861SE

About the 861SE

The Wadia 861SE is a remote-controlled integrated CD player and digital preamp with multiple user-selectable digital inputs and an onboard digital volume control that allows direct connection to a power amplifier, eliminating the need for a separate preamplifier in many systems. It employs 32x upsampling to 1.4112MHz using four Burr-Brown PCM-1704 24-bit DACs (two per channel) and three user-selectable interpolation algorithms, including Wadia's patented DigiMaster time-domain interpolation filter optimized to preserve subtle time and phase information. The 861SE provides four digital inputs (S/PDIF BNC, TosLink, ST-glass, AES/EBU) accepting sample rates up to 96kHz, along with two analog outputs (single-ended RCA and balanced XLR) plus corresponding digital outputs. Its digital volume control offers a wide usable range (about 50dB in fine steps), enabling flexible system matching and use as a DAC/preamp. The Special Edition variant features an upgraded high-precision transport mechanism and clamping system for lower noise, blacker backgrounds, and improved imaging and detail over the standard 861. The chassis is heavy and robust, measuring approximately 17" W x 7" H x 16" D and weighing about 48 lbs, and the player is widely regarded for its dynamic precision, detail resolution, clarity, slightly warm tonal balance, and vivid, engaging soundstage.