CD players with volume control ?????

I have to follow up on this. Had a chance to audition an Opus21 in my own soundroom with my own equipment, and was able to do a direct comparison with a Wadia 301 and an 861se. Level control was set between all units with an Audiocontrol SA-3055 RTA for proper ABing comarisons. Too many people dont realize that you cant make critical evaluations if the volume isnt set indentical between units.

All I can say is that the Opus is not as good as the Wadia 301 let along the 861se I just recnetly purchased. The Opus 21 has alot of similiarities to the Adcom GCD750 cd player. Very clear and forward vocals, great detail, great dynamics. But imaging, low level detail and the ability to paint a 3 dimensional soundstage is still a step behind both Wadia players. I feel alot of this has to do with the transport they employ and the lack of damping on this product. I also think a LARGER,HEAVIER single chassis solution would do wonders for this unit, along with a real transport, not a ROM drive(though this thing does allow lighting quick acess to any track, but what do you expect from a computer ROM?). There is alot of hoopla over this unit, but I think its just that, "hoopla". Still too many other good choices out there for equal or less money with just as good if not better potential.

I wouldnt call my review "negative" at all. Just be thankful I get around alot and always seem to get my hands on the latest gear. Since I am looking for a small 2 channel audio system for my bedroom, Ive heard alot of good things about this CD Player. But Ive never seen a true(true meaning proper output level setting under 100% identical conditions with identical equipment)comparison of the unit. And when I evaluate equipment now its solely done in my controlled listening room.

As for someone stating that one player is 20-30% better than another, I would like to know what scientific analysis they used to come up with that, or even what true controlled listening test they did and what equipment they used to measure it? Even I didnt state that. Is anyone aware here that if the volume between 2 players is just 1db off it can change perception of a players capability and sound characteristics to the human ear? Because to be honest with you all the players mentioned give great sound no question about it. But what distinguishes one player from another are the small nuances. But with a double blind listening test done, it was unanimous that both Wadia players were better at painting a picture over the Opus. Even the owner of the Opus who is a friend of mine agreed openly on this.

Sorry, I have yet to find 1 single review where ANYONE used actual calibrated testing gear to level set and gain match components. And please dont tell me you have. This would have actually been mentioned.I dont know too many people besides myself that actually owns multiple RTA's and Oscilliscopes. 99.9% of the people here are 100% biased on comparisons in one way or another,take a few psychology courses and you may get some answers, and the fact that you think that comparing a $700(actually about $1250)player to a $3500 player is absurd just states to me how hypocrytical people can be. Since comparing the Opus21 to a Wadia 8 series player must also be absurd too correct?I bet you must think that my workstation's cd rom and sound card (with a total worth of about $400 between the 2)couldnt compare to either the Opus21 right?Why not? They are both PC based cd players in all reality. Price doesnt matter as much as some people think.

As for the "review" I posted under that compared "apples to apples" I dont remember reading ANYTHING stating that all equipment was properly level matched for a 100% true comparison. Like I stated, its a scientific proven fact that just 1 db will change our perception of sound. Its also a scientific proven fact too that if you change out one component for another and know BEFOREHAND which unit is playing that this will also affect one's judgement as to how we percieve sound.

As for stating Wadia is "digital sounding" that term makes me chuckle again. Sounds to me like suggestive opinionated thinking at best. But then you find alot of that online. A few members from Audiogon have been to my place for more realistic comparisons on equipment that range from a few hundred to many thousands of dollars, and that same number have left with new thinking afterwards. Thats all Ill say on this subject.

Ill take my ears over an Osciliscope or RTA too anyday, but when you use these tools properly to help truely evaluate and AB equipment they are priceless and very valuable as tools. People in this thread(like yourself from what I gather)take such a defensive stand over what is just an opinion from myself. But I personally think my opinion is a bit closer to painting a proper picture between source units that I actuaslly have hands on experience with than anything else Ive read lately on the subject. Why not give this guy here some business at: www.audioperfectionist.com and order up his journal. This guy is great at seperating alot of BS opinions and myths and tells it like it is. He even has a few journals on how to properly evaluate equipment without letting your emotions and subliminal thinking get in the way. Excellent reading. Seriously.