Bat Vk-d5se Balanced Tube Cd Player Superpak Review
| Balanced Audio Technologies VK-D5SE |
| A Journey Through Product Evolution and Cute Sound! |
| Beak Wells March 2004 |
Originally introduced in 1997, the i-box BAT VK-D5 CD thespian has continued to evolve and today represents one of the better digital playback units available. Since information technology start arrived, I�ve had the good fortune of using this detail digital player equally it has gone through its diverse stages of development and accept continued to enjoy its overall sonic performance immensely. During this same catamenia of time, at that place have been many newly developed CD players to hit the high-cease audio market. Some have been one-hit wonders and others have managed to savor Cher-like staying power. Fortunately, I�ve had the opportunity to audition many of these players and with favorable results. Also, as I blazon this review, the influx of newer players with multi-format capability is increasing. If it seems odd for BAT to remain committed to continually developing their one-box, red book standard CDs only unit, perhaps y'all should read on to observe out why they exercise. Through numerous conversations with the folks at BAT, they have continually stressed that their efforts were concentrated around making their thespian the best that it could perchance exist. For the do good of owners of their before products, BAT has fabricated sure that their units could exist upgraded likewise. And good thing as well, considering with all the changes to the VK-D5, BAT allows the user to either upgrade in steps or go all the way with a complete updating of their unit. This provides the user with the ability to go on his cherished BAT CD player electric current as the manufacturer employs new parts or develops new technologies to meliorate the unit. Over time, the VK-D5 has basically evolved to three singled-out levels of production maturity. The original version, circa 1997, utilized the standard 6922 tubes in its output stage and produced what many felt was the �classic� BAT audio. Essentially, the actor provided a magical sound quality that was largely attributed to the use of these The next step in this player�s evolution occurred in late 2001 with the incorporation of a newer, higher resolution Burr Brownish 24 chip/96Hz DAC chip with eight times oversampling. Subsequent to this change, BAT besides changed to an improved transport mechanism past switching to the Phillips 1250 as the preferred unit of measurement to handle these duties. Essentially, this transport provided a more robust motor and stronger drive mechanism. Also, over the course of this product�s evolution, a new faceplate, numerous internal changes, modifications to the ability supply and gain stage were all a part of the unit�southward continued improvement. As a result, today�south version of the original VK-D5 CD player is a product that is significantly upgraded from its earlier days. And although it has been a very skilful unit from the very kickoff, today it is only that much ameliorate. To my ears, information technology is a very worthy product for consideration by serious audiophiles who dear their digits reproduced in a highly musical fashion. According to Steve Bednarski, chief business strategist and marketing guru at BAT, their intent was to provide the best single-box solution for digital playback of red book standard CDs possible. With each incremental change fabricated to the player, the functioning has improved accordingly. Besides, Bednarski states that this arroyo to product improvement will continue until such time they feel it advisable to design a completely new product or do a major overhaul of the existing unit. The overall cosmetics of the VK-D5 have likewise been slightly improved over time but not in a specially dramatic style. Essentially, the rather hefty unit retains much of its original appearance. It comes in basic black and sports a fairly thick front panel that is clean with splendid fit-n-terminate. The traditional BAT logo and name of the histrion are included on the front in white anodized lettering. Additionally, each playback office button has a symbol that provides the user with a visual clue as to the specific function for each push button. Small blueish lights, indicating when the unit of measurement is in either the standby or play style, are likewise included on the front. Once a CD is inserted into the transport machinery, there is a small display that lights up indicating which track is ready for playing. On the dorsum panel, there is a standard xv amp IEC connector along with a rocker switch that allows the user to completely command Air conditioning to the unit. One time this switch is used to plow the unit on, the user can utilize a button on the front panel for a special standby style. BAT�due south approach to providing this standby way is a prissy characteristic and allows the user to activate the unit to full operation from its sleep mode with minimal time required for warm up and optimum performance. Basically, in the standby way, the unit maintains a certain level of electric current running through the circuitry although the tubes are all at a very low level which greatly enhances their total life. Over the many years that I�ve used this particular player, tube replacement has non been an upshot for me. Equally a reviewer, I tend to spend a lot of time with my organisation fired up and fully