Mitch2, If at all possible try to listen to the 302 in your system. I love mine. Any piece of equipment is certainly relative to the individual system and what the Wadia sounds like in mine may, of course, be different in yours. However, in my experience, if the 302 does have a sonic "signature" it is a silky smoothness with no hint of digital...great bass and sweet highs.
Suggestions for adjustable gain CD player
I am looking for a relatively high quality CD player with adjustable gain, and I have been looking at the Wadia 302 player for one example. I do not need a unit with a volume control since I will be using it with a preamp. I currently have an Ayre CX7e player, which has an output level that is too hot for my system, otherwise I would keep it. I have tried Rothwell attenuators and did not like what they did for the sound quality. I am interested in players in the $2,000 to $3,000 price range, and do not need multi-format or DVD. Any further suggestions would be appreciated.