trying to decide between Cary 303/300 and BAT CD

Different price ranges, but if you go for the BAT D5SE, get it with the SuperPak option. Big difference as it is with all the BAT products with SuperPak.

Fat Cat, just wondering what players you've compared to the Opus GNSC?

Allegro12, did you buy the 24 Bit version of the VK-D5, or the older 20 Bit version?

Tjpj:
I am very un-techy so I am not sure the answer to that...
Here are the specs:
http://www.balanced.com/
but I do know that after the 6 months or so that I have owned this player I am still thrilled every time I listen...
as with everything audio, as we all know, there is no one clear cut best...
(I have a trusted audio friend that loves Cary CDP's),every set of ears are different, and system synergy is ultimately a huge variable...
(case in point:I seem to be the only one on this planet that didn't like the
Audio Aero)...
One can access reviews forever but until you listen for yourself in your own system I don't think anyone can know for sure what will be wonderful...
the good thing is...not decision needs to be forever...
if it doesn't provide the musical nirvana you are looking for...
it's just a "thing" that can be replaced....
:)
Susan

PS:
I must add....The person I bought this player from felt that the SE version is even better....I would love to hear it...I love this player so much if/when I do upgrade I will focus on the BAT VK-D5SE...