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The VK-D5 SE is a premium CD player from Balanced Audio Technology that emphasizes fully balanced circuitry in both digital and analog domains. It uses four Burr Brown PCM1704 24-bit DAC chipsets arranged in a true dual differential configuration, feeding a unique current to voltage converter with Vishay bulk metal foil resistors in a differential passive Flying I-V circuit. The player features a proprietary servo-board synchronizing the Philips transport mechanism to a single master clock, eliminating interface-induced jitter. Its analog output stage is powered by four 6H30 super tubes supported by a large toroidal transformer and dual SIX-PAK paper-and-oil output capacitors, delivering a natural and harmonically accurate sound. The VK-D5 SE includes a VK-R2 remote control that manages CD playback and volume for compatible BAT preamplifiers. It offers digital output via BNC 75 ohm connector, selectable absolute polarity, and a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz ±0.5 dB. The player weighs 33 lbs and measures 19" x 5.75" x 15.5". All VK-D5 models can be upgraded to VK-D5 SE status, reflecting BAT's commitment to upgrade paths.
DAC capabilities and digital audio processing
Analog signal output specifications
Input and output connections
Size, weight, and appearance
Specifications are community-contributed and may not be accurate or complete. Verify all details with the manufacturer before making purchasing decisions. Terms & Conditions
Estimated price (community-sourced)
Original retail — discontinued, no used price recorded yet
The closest alternatives on specs, description and the systems they turn up in, with the specs they share set side by side.
The CD-E5 Platinum Edition's signal-to-noise is 102 dB against the VK-D5SE's 100 dB, its output voltage 2.0V RMS against 1.2V RMS, and its weight 13 kg (29 lbs) against 15 kg (33 lbs). Both share bit depth (24-bit).
The CD21's signal-to-noise is 105 dB against the VK-D5SE's 100 dB, its output voltage 2.0V RMS against 1.2V RMS, and its weight 10 kg (22 lbs) against 15 kg (33 lbs). Both share bit depth (24-bit).
The UCD-100's bit depth is 20-bit against the VK-D5SE's 24-bit, its signal-to-noise 103 dB against 100 dB, its output voltage 2.0V RMS against 1.2V RMS, and its weight 10.5 kg (23 lbs) against 15 kg (33 lbs).
The 506.24's signal-to-noise is 93 dB against the VK-D5SE's 100 dB, its output voltage 2.0V RMS against 1.2V RMS, and its weight 6.4 kg (14 lbs) against 15 kg (33 lbs). Both share bit depth (24-bit).
East Sound CD-E5 European Edition
Arcam FMJ 23t
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