Please help me figure out what I need to do this. My head spins with tech talk..

@abstract from your last description it sounds like what's most important is that you get a replacement DAC that satisfies the sound you're looking for coming from the BAT VK-D5.

A DAC will have digital inputs allowing you to use an inexpensive CD transport in the short-term, maybe even your computer if it has digital audio output and a CD drive, but get good sounding music immediately. Whereas if you focus on researching transports, you will have something to stick CDs into but won't hear any music, or will be using the DAC included with the transport which may not sound good to you.

djones51's recommendation to purchase a VK-D5SE might be your safest and quickest bet, if you can't get a replacement drive for your existing unit.

It may also be worth it to consider repairing your VK-D5 with a replacement drive that isn't the exact same as the original. There's no reason to think it wouldn't sound just as good, as long as a reliable high-quality drive is put in.

@abstract if you are considering a different product then you really need to listen to them before purchasing. You may read online or in a review that X sounds like A,B, and C but find out it really doesn't sound like that by your definition when you hear it yourself.

If you can't find a local dealer or a local person selling something used that you're interested in, maybe ask the manufacturer or non-local dealer about a free trial period. We do that for some of the stuff we carry, and I know there are others who do that as well.