Price Paid:  $1650.00 from Audiogon

Summary:
Battled with going back to solo vinyl, ZOG talked me into upgrading my Sony es9000 SACD to a "real" red book cd player before diving back into the maddness. The Wadia 830 upon hitting the play button for the first time startled my listening ears! No one piece of gear has ever given me such listening pleasure!
The tonal decay and weight of the music were in a realm that all need to experience. Sense of pace was as lifelike as I have heard from digital. I literally did not have the urge to speed through my favorite test songs, but rather listened to them in full. Why? Because I was hearing aspects that I have never before heard!
I encourage anyone to try this moderately priced unit out.
Zog, has the final word. "Johnny your system has arrived!"
P.S. Definately configure preamp to fully utilize the Wadia internal volume control.

Strengths:
Sense of pace, tonal decay, weight of musical note.
LISTENABLE!

Weaknesses:
Seems like remote weighs 5 lbs.! Not very responsive as well. Very methodical in it's sensor to unit signal.

Similar Products Used:
Meridian 588, Sony Es9000sacd, Cary 302

Price Paid:  $1490.00 from Audigon

Summary:
I recently (3 hours ago) acquired a used 830 CDP from a local Agoner. I was fortunate enough to purchase this unit as I now realize that it is highly sought after, especially in the european community.

In the past, I have used mostly better DVD players for CD playback (i.e. Denon 3910). I have auditioned an Arcam 82 and a Linn Mimik in the past but I was astonished at the smoothness of this player, soundstage is broader. Separation between vocals and instruments is more defined.

Overall, this is a very neutral player that allows you to listen for hours without fatique. Funny how I did not know about the name Wadia prior to 48 hours. It was through research using sites like Ecoustics.com which linked to audioreview that I became aware and convinced how good this player really is.

I found that this player performs best using XLR connections versus RCA. Next purchase will be a good pair of silver IC with XLR ends.

Strengths:
Incredible overall smoothness, warmth and balance.

Weaknesses:
none

Similar Products Used:
Arcam 82, Linn Mimik, Denon 3910.

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
My amplifer was and is Gryphon Century int. so it´s nothing wrong that and we test the player on my brothers Gryphon Antilleon, we get the same results.
You have to agree that the taste is not the same for all, ok.
Have a nice day.
Rickard

Price Paid:  $1700.00 from second hand private

Summary:
Being an audiophile for many years I´ve owned a great deal of expensive cd-players. The 830 is no doubt the finest cd-player I´ve ever had. It´s makes you feel, that you´re up front stage - close to the musicians. The music is relaxed, detailed, airy and attacks when it should - the best describtion is, that the 830 playes like an expensive turntable - very analogue - which enables you to listen for hours without fatique. You´ve got plenty of tigth bas, smooth and fast mid and fine sweet treble.
Rickard from my scandinavian brotherland - Sweden - must have had a very bad day, when writing his 830 review, or maybe he just needs a good advice on buying a quality power amp.
I´m playing on on a pair of heavy Threshold mono amp.s with the 830 hooked directly to the amp.s.
My good friend and police colleague - Torben - is playing on Gryphon CD and Gamut amp.s, and we both - honestly - enjoy listening to each others set-up - So Rickard - get rid of that old Technichs stuff and get yourself a serious amp - enabling you to smile again.

Strengths:
Plays real music.

Weaknesses:
Pushing buttoms on cd-player feels like pushing on an overdue mushroom.
Cheap plastic remote.

Similar Products Used:
Krell,Burmester,ML,Sony,Meridian Naim,
Rotel,Arcam,Thule

Price Paid:  $3000.00 from Hi &Audio,Riyadh,KSA

Summary:
Excellent source with Audioresearch amp and Sonusfaber GP speakers.A huge advance from the ordinary.

Strengths:
Detail,resolution,natural Sound

Weaknesses:
Plastic weak remote

Similar Products Used:
Marantz, Teac