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

I own a BAT VK-D5 CD Player and discovered they have a $1,200 upgrade to a newer BAT VK-D5 SE version. A friend of my suggested now is a good time for me to switch from the BAT to the new Wadia 861x due out in the next 30+ days. He feels that Wadia CD players are more musical, open and more natural than the BAT CD Player is (is this true?). While I am happy with the BAT, I am willing to review other alternatives. Wadia has discontinued the Wadia 850 that seems more reasonably priced than the 861 is. Assuming the new 861 is priced at around $7,000 (?), this would be an expensive upgrade for me to take. This means any change to the Wadia 861x would require major sound improvements based on the (huge) increase in price. It is unfortunate Wadia dropped the 850 since, price wise, this might be more reasonable. Any comments on the BAT VK-D5 vs. the Wadia 860x (861x) CD Player? I know that the new 861 is scheduled out shortly so your comments should be based on your experience with the Wadia 860 vs. the BAT VK-D5 (or SE). thanks
hgeifman
ebowman7c99
1 posts
 
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.)
jrt
18 posts
 
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 Even though production has ceased, nothing really becomes outdated with the generous upgrade policy Wadia maintains on all of their equipment.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.
jchamberscb2a
1 posts
 
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 $$$.
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