my system has been stable for over 6 months, but i am getting close to upgrading my digital front end. want to go one box and have been considering a bat vkd5se.

overall, there is a liveliness and musicality that leaves me really satisfied. the cary v12 was the icing on this cake. ever since placing the v12 between my rogue pre and tyler linbrooks i have been able to sit for hours and hours. if anything becomes fatigued it is my ass and legs from sitting too long.

although i can find fault in my digital front-end, i can also say that some cdps i have listened to at almost twice the price have not impressed me enought to take the plunge. the bat has been on my brain for awhile because i feel it does nothing wrong at all and a bat pre-amp has also been under strong consideration for future introduction. sure there are better cdps, but we're talking serious $$$. the cary 306 is another option, i really liked this unit when i have had occasion to hear it. the ayre cdp is a third option but i think bat and cary beat ayre on build quality. not ready to take any plunge into sacd, dvd-a, etc, etc, so redbook is my only concern.

eventually i have designs on a new pre-amp, although i cannot fault or complain about my rogue. would like to see how well a bat pre-amp would mate with the cary v12. would really love to audition a bat vk50se, it helps to dream, right?

also will complete the linbrook system by adding the bass modules, very likely this summer, but may also change cabinet finishes simultaneoulsy. the linbrooks are fabulous speakers that i have never looked back on since purchasing them from ty last summer. the bass has been deep enough fro me so far. set-up in a better room i am sure that the cabinet would fade from memory. as is, i can't set them up anywhere else or in any way different from what is pictured. they sound great now and will sound better when i have a proper room. ty's choice of drivers is exceptional. is it me or is everyone using the seas drivers now, esp the millenium tweeter? well, not everyone, but they do seem to be appearing in quite a number of speakers being introduced by the bigger builders.

any comments are appreciated, but would like to hear what people have to say about

1) my digital front-end and how i can take this to an entirely new level for about $3k (used lovingly)

2) mating a bat pre-amp with my cary v12. may not have the easiest time auditioning in home.

ultimately i want to own a reference level system that i do not focus on (who doesn't) i am no deep, deep bass freak and detail and analytical reproduction are not my cup of tea (for now, but probably longer) however too much warmth and bloom may be a bad thing long term.

enough for now, i'll see what you have to say

if you need more information, please let me know

thanks in advance 'goners