need opinions on new cdp

If you don't mind a universal stereo format player, check out the Ayre C-5xe, it is three separate players in one, i.e. when it uses SACD hardware, the CD and DVD-A hardware is turned off, when it uses DVD-A hardware the CD and SACD hardware is turned off and when it uses the CD hardware, the DVD-A and SACD hardware is turned off. It receives A+ ratings from Stereophile, if that means anything to you. I did a demo with it and bought it right away after having demo-ed stand alone CD players in the same price range and above for months because none manage to sound nearly as good. It has balanced and unbalanced outputs.

If you are looking for a more dynamic musical player, this is the one (the Burr-Brown 1792 chips decode HDCD BTW, in case that is useful to you as it was to me). It competes with players double the price easily. I was actually listening to the BAT VKD5 earlier today through a BAT amp on Avantgarde Duos, and it is no comparison in sound quality to the Ayre C-5xe whatsoever IMO, neither are the Audio Research CD 3 or Sim Audio Super Nova players. Be prepared for a long wait though since they are currently backordered due to high demand. I hope you decide to demo it before you rush into buying any of those other players... You won't regret it if you can afford the $6K (USD), and if you can't afford it, I would consider saving up for it, which is what I did. 8)

Jkalman - Did you actually compare and A-B the BAT to the AR CD3 or Sim Audio Super Nova? I am interested because I've heard the BAT Vk-D5 (6922 tubes) recently. (This was Not the "SE" version). I've also heard the Super Nova and the Audio Research CD3 MKII. But none were on the same system. So it's hard to draw any meaningful conclusions.

I liked the BAT VK-D5's soundstage depth, bass, detail and musicality. It displayed more air than my Bluenote Koala Tube CD Player. I've heard the BAT CD player twice and it never failed to impress me. That is not to say that the Ayre isn't better. I heard the BAT VK-D5 on an all BAT system using VK31SE Pre and BAT VK250 Amp, Cardas Cabling throught. The presentation was warm, but quite involving, spacious and musical.

The Super Nova was played through Sim Audio Amps and Martin Logan Vantage speakers. It was incredibly romantic and musical as well.

The Audio Research CD3 MKII may have impressed the most. IT was played on an all Audio Research system with Wilson Benesch Curve speakers. It was quite remarkable that it is not a tube CD Player. It had everything going on. Bass, soundstage, excellent instrument placement, vocals were right size and not bigger than life, ecellent detail and air.

I've read many reports that the Ayre's tend to be quite detailed, and perhaps dry and somewhat analytical. I welcome your comments.

i owned the bat vk d5 and reviewed the sim audio eclipse. i found both players a bit harsh and unforgiving. i recently sold my bat player and am looking for another cd player.

i brought my bat player to a friend's system and he felt that the oil filled caps and the 6 volt tubes were responsible for the harshness in the cd player.

i preferred the audio research cd1 to the cd3, as the former provided a smoother presentation.

i am considering the Melody Hifi player, the Lector 0.6 and the Prima Luna Prologue 8.

Groberts3,
I was wondering if you have heard the Bluenote Stibbert in comparison to the other units? I have been thinking about purchasing it. Bob

I own an ARC CD3MkII and it is a very dynamic and musical player. However, it is best run balanced. If your setup doesn't allow for balanced connection between cd player and preamp, don't bother with ARC as you will get at the most 85% of its performance.