WADIA / dCS / AA Capitole - the ultimate CD ??? .

Had a Wadia 861, tried the 270/27ix combo at home, considered and researched (alternative to audition at home which could'nt do) the DCS and Linn gear, tried the Audiomeca, Electrocompaniet and Capitole. Making a desicion like this unavoidably involves certain compromises which should be greatly influenced by musical preferences and budget among other factors. In my case I wanted the most musical and analoglike presentation with the most controlable budget. Settled with the Capitole and since it's price was half or less of it's closest competitors, I cheated and send the unit to Steve Huntley of GNS for a modification package including dissabling the volume control and substituing it with a Placette pasive unit. I still was way under the competition in cost and sonicaly IMO way ahead. This was my experience which I present as and alternative that may help you forget about front end digital changes and new formats for a very long time, yikes! it may even may you forget vinyl front end (God forbid).

The definitive answer to your question from the people who Know is the EMM Labs DAC-6 and modified Philips SACD-1000 transport. I have heard this in close proximity to the Capitole Mk II (which I love dearly) and it is sigificant step higher in resolution and musicality, as opposed to a mere change in voicing.

You don't say what version of the DCS gear you are using, but because of your "cold and analytical" comments, I assume it is the non-DSD version. I have heard this comment about the older versions of the DCS gear, and can agree that in some systems it might be. But the 1394 DSD version changes all of that. This is a MAJOR upgrade. I have owned the EMC 1, Accuphase DP75V, Wadia (I do think that Wadia gear has an upfront sonic signature), Audiomeca, Camelot, Northstar, and many others not mentioned here. I also have experience with the Audio Aero. The latest DCS components are simply in another class. The detail, soundstaging, natural tonal balance, and liquidity are unmatched in my experience. The latest Stereophile review is right on the money.

Given recent experiences with the Lindemann and its sensitivity to power cords and isolation (both electrical and mechanical), I have real qualms with respect to comparisons of top notch units unless the comparisons are done in the same system over a protracted period with time spent optimizing each combination. I find myself attracted by one box solutions as they seem to be an excellent method of eliminating additional variables and of minimizing jitter. In that context, I can highly recommend the Lindemann but would caution that it requires care with respect to isolation inorder to achieve its rather considerable best.

Of course I'm just touting my own gear:
Some would say that the GamuT CD-1 deserves to be considered on this list. I'm sure it would have a lower MFD factor than the Wadia, but it is remarkably musical, and doesn't make any sacrifices to the tube gods a la the Capitole.