Wadia 860x vs Audio Aero Capitole Mark II 24/192?

Well I think I might just be the guy to answer your question. I owned prior to the Capitole Mk 2 a Wadia 860x for 2 years, I also kept the Wadia for a few months after getting the Capitole Mk 2, so I was able to do some head to head comparisons.

To put it simple in terms of sound it is not even close the Capitole is way better than the Wadia, you can tell within seconds in direct comparison. The Capitole is natural and involving where the Wadia sounds electronic and mechanical. The Capitole is a softer presentation, but overall it is so much better that there is no need to list strenghts and weaknesses of each.

Electronic stability and reliablitly as well as build quality are far superior with the Wadia. I have had many problems with the Capitole since getting it 8 months ago, and looks like I am going to have to send it in for a complete circuit board replacment. The remote is an embarassment for a 9k CD player and the build quality is pretty weak too. As you know the Wadia is built like a tank, I never had a problem in the 2 years I owned the Wadia.

Hopefully Audio Aero has sorted out their problems with the Caplitole Mk 2, (I know of a few other guys who have the Capiotle Mk 2 and had to get a circuit board replacment)if so, I don't think you can go wrong with it, and I know you will be very imrpessed by the improvment it will give you over your 860x

Ejlif was the 861 a upgraded 861 from the Great Northern Sound? It a totaly different animal than a stock than an 860X!!

I've had the 850 and the AA mk I in my system at different times. I greatly preferred the AA. Wonderful tube harmonics and presentation. The 850 was very detailed, but not as musical to me. The AA is my favorite CD player so far.

Sorry Ejlif, I meant a 860X, I posted a 861 about your thread. Either way though, did the 860X have the Great Northern Sound Statement Upgrade? Sorry again, but comparing an 860X Standard with an 860X with a Statement upgrade is a totally different beast. Not sure where I got the 861, but again I apologize.

The 860x was a stock player, no upgrade. I wonder why if the upgrade to the stock Wadia players makes them so much better Wadia doesn't just make them this way to begin with.