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Is Exemplar the answer?

I'm looking for the best red book source I can find at around $5000 or under. I came very close to buying an Esoteric DV50, but reconsidered after hearing about John Tucker's Exemplar Audio mod of the Denon 2900. Have you heard this player, and how would you compare it to the best red book sources you have heard. It's fine to have a player that will play every format known to man, and having a universal player is a nice bonus, but my cd collection is almost all red book, and I want to get the most from the titles I currently have.

Thanks
84audio
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Here is Jules Coleman's reply to my question regarding the static issue:

you can hear the static, but it is of short duration, when you press buttons to skip tracks or to start the machine going.  you don't hear it once a disk is playing. it is just a noise associated with mechanical use. once the disk plays, there is dead silence. 

He also said the Exemplar is the best mod he has heard.
tombowlus
416 posts
 
Dan Wright has been mentioned briefly above, but I'd just like to reiterate that ModWright should definitely be considered as well as Exemplar when it comes to modding. I have a 5900 (which also plays HDCD) with Dan's Universal Truth Tube mods (and some other mods), and it has exceeded my every expectation.
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Tombowlus, you should listen to the Exemplar.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Hey, we're not going to get into a Modwright vs. Exemplar battle here are we? I'm certain both are excellent. Dan's Sony 999ES has received a glowing review on the "Stereo Times" website, and having owned one of Dan's machines, I can tell you he does stunningly good work. A machine from either modder would make the buyer quite happy.
711smilin
513 posts
 
Right now I have the APL modded SACD 1000 AND the exemplar, as of today the APL wins. I am sure Dans mods are excellent too. All will depend on YOUR EARS,not a reviewers. Plus you need to listen to your own music(tastes, likes)with all ancillary equipment...amps/speakers/wire/room. I understand my Exemplar is not broken in yet, but Tbg, do not make unwarranted claims, ie:the exemplar is best. I understand you have had other highend players in you system. I have them currently together, a/b'ing thru Johns pre-amp. I can only say what I hear. IMHO I cannot pass judgement yet. In time I will, and I also will have DAN do a mod for me too. BTW if any of you guys want the denon 3910 I have a GREAT source for it, as all three guys will be modding this player. This is a favor AND a great deal.
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