Changing Digital Technology


I have a bit of a dilemma. I could spend $1,700 - $2,700 to upgrade my BAT VK-D5SE CD player or move toward digital technologies to accommodate SACD’s and other forms of evolving digital music. An upgrade would limit me to CD’s only. From reading the Audiogon forums, it appears there is, and will be, a whole lot more out there than CD’s. One of the threads suggested focusing on DAC technology that will accommodate various kinds of streaming digital via USB, coax, etc. If I did not obtain a SACD/CD player with that capability, I assume I would be running my BAT through it? I do have all of my CD’s on my Mac Book Pro as Apple lossless. I do not relish the idea of spending a lot of money on players that might be obsolete in five years.

I am into analog and have BAT tube monoblocks and preamp with a pair of Wilson Sophia’s. I love the tube sound and will be relying on my preamp to accommodate digital technologies.

I would appreciate advice on how to address the new technologies and possible equipment options. I think the future for digital is brigh. How does a person plan for the changes?
bgmyers

Showing 1 response by mlsstl

Just curious, is there something unsatisfactory about your BAT CD player?

That's a lot of money to spend on modding, especially since non-factory changes often don't help resell value and may even scare off some buyers. Your particular model is already over 10 years old.

If you just want to test the waters for digital playback from computer storage, there are a number of ways to do that for a lot less than your proposed mod budget. A Squeezebox Touch is $300, there are USB DACs in that price range that many find quite good, or even upgraded sound cards for an existing PC.

Rather than pour a bunch of money into an old unit or buying an expensive version of a technology you don't have any experience with, just experiment for a while and that will tell you a lot about which direction is best for you.

Then, when you find out what appeals to you, you'll find your upgrade efforts a lot more satisfying.