Sound Comparison of an Ayre CX7e vs. BAT D5

I own a CX-7e that was just upgraded to the MP, but have never heard the BAT. I am posting only to recommend that you shoot for a CX-7e with the MP upgrade if you decide to go that direction. I can't imagine anyone regretting buying and owning one.

I owned the Ayre CX7e and now own a BAT VK-D5SE with superpak. In an all BAT system (such as mine and yours), the BAT is a no brainer. I noted better instrumental tone and texture, better soundstaging, and a less clinical top end vs the Ayre. Some people have described the BAT player as dark, however. Make sure you get a newer model that is 24 bit (should be sticker on the back). There is a regular version, the SE version, and SE with optional $2000 superpak. This player has been on the market for a long time, and is criticized for its "old technology." However, if I am not mistaken, the burr brown chip in the BAT is used in the highly regarded current Naim CD players and some Esoteric CD players. If you buy second-hand, ask for the serial number and check with BAT on date of manufacture. The unit on audiogon with the superpak looks old to me, as the color of the faceplate does not match the tray.

Go for an Esoteric. I have heard both and the low end DV-60 (which puts your dollars towards a DVD player) easilly bested both. Rig was very revealing, B&W 800D, Classe Omega, Tara Labs The One. Just too digital for me.

Of course, thats just my own two ears speking.