Wadia makes (made?) some serious-looking stuff, and it sounded great for what it was, but the old Stereophile phrase "ruthlessly revealing" comes to mind. I worked at a dealer in the mid-1990s and always thought the $7000 Wadia player sounded as if it were aimed at scientific analysis more than musical enjoyment. I honestly preferred the sound of the $700 Rotel RCD-975.
I also have to comment that both of the Wadia players are CD players only, while the Oppo machine (at $900!) is not only 10 years newer than a Wadia 830, but can play any digital disc format available now, including Blu-Ray, DVD-A, and SACD.
I apologize for not actually answering the question of "what sounds better". I also apologize for taking the "practicality" tact, which isn't generally part of our hobby. I just think CD playback technology has improved so quickly that stuff from even 8 years ago is kind of ancient.
If you're used to the sound of the Rega Planet 2000, you might check out the $70.00 Sony DVD player at Costco, the DVP-NS611H. You might be surprised and less tempted to shell out $2000 for a 10 year old cd player.
I also have to comment that both of the Wadia players are CD players only, while the Oppo machine (at $900!) is not only 10 years newer than a Wadia 830, but can play any digital disc format available now, including Blu-Ray, DVD-A, and SACD.
I apologize for not actually answering the question of "what sounds better". I also apologize for taking the "practicality" tact, which isn't generally part of our hobby. I just think CD playback technology has improved so quickly that stuff from even 8 years ago is kind of ancient.
If you're used to the sound of the Rega Planet 2000, you might check out the $70.00 Sony DVD player at Costco, the DVP-NS611H. You might be surprised and less tempted to shell out $2000 for a 10 year old cd player.