ESOTERIC, WADIA -- How do they really sound?

Saxo, some of the most knowledgeable agoners in matters super-high-end digital are often found to roost and cluck companionably on "Reference DACS - An Overall perspective". You may want to join in the fun and post at:
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?ddgtl&1126769860&openflup&51&4#51

I have both an Esoteric P70/D70 combo and a Wadia 7/9 combo in the system. I've had the Wadia combo for about 5 years, and the Esoteric for about 6 months. Both are quite good. The Esoteric combo is a detail champ without being harsh and is quite revealing. I've kept the Wadia because it's not quite so ruthlessly revealing and sometimes makes poorly mastered CDs listenable.

If I had to keep only one it would be the Esoteric combo, though only by a nose.

I agree with the others - you really need to audition the brands yourself. At these price levels it might be worth a road trip to find out.

In my case I've used the Agon "buy it and try it" plan find the pieces I like. I sell off the stuff that doesn't work for me.

Saxo,

In my experience with Wadia 270SE transport, what you read---good or bad---are probably correct. The transport is excellent in many ways, I was thrilled when I first got it, but after the initial "wow" factor is over, I noticed it has an "edgy" treble character, which was most obvious in playing violin type of music, it made the violin sound hard and metalic. On the other hand, in playing rock and jazz, it was not objectionable. Then I tried a 270SE with GNSC mod, it is a whole lot better with much more natural---less digital---presentaton.

If you are not able to audition before purchase, I would say take everything you read into consideration, and then make your own judgement. I would also agree buy used so you do not have to stick with a wrong decision.

Since it has been years since I had a Wadia product, I cannot really say anything comparing the Esoteric and Wadia products. I do have an Esoteric X-01, however. I have always thought that the top Teac transports are the best perhaps with the exception of the JVC unit in the Reimyo. I have had a series of these transports including in an early Wadia.

I have found nothing approaching the Esoteric X-01 for sacds, which is a surprise for me as it uses PCM rather than DSD for decodig. For redbook, however, while the X-01 is quite good with driving dynamics and a great sound stage, ultimately using it as a transport only into my Exemplar Extant is more musically satisfying.

I don't think the fact that reviewers are divided means much, and I endorse trying to hear the units first before buying. I too was in the circumstance of not being able to hear before buying. I was, however, able to rely on opinions of others I trusted. I think such a network in this era of declining dealerships is a must. Reviewers and postings here and elsewhere are still fraught with uncertainties about whether you can trust their ears, tastes, and systems. Certainly, even a brief reading of posts will tell you there is no consensus on anything. Venture forth alone or find someone or some you trust.

Esoteric X-01 owners: thanks for your input; however, this model is too expensive for me. I'm looking for a unit that retails up to max $7,000, at a used price.

That said, I understand the X-01 & X-03 use the Teac VRDS transport. This is considered the most rugged, advanced transport in the world. I'd love to have it, but the price of admission is too high. Of course, just because a player uses this transport doesn't mean the unit will have the best sonics in the world, because there are so many other design factors involved.

That's what gets me. You spend so much money on this stuff, and then the designs are still not executed to the top level of sonics achieveable.

A couple of people have stated that they found the Wadia to have some issues with glare and with high frequency rolloff. I do know at least one reviewer stated that their Digimaster algorithm cuts off the highs quite abruptly, thinking this is what causes some possible issues in the highs.

I'm not limited to Esoteric and Wadia. However, many units that cost a considerable amount are made with very mediocre drives, which I think is ridiculous in these price ranges. At even the $4,000 level, I think there is no excuse, other than greed, not to use a very high quality, metal mechanism.

I wonder also about the Levinson 390S. I have heard of people having problems with the Levinson units, but I have also heard that they have cleaned up their act and actually improved the sonics of their products.