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 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.