BAT VK D5SE vs WADIA 861

wadia is better than the bat gear but the LEVINSON 39 IS THE MOST NATURAL SOUNDING CD PLAYER EVER KNOWN TO MAN. GOOD LUCK

Try well recorded harpsicord music on both. I think you'll find a clear winner.

The BAT is far better than the waida.Tube output stage beats all solid state design everytime.

I owned a wadia 23 and sold it to buy a bat vk d5. i found the bat unit too laid back for my taste. i then purchased a wadia 850, which i love. it's presentation is more forward and more lively. i've not heard the vkd5se nor the 861, but based on my experience with each company's other players, i don't see how you could go wrong with a wadia! if you decided that you didn't like it, i think the wadia would sell much quicker, too..

I have owned both the Wadia 850 and currently a Wadia 860x and have heard the BAT gear which is great, but when it comes to a cd player the Wadia is the way to go. I can't imagine you would be disapointed w/ a Wadia, especially an 861. Listen for yourself and you be the judge...good luck.