Virtually lost, a minimalist cries out for "help."

Have to throw in my 2c. Having owned several Wadias and an Audio Aero, they are all excellent players. Do not get hung up on the digital attenuation of the Wadia system, it is not an issue in the real world if you adjust the player's max output level to correspond to your typical listening volume (not a difficult thing to do, but requires removing the top cover). Also, do not get hung up on the build issues of the AA, granted it's not in Wadia's league but it's certainly good enough. Like Tireguy said, afaik the chip problems were on the very first units and anything from the MkI 24/192 onward should be fine. As far as preamps go, IMO they are only needed if the output stage in the cdp is not up to snuff, and both Wadia and AA have very good output stages. After having seen a lot of these threads, the people who prefer a preamp over direct are almost always using a tube preamp (I can't think of a single instance otherwise), which tells me that they prefer the added colorations (warmth, ambience, etc.). It all depends on what you like. If your tastes lean this way, use an AA direct, you will not be disappointed.

What about a Levinson 39? Combines the 37 transport, and a 36 DAC (sort of). A fine player by all accoiunts, and has volume control. I also second the motion on an Audiomeca Mephisto II player. Some decent deals on them lately, and nice sounding units they are. Severely underrated - though you'll need a pre amp with one of them.

Happy hunting,

George

Karls- I guess I'll be the single instance. I've spent a little time with Wadia direct into amplifiers in a friends system. Once the top-of-the-line Gryphon pre-amp was installed, the sound became much more organic, believeable. Gone was the slight dryness and very fine grain via the Wadia direct. I guess I preferred the added colorations that made it sound more like music and less like a recording;^)
Enjoy!

Tireguy, or anyone else, With all the applicable caveats: how would YOU describe the differences between the 75v and the Capitole? I am winnowing my speaker selection down now, no decisions yet; also, for the time being, I'll be using my dinosaur amp, the redoubtable Classé DR-8. Thanks, and Merry Christmas to all (and, again, thanks for all the help!).

Wow! I went through the exact same thing! All most made me go back to records. I looked at everything from Wadia to Audiomeca to Electrocompaniet to 47Labs to Accuphase and on and on. I also will not go ballanced. So I decided to buy a Mark Levinson No.37 transport with a Madrigal 1m mdc rca to rca digital cable. Now I can do what ever I want for a da converter with out ever wishing I had a better transport. I looked at the Big Dog, silver rock at 6k ?? Dont do that. Buy a single input Placette passive and be done with it- I repeat do not spend thousands on a passive if you have not heard Placette.