Ayre C5xe or APL 3910 ?

After hearing the Ayre I pretty much feel the same way, but I'm still curious about the APL considering everything that's been said about it

In the time I've been reading Audiogon threads, nothing is clearer to me than when someone posts "I am thinking about buying an XYZ component, but I'd like to know what other possibilities exist", that person has invariably made up his/her mind to buy XYZ and wants just one other person to validate the choice.

So, that said, enjoy the Ayre C5xe, Orjazzm. From all descriptions, it sounds like a fine player.

Ayre is not listed on either the exhibitor nor the product list for RMAF. Too bad, and it's right in their own backyard.

Hi Orjazzm,

I have heared the Ayre on a couple of occasions at a dealer. While I have a Ayre K1x pre-amp that I love, I have not been overly enthused about the Ayre player. At the dealer where I listened to the Ayre, my clear preferance was the Shanling T-300. It was to me the best sound there by a good margin.

I have bought a APL Denon 3910 used (here), that was sold by an individual who I believe did not like the sound. I have loved 90% of what this player is doing, but have been working on cables to better portray the players ability (I had silver cables in my system trying to improve the speed and upper detail of an older Rega Planet). I now have my cables sorted out, and can say that the player has extreme accuracy, tonal balance, and inner detail. I believe the APL equals or exceeds the performance of the T-300.

I have sent the player off to Alex at APL for the latest chip to be installed. I think I will be very happy with the outcome, although I am missing my music while the player is gone.

The most impresive player that I have heard, for my tastes, is the Linn CD12. I do not have the luxury to afford one. However, the APL is very close, and I can not say how close without hearing the two side by side.

Good luck on your journey,

DuffyDawg

Thanks DuffyDawg, what was it about the Ayre that didn't excite you?

I auditioned the Ayre in my system and thought it was the best thing I had heard. I have not heard ANY modded players though. Other players I Have auditioned are ARC CD3II, Cary (I forget the model (it's the one before the very newest out now)), Linn, Sony SACD 1, etc. I own a Theta Miles (bal.) and nothing I had heard made me want to drop the big $$$$........... the Ayre on the other hand...... Well, if I could afford it right now I might make the plunge.

Chris