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http://wadia.com/products/products_main.htmAnyone have any more information on the new Wadia models?
Looks like there will be a 581/i and a 781/i. The 861 is gone from the products listing. The 302 remains however.
Follow Ups:
Ive contacted both the factory and dealers to get some details on the new models. List pricing for the 581 is $6950, and the 581i is $8450. The i designates having several digital inputs and outputs. The benchmark for the 581 is to sound better on redbook CD than the 861b model. The 581 will also play SACD. Most importantly Wadia keeps its tradition of no preamp! The new 781 (prices to be determined) will sound better than the venerable 861se. This has been my reference player the past two years. The 781 will have an improved transport, better power supply and other parts upgrades. I've already contacted Ovation Audio in Aurora Ontario to audition as soon as it is available.
> > The benchmark for the 581 is to sound better on redbook CD than the 861b model.
> > The new 781 (prices to be determined) will sound better than the venerable 861se.The company line has to be what you wrote - obviously!
The new transports made by TEAC are redbook CD & SACD from now on: i.e. dual mode only. The 861 was redbook CD only, which TEAC stopped making, hence Wadia was "forced" to discontinue the 861.
The technology used in the new transports is more modern but whether this translates to better sound, is still up in the air. People in the know tell me differently. I think that the 781 will entually surpass the 861SE but when?
Like some members below, I too, have not yet seen a universal or dual-mode player have higher performance than a dedicated redbook-only player. Doesn't mean it cannot happen!
I love my 861, but found it sounds better if the cone feet are removed and it is supported by DIY roller-balls. Horizontal freedom for the player seems to help the transport mechanism.
I still like my 861b. Even though Wadia claims the transport that is used on the new models is better, I wonder if CD playback is compromised compared to an 861. I understand the reason for Wadia to make a change since kilobuck CD only players are a tough sale these days.
I'm leaning the same way w.r.t sonics from a dedicated redbook-only player vs. the new dual-mode player.
Wadia's got to say what it has - any company would have to. Imagine if Wadia said "we are introducing the 581, 581i & 781 but the 861 is still better". Obviously can't!
What I was told, from someone I trust, was that TEAC is not making redbook-only drives anymore; they are making dual-mode only. One can see this w/ Esoteric/TEAC's own products here in the USA! So, dedicated redbook players using a TEAC VRDS will not be possible anymore. Wadia 861 doesn't have any appreciable volume for TEAC to continue to make them for Wadia only.
I have yet to hear a universial player that sounds as good with redbook CD as my GNSC modified 270se. I bet there will be some compromises in the new Wadia units. If not, great....but I'm not willing to give up something for SACD or DVD-A.
Hi Harry! This is Duke from Wisconsin. I still have my clsIIz speakers and thanks again for showing me how to add those Bybees! http://steinman.mesls.org/stereo/DSCN1658a.jpg
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