Comment = BAT VK-D5SE vs. Wadia 861x CD

I'VE COMPARED THE BAT VKD5 TO THE WADIA 20/27I COMBO (WITH THE 27I IT SHOULD BE MORE THAN COMPAREABLE TO THE 860I). I THOUGHT THE BAT WAS MUCH MORE MUSICAL AND WARM. IT HAD AN ORGANIC WHOLENESS. THE WADIA, WAS VERY ARTICULATE AND PRECISE, NOT WHAT I'D TERM "EMOTIONAL". FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH, I PREFER THE BAT.

I have played with tubes off and on for more than ten years and the statements about the BAT which I feel need clarifying are:"...More musical", and ..."Organic wholeness". The BAT VK-D5 is a very fine sounding product. It is not however, an accurate reproducer of the signal which it is fed. Tubes impart a specific harmonic richness which cannot be duplicated by any other amplifying device. It is a type of distortion which we are very familiar with and we tend to think that it sounds more organic, natural and sweet. It is not accurate. The Wadia sound is one that I currently live with and I have much respect for. It's abilities to convey exactly what is contained on a recording are excellent. I appreciate the truth in the reproduction and the clarity. it's sound is immediate, focused and dynamic. I also feel that removing the preamp and the associated interconnects gets me closer to the original sound and I have grown to favor this over the "enhanced" flavor from euphonic devices such as a tube linestage. The new 861 will have a retail price of 7950.00 and the 860x retails for 7450. Owners of the 860x can upgrade to the 861 for the 500.00 difference through their local dealer and Wadia. Even used, the 860x is still quite expensive. My advice is to look for an 850 used, or for the same sound without the build quality, find a used 830ix. You should be able to sell the BAT and just about break even on a used 830ix which is an 850 in sheep's clothing. Fewer devices in the signal path results in a cleaner, less distorted view into the sonic landscape...once you re-educate yourself with accurate, dynamic, distortion free reproduction you will never go back. If you feel that it would be too hard to go "cold turkey" with tubes, think about using a Wadia with a tubed stereo amp or monoblocks. This will still provide you that "sweetness" that you are familiar with, but will not compound it's effects by adding a tubed linestage. Possibly the best of both worlds!

Also, you might want to check out the 831 (is it out yet?), as it is _supposed_ to be on par with what used to be the 850. (I guess they felt there was no room to try to squeeze anything in between the two new models.)

Back again. Ebowman is correct that the 831 would be a great choice also. As a dedicated Wadia owner, I try to keep up with developments, and the folks at Wadia are very helpful. The 831 is based on the technology of the 830 and the 850 with improvements due to a trickle down effect from what Wadia learned with their new PowerDAC system. If you look at the comparison matrix , the 830 and 850 are the same with the exception of the transport and the chassis. The 831 will not be available until about mid-June, 2000. If you can wait until then, it will set you back approx. 3000.00. A very real alternative is the 830, which can be found for around 2100-2200. Even though production has ceased, nothing really becomes outdated with the generous upgrade policy Wadia maintains on all of their equipment. One more reason I am so satisfied with their gear.

I see we a group of hardcore Wadia fans comenting on Wadia fine products and no BAT followers. I have owned Wadia 270+27ix and BAT VK-d5 and Vk-5se.My thoughts as follows, the wedia combo is is the best but at $17K IT OUGHT TO BE!The VK-d5 was very good but the VK-d5se is great.In fact in many instances it was better than the Wadia combo.Spend $1200and upgrade it.Wait and see what new formats the CD God's will bring out.Do not put your faith in upgradabilty no one has told you what it will be and at what cost,The upgrade on my old Wadia 2000 to the 2000 verson of a 27ix was $3695 a good little sum I must say.As for accuracy solid state is more accurate to a test instrument to bad it in reality dose not sound as musical to many peoplethis debate has no end between SS folks and tuber's.The fact is you need to try out a Wadia 860 or 861 in your system at home and make up your mind yourself as its your system and your $$$.