluva personality!!
Audiobugged...robm321.... I doubt you both will ever post anything useful and I must say when I see your monikers I will not bother. The posts you make are senseless, and only waste the time of those that are here trying to become more informed.

Now... it is all about the music. If someone likes the Wadia thats wonderful...if another likes the Meitner super... and if others like something else great. We are all here to share info and what not. It is not about the flavour of the the month. Geez, if I liked what I heard from the Wadia I would have purchased it and stated what I thought too. The Wadia's are wonderful but for me I found the Meitner more to my liking.
I heard a head to head comparison between the Meitner DAC 6 combo and an Audio Aero. The AA sounded much more musical than the Meitner. The AA had a much deeper, wider, layered and hologrphic soundstage. No one expected that outcome. But, we all heard it and my good friend who owned the Meitner sold it. I don't own either player.

I own Steve Huntley's work. He is beyond reproach as a man and a designer. No one who has worked directly with him has ever said an unkind word on either subject.
Panarama, you sound like an angry angry man -- maybe it's the digital edge on your CD player that is keeping you from relaxing. You probably see my moniker in your nightmares.

Boo!

Rob ;)