ready when I sit down downward for a listening session. In this regard, there have been instances where I�ve actually left this player in total operational manner, for extended periods without e'er experiencing any negative furnishings. Also included on the back panel is a digital output connector that allows the user to utilize the unit as a transport feeding an external D/A converter. Along with this are provisions for either single-ended or balanced input/output connections. Although this player performs admirably in either mode, based on my experience, I believe the ultimate performance is rendered through its balanced connections. This observation is supported by comments made by Steve Bednarski who states that the unit�s design was optimized for counterbalanced mode operation. Fortunately, the histrion�s functioning in single-ended mode is still quite superb so potential buyers, who don�t have balanced connection capability, should non be overly concerned. I�ve used this unit of measurement with single-concluded connections quite successfully and accept been able to enjoy all the wonderful sonic attributes information technology provides. Having provided this rather lengthy backdrop to this unit�southward connected development, you lot might get the impression that I�ve been a BAT CD thespian user for some fourth dimension now. Well dearest reader, you�d be absolutely correct. Actually, I�ve been a large time fan and BAT equipment lover for many years now. Basically, their products have played a key part in my achieving a highly musical sound from a diverseness of high-stop audio systems that I�ve assembled. At times when I�ve been fortunate to take a full complement of BAT electronics, including the BAT CD player, the sound has been truly magical and wonderfully musical indeed. This is where the BAT CD player really gets its props. As the eye of a loftier-end sound system, this player provides a sound that is big, bold and emotionally engaging. In particular, the sound is palpable, dynamic and possessed of a liveliness that allows music to flow from your speakers with a loftier degree of realism. Its bass performance is outstanding with a total, continuous quality. Additionally, instruments throughout the musical spectrum are possessed with torso and warmth. Transparency is quite good throughout, with images filled in nicely and a clear rendering of spatial cues besides. Overall, the audio is unrestrained and music flows with ease and grace. Of special annotation is that this particular CD histrion has played a primal part as the primary playback source for whatsoever number of very highly successful showings by BAT, and other exhibiters, at CES and various other high-end shows across the state. Each fourth dimension that I�ve encountered their sound at one of these shows, in that location has always been a sense of immediacy, authorisation and authenticity that made reproduced music sound quite assuredly real. Fortunately, I have been able to enjoy those same musical attributes in my reference system with this player leading me to believe in its overall functioning. Interestingly enough, in direct comparison to other high-performance CD systems such as the highly acclaimed Wadia 27i DAC, Bel Canto DAC2 (both used with the Sony 555ES and Rotel RCD 990 as transports), and the one-box Sound Research CD2, the BAT consistently produced music in a way that could be felt and experienced, not only heard. Some of the other systems excelled at certain aspects of the music such equally detail retrieval, deep bass and extended highs. Even so, oft they did not convey the music in the special manner that the BAT player did. 1 thing I should likewise note is that most of my fourth dimension spent with the VK-D5SE was in a system comprised primarily of BAT electronics. Based on what I heard, I became very much aware of the special synergy produced in this arrangement. As a result, for some time, this was my preferred system configuration - particularly with the VK-D5SE serving as the main digital playback device. For musical enjoyment, my listening tastes are varied. However I adopt more traditional, acoustic jazz. Additionally, I am a big fan of really good jazz vocalists since hearing the human voice on a really good system is always a thrill for me. More mod, upwardly-to-date music, including R&B and occasionally fusion, also finds its style into my habitation as well. I�m quite fortunate to have the opportunity to regularly attend alive jazz concerts with a diverseness of nationally known recording artists throughout the year. Attention these concerts always provides considerable enjoyment and always seems to offer unique insights into how the music is actually meant to exist heard, felt and appreciated. Getting this level of emotional content, intent and impact from a high-cease audio system is always a challenge. In this regard, the VK-D5SE can provide much of this blazon of emotional impact through its big, bold, beautiful presentation of recorded music. Although this unit performs superbly in a variety of systems, when mated to the high-performance BAT electronics (i.due east., linestages and amps), it tin can truly produce pure musical magic. Used in other not-BAT systems, including both tube and solid-state linestages and amplifiers, I take had similar results. Based on these experiences, I can hands state that the functioning in each of these systems was consistently enhanced