Wadia 860x vs Audio Aero Capitole Mark II 24/192?

Hello, I listened to both extensively and ended up purchasing the audio aero, the Wadia isn't(in all fairness) even close to the analog smooth sound the audio aero has. The capitole II really draws you toward the music, I find myself staying up much to late just listening and listening and listening. I auditioned the 860x direct it wasn't even as good as the accuphase I was using at the time. They all have a different sound, some swear by there 860x(they must have been hearing something I wasn't) and some swear by the capitole II, if at all possible you should demo both and maybe even an accuphase DP-75v. To sum things up the audio aero is a more relaxed sound(though not boring, just no glare/brightness to it) that puts an emphasis on musicality at perhaps the cost of a little bit of resolution(the audio aero adds a lot of PRaT to the system) as where the 860x may be slightly more resolving but can be analytic and have a sharp edge to the sound. Between the accuphase and the wadia I would take the accuphase any day of the week- both of those players use digital volume compared to the audio aero's analog attenuation, so if you plan on running direct(which I recommend) the audio aero has another advantage.

The Wadia can be modded by Great Norterhn Sound. Wmail me and I can put you in touch with a guy who just got his Wadia modded there.

Happy Listening.

Hi,
I just had my 861 upgraded to the Statement Level by Steve at Great Northern Sound and it is incredible. I believe he may even upgrade Audio Aero players. I would seriously check into this first, I don’t think you would ever regret having this upgrade done.
Jim