Recommendation for vacuum tube CD-player

Jwong- Ever tried a Kimber Illuminations Orchid(minimum 1m) between your transport and CAL DAC? If not: I'll bet it would have you listening to your whole CD collection again(over and over).

Find an older Balanced Audio Technology VK-D5(not the SE) and stuff it with six NOS Siemens CCa's(pre '68) or E188CC/7308's. You WON'T be gambling on chinese crapsmanship, and WILL be able to bathe in the sounds of accurate music reproduction. The SE version's no slouch. I just don't care for the 6H30 tube's presentation, and the inability to tube roll. Do yourself a favor and, at least, find somewhere to audition the SE. That will give you an idea of what the VK-D5 is capable (with good CDs). If I had the bucks right now(and didn't already own one), I'd buy this one today: (http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?dgtlplay&1234795757&/BAT-VK-D5-NEW---in-box-+-extra) BTW: If you like the sound of music with added euphonics(the British sound), the Mullards the seller is offering would make you very happy.

I have to agree with Newbee on the CAL equipment. I owned a Delta/Sigma then Alpha before my VK-D5 and was very happy at the time. Telefunken ECC803S's Didn't hurt my enjoyment a bit(everything, included a transport, would still be within your budget. BUT: The only thing I would trade my BAT in for would be the right Lector, or a Linn CD-12(keep dreaming).

YEP- If you can find a Lector: Go for it!