Comparison Cary 306, Wadia 581, EMM Labs CDSA

Peter, I hope you are just starting to look around. You won't see a 306 Pro used for some time. Ditto a 581 SE. There is no shortage of EMM stuff and for very good reason... I talked to Mr Had at CES, my advice is a late model 306. Again, be careful to make sure it is the latest version. Great machine, input is nice, as is HDCD decoding. I just bought a Krell 505 and it smokes them all. Seen any used ones? Get it? Z.

Zieman,
thanks for your advice, how do I make sure that I would get the latest model of the Cary, as far as i know there is no MK II or 1.01 version.
So EMM is not the kind of sound you really like ;-)
I've never been a big Krell fan, but maybe their sound has changed in the last years.
Peter

Hi, i just heard of 306 SACD PRO.Does it have a volume control?

The only thing I know is following:
Following the tremendous success of the 306 line of CD players, Cary Audio Design’s new CD 306 SACD Professional Version includes the latest in SACD and HDCD playback technology. The new CD 306 SACD Professional Version features a new servo board design with internal components tested to 105° C. The PMD-200 filter has now been replaced with a high quality Burr Brown filter chipset. HDCD decoding is accomplished with the absolute latest software available. Larger, multiple power transformers along with higher current regulators add up to stronger, higher current regulated power supplies. The internal copper chassis along with a new vented top cover add strength, durability and incredible transport shielding to the CD 306 SACD Professional Version. For even greater resolution when playing back SACD’s, the internal wordclock frequency has been raised from 11.2896 MHz to 22.5792 MHz. Completing the list is a new aluminum loader tray that adds elegance and greater disc handling care. The new CD 306 SACD Professional Version continues on with 8 Burr Brown 1792u DAC chips running in a true balanced parallel, extremely low jitter digital to analog converter. The digital to analog conversion section within the new CD 306 SACD Professional Version may still be used as a stand alone DAC with three separate digital inputs available that are selectable on the front panel.

Strange observations, Zieman. There have been as many Wadia 581 SEs for sale here as EMM Labs CDSA SE units, perhaps more. Quite a few Cary 306s, too. Frequency or quantity of a particular model appearing on A-Gon isn't necessarily an indicator of customer dissatisfaction. One the contrary, it often means more customers bought more of these models than others. Therefore, more will eventually appear on the used market. You'll find a lot of used Honda Accords and Toyota Camrys, and they are always top-rated.

For the record, both the EMM Labs CDSA SE and Wadia 581 SE are world-class CDPs. Which is better comes down to personal preference.

Krell smoking them all? Depends what you've been smoking , I guess.