Wadia upgrade - Levinson or Naim?


I am looking to upgrade from a Wadia 830 CD player. I really like some aspects about it, such as resolution of the fine harmonic structure of instruments, deep bass, and a strength (slam?) that refuses to let music be ignored. What I really want to be different is its tendency to highlight the upper midrange a bit. I would like something with a bit fuller upper bass?lower midrange, and a more relaxed upper midrange. Given this, if I could also get a more liquid sound and PRAT, that would put me in audio heaven. After reading as mucha as I can, the top contenders seem to be a Levinson 39 or a Naim CDX. Has anyone compared any of these 3 directly? What kind of differences between them did you hear?
honest1
Black Gates and Jensens are high quality capacitors that are an order of magnitude better than anything you'll find used stock. The guys at Reference Audio Mods recommended the Jensens for the power supply applications, and the BG's for use elsewhere. Other people may have their favorite caps, but I think all will agree these are on the short list of excellent choices.

I understand your question, and there's not easy way to respond. But the mods made every part of my Wadia 301 sound better, including making it sound less "digital." This is just my opinion, but I've found everything that comes before the speaker, is more important to what your speaker ulitmately sounds like than the speaker itself. I've upgraded my entire system, but I'm still using the same speakers- and they just keep sounding better and better the more upstream improvements I make. I should say, however, that I'm not familiar with your Talons, so you may have a system matching problem too. Like I said, no easy answers can be given over the internet and without hearing the system.
Ive owned the 390S which is a very nice player. But it sure isnt an upgrade from ANY Wadia product. The 830 I feel is a bit thin sounding and starting to show its age.A 301 in itself is a pretty big upgrade, but I would try an 861 or an 861se if you can spring for the huge transport upgrade. 100% modular and fully upgradeable.
I have a friend who has a Levinson 39, and I have a Naim CDX2. They're really much different players in the way they present the music, and I'm actually surprised you're looking at both.

The Levinson is very crisp and clear, and I find it harsh. The Naim is relatively laid back but with an incredible sense of timing. My preference is far and away the Naim and I'm craving a CDS3, but my friend swears by his Levinson and is looking at the 390.

Have you listened to both? Why are these two in your shortlist?

Graham