Dbk: I agree with the Wadia 861 supporters. I have the 861-Basic with GNS Reference Upgrade. It's not the top 861, nor does it have the "ultimate" GNS mod (=Statement), yet to my ears it is more musical than your alternatives (both which I have directly A/B'd at home), as nice as they are. Admittedly, it's a bit irritating that one has to get a GNS-mod to smooth out the Wadia. In fact, comparing factory versions, I think the EMC (or AA Capitole) is a bit smoother up top than Wadia. Still, Wadia has a "presence" which is unique, and it sounds unlike any other player I've heard. Of course, in the end you'll really need to try them all out.
