BAT VKD5SE vs AR CD3MKII

Has anyone heard the BAT VKD5SE CDP?

I am thinking of swapping my AR CD3MKII over. I really need a front loading CDP (space constraints in new house would you believe it!?!?!)

I have the chance of swapping over at mininal cost (if any). Is it worth it?




I am still on the hunt for an integrated as well by the way see other thread. Have shortlisted the Gyphon Callisto, Bel Canto Evo2i and possibly the BAT VK-300x.

 

on purely anecdotal experience the cd3 is - wahey and the bat is mneh. so i'd struggle to keep the ar if at all possible.
cheers


julian

 

The Bat has more :zzzz: appeal than a madagasgen festering bong toad, stick with the AR, else try an AA Capitol MKII

 

Now, Tony, there's a recommendation I never thought I'd hear you make. Especially after you (or was it GrahamN?) had that poor soul trading in his AACapitoleMK2 for a Wadia after he found out what he was missing...

reg

 

Reg,

Don't you know I'm being a more understanding type of guy these days , I feel the AA MKII is more is keeping with the CD3 but better in the vital mid band, its very close to an analogue sound you'll find in a stock player, valve output stage and analogue vol control.
Having had the chance to do an a/b (sussshh don't tell ), I can confirm the AA is not for me, but none the less a quality player, that deserves consideration.
Twas indeed Graham N making the said person weep a while back, thing is he now owns an opus 21, you go figure?
Any news on the amp front yet Reg?

 

Scott,

I would not swap an AR CD3 MkII for a BAT regardless of the fact that the BAT has tubes in it. IMO, the CD3 MKII is the better player both rythmically and musically (if that makes sense). The two BATs that I've heard not only sounded dark but also had a low level hum which although it did not intrude on the music, I felt that at the price, it shouldn't have been there. Perhaps tube rolling will change the presentation a bit.

Therefore, I second the recommendation for the AA Capitole MkII which I heard about two weeks ago, albeit a modified version. It was very good although I don't know how the stock version compares to it. However like you, I don't have the space for a top loader as my turtable occupies the top shelf and I loathe the idea of going out to get a new rack just because of a top-loader so it's front-loaders only for me. Anyway, the AA Prima Mk II DAC, which is exactly the same DAC as in the Capitole MkII should be with me for testing in a few weeks time. Might be worth a try with a cheaper transport but again if space is an issue for you, then ……………...

ANOpax - a couple of my clients in the U.S. actually traded in their Wadias for the AA Capitole MkII after they found out what they were missing and as far as I know, they still have their Capitole players. A case of different strokes .................. perhaps?



Enjoy the music,

Lawrie.