Wadia 170i transport experience?


Looking for input on the wadia 170i. I currently have a nakamichi av-10 and am planning in the future to get the parasound a51 and halo c3 or hdp-70. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks.

Joe in Mobile
magsterone
i've been using the 170i > musical fidelity tri vista 21 DAC for a week. I don't know if the run in period is still not passed yet or the 170i is passing too much information to my DAC. I found it sound pretty harsh and the lower notes are not as noticible compares to using a traditional CDP (I'm using musical fidelity A3.2 cdp as transport)I hope it can sound the way i want it to in another week or i'll return it.
I would say something else is going on as I doubt there is much break-in needed with it; I find it interesting and odd all the varying results people have as all mine have been positive, and that while comparing a couple other setups. Do you know if the MF DAC reclocks the signal?
I updated my analog front end and left my digital one seeing no use for a month or more - I just started to re-listen to the Wadia170i/Reimyo combo and continues to amaze me.

My analog source is better in many regards compared to the digital combo, but I could live happy just having the Wadia 170/Reimyo as the only available option in my system.

Not sure if the Reimyo is such a terrific DAC, or if the Siltech interconect is a great match for the Wadia, but it is definitely working!.
I don't think the MF Tri-vista 21 does reclocking. Though, i can write a little review for the 2 weeks i spent with the wadia. You might get different results with other DACs.

I've confirmed that 170i does provide more detail compares to the a3.2 in the upper range. Though, it lacks the smooth mid and deep bass that i can find from the a3.2. I've listened to a few well recorded classicals. The 170i has wider soundstage but violin doesn't sound as sweet as the a3.2.

I feel A3.2 performs vocal better than 170i does with my setup. the 170i made me feel tired very easily but I never wanted to stop the cd in the a3.2. a3.2 does sound smoother compares to the 170i.

may be the 170i just can't fit into my system. I did think about playing the reclock trick ($250-$1800)but i would rather keep my system simple as getting an audio grade power strip will be another grand and i don't think the 170i is worth that much trouble in my setup. I might be able to get a better CDP that fits my setup for that price (ipod: $150 refurb, 170i:$380, decent DAC: $1000, decent power strip: $800-$1000, reclocker: $1800, total= $4000+) with better resell value.

Anyway, you might be able to find your need from this 170i, i just couldn't. ~