with the inclusion of the BAT CD player. In long-term listening to this unit, it seems to exist more then the whole of the musical presentation that is so captivating rather than whatsoever one item sonic aspect. Sure this player provides outstanding soundstaging, imaging and other important measures of high-end performance. However, even more importantly, information technology provides the soul of the music with its rhythmically tuneful and high impact presentation. Talk about being able to boogie when listening to your system. Well, my friend, if that�s your wish and desire, the VK-D5SE volition not disappoint. In fact, it will most likely have your ears popping and your toes borer at the same fourth dimension. More than specifically, what I find to exist so attractive virtually the sound of this item player is how it renders everything with a sense of immediacy and musical aliveness. At times, information technology may seem a scrap forward, brash or assuming just never and so much so that I wished for it to practice otherwise. Also, the overall tonal remainder may seem to favor the lower frequencies, but the midrange and highs are so well integrated that they friction match the power and majesty of the lower frequencies. This ways that the whole of the sound comes together in a totally convincing manner. For the about part, the bass of this histrion comes with a very squeamish sense of musical warmth and superb detail. The bass lines come through clearly, boldly and with good joint. Listening to Christian McBride�s audio-visual bass on Diana Krall�s CD titled �Simply Trust Your Heart� [GRP GRD9810] provides pure delight. Additionally, subtle ambient clues, in the bottom octaves, are more readily apparent than with many other players. Overall, the bass performance of the thespian can provide the listener with considerable satisfaction when it comes to putting the oomph into the music. On one of my all-fourth dimension favorite recordings, Shirley Horn�southward wonderful CD titled �Hither�due south To Life� [Polygram 511879], at that place is all sorts of subtle low-level stuff going on. The BAT CD thespian brings this along in a way that makes this disc sound so real and makes it even more enjoyable. Where the magic of this unit really shines through is in the midrange. Instruments such as piano, saxophone, acoustic guitar and a host of other challenging instruments are all treated exquisitely and heard with their natural authority and are just delightful to listen to. Male and female person vocals are rendered with considerable emotional impact such that it will typically grab your attention in a very pleasing and compelling manner. One affair�due south for certain, the VK-D5SE is not a wimpy, overly polite digital playback device that will go out you feeling cold and unfulfilled. Quite the opposite, information technology volition generally fill your musical cup such that yous will indeed enjoy the season of the musical presentation offered. In the college frequencies, the BAT player performs in a similarly dramatic fashion. Metallic cymbals band forth with great shimmer and clarity. Violins sing rather robustly and with the proper amount of effeminateness. Bell chimes and other delicate percussive instruments come along audibly and are easily heard rather than being buried in the mix. In terms of air and openness, certainly where the earlier units may have seemed a bit airtight in, the newer units excel in this expanse. Highs seem to soar and are non express. The degree of openness has likewise improved substantially providing a clear, open sound when that is what�s on the recording. At its current retail price of $6,000 (including remote), the BAT VK-D5SE CD actor is not cheap. Nor will information technology provide you with multi-format playback capability. All the same, what it volition practise is allow y'all to enjoy the many hundreds, and perhaps thousands of ruby volume standard CDs that y'all currently ain. Its physical operation is smoothen with a wonderful remote control device. From a listening perspective, this unit of measurement should reward the user with many, many hours of pure musical delight. Additionally, it should be comforting for existing owners and potential buyers akin to know that they will likely have a product that�southward here for the long-term with opportunities for continuous improvement from BAT as well. From my point of view, this makes the BAT VK-D5SE CD player easily worthy of serious consideration and tin can be highly recommended for its overall superior musical playback performance and concrete integrity likewise. Basically, buy information technology, install it, play it and enjoy. Happy listening!
Removing the cover and peering inside this unit reveals a busy merely very well laid out circuitry forth with the various tube sockets. The appearance within is i of quality and a high degree of professionalism. Access to the tubes is straight-frontward and the user should feel relatively at ease if needing to do a tube replacement. Basically, it�due south a relatively painless and easy process. Over the years, I�ve had picayune need to open this infant upwards just whenever I practise, I�ve always done it with minor apprehension. The biggest challenge is the total number of the trivial hex screws used to solidly concur the cover in place.
Source: http://www.stereotimes.com/cdp032204.shtml
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