Which CD player should I go for? AA, EC, Audiomeca


Guys, I am upgrading my system and now need some advice on the one box CD player.
I have the following on my list.
Electrocompaniet EMC1 UP 24/192
Audio Aero Capitole 24/192 Mk ll
Audiomeca Mephisto ll X 24/192
Wadia 861

They are all great player and have great review. I've heard the AA,EC and audiomeca have very analog sound. While the Wadia is on the other side of the table... Have anyone got some experiences with them?
My musice tast is somewhat MIX, like rock and roll, Jazz, vocal, and some pop...
Prefer greater dynamic, bigger sound stage and less colored. (that's where the wadia come into the picture...)

any help is appreciated.

regards
128x128mbadscl

Showing 1 response by itsalldark

I had the EMC 24/192 mk2 in my system for just under two years and loved it! It was smooth, dark backround and great detail. Everything you have read about the player is true. I got the upgrade bug, and was also interested in going direct since I only have a CD player in my system. I auditioned a Wadia 861B and the Audio Aero Capitol 2 side by side with my BAT VK50SE and without. The Wadia in my system, and to my ears had great detail and a big sound stage. I thought it bested my EMC in terms of detail and overall presentation, but to me sounded just a little edgy, not that I could not live with it--I could, it is a fantastic player and I listened to it for about a month. I then put the Capitol into the system and listened to it after I turned it on for a day or so as recommended in the manual. The sound, music coming from my system was so life like it stopped me in my tracks. The music sounded real, it had texture and emotion that made you, well me, sit and listen--you know, late into the nite with CD cases all over the place and you, well me, are so tired but you can't turn the damm thing off! Thats how ya know. When in your system, it is so engaging that you don't want to turn it off, you got it. Both the Capitol and the 861 cost more then the EMC and should sound better to the listener. The one thing about the 861 is the upgrade path via GNSC which I understand is really good, but I have not heard. Once I heard the Capitol in my system, I knew I had found the CDP for ME. It just seemed to get the music right. I listen to mostly jazz and some classical. The rest of my system consists of a Cary V12-R with the oil cap upgrade, Verity Audio Fidelios, Nordost Valhalla XLR IC's and David Elrod SIG 2 and 3 power cords. They are all great one box players, let your ears be the judge and take your time.