What is the best redbook CD player for 6K to 8K?

TVAD, the controversy seems to have started by a generic remark I posted on 06/14, which was not at all mentioning APL, nor it was especially written with APL in mind. While other modifiers took the high road, APL took exception to my statement. That was their right and they exercised it. So did I exercise my own right to pursue the subsequent discussion. A healthy debate between manufacturers and consumers can only benefit the hobby as a whole. The exchange between ALEX, Brent and I has been quite placid and urbane, and I hope relatively informative. I only regret that the three of us ended up highjacking this perfectly good thread with our side discussion. What do you say Brent and Alex, should we now retire in good order, pay for broken bottles and stools, and leave this particular watering hole in peace?

Before someone calls in the Audiogon MPs, that is?

Guido, If the changes made in the APL forum content reflect the emerging new reality at APL, why use the word 'spin' and 'artful redirection', which are pregnant with negative connotations. Those are not the phrases that come to my mind with a straight shooter like Brent. Perhaps, you didn't mean to suggest any negative connotations. In any case, in view of your previous posts on this thread, your choice of words raised my eyebrows.

07-09-06: Guidocorona
TVAD, the controversy seems to have started by a generic remark I posted on 06/14, which was not at all mentioning APL, nor it was especially written with APL in mind. While other modifiers took the high road, APL took exception to my statement.

As I look back through the thread, it appears the controversy started as a result of a post made by you on 6/30/06, not on 6/14/06, in which you suggested that anyone who purchased a modified digital source was taking a risk of not being able to have their machine repaired.

You wrote:

06-30-06: Guidocorona
... please be understanding of those original manufacturers when they look at you real funny like, the day you bring them that little beauty under warranty, just because it stopped working prior to the expiration of the warranty. And be even more understanding of their incredible sense of humor, when -- laughing their head off -- they point at that obscure little finprint on the warranty card which -- truth to tell -- did warn all and concerned about immediate, sudden and catastrophic loss of warranty coverage upon the machine even being smelled by unauthorized hands, let alone lovingly yet radically 'improved' by a solder-gun-happy modder-genius.

Your quotations around the word improved indicates your sarcastic usage of the word. Certainly, anyone can understand how a modifier might take umbrage at the remark.

APL responded on 6/30/06 with a professional response in which Alex stated his policy of honoring the factory warranty period on any digital machines he uses in his NWO-1, NWO-2, or other APL HiFi products.

06-30-06: Aplhifi
Guidocorona, can't speak for anyone else, but when it comes to the digital players I re-design, I am honoring the original "factory" warranty they have, regardless of the failure.

I see no controversy started or continued by APL. Rather, IMO, the controversy was started by you and your sarcastic tone regarding modified digital players, and the suggestion that anyone who purchased a modified or re-engineered machine would be left high and dry should a need for service arise.

Thank you TVAD, you are correct, the discussion started on 06-30, not on 06-14. My mistake.

Gentleman, I believe that we are all good hearted and intelligent enough so we can remain good friends, like always. There is no need for clever words war because it will take us nowhere.

Guido, you have always been very good friend and also respected member of the APL Hi-Fi forum. I have always valued your feedback and input very much. Now you are in love with the stock X-01 and I have nothing against that. I am sure that one day you will audition a NWO player and then we can have more reasonable and productive discussion on this subject.

As far as APL customer service and satisfaction goes, Brent Rainwater has made enormous difference. To say Thank You Brent even 1000 times will not be enough.

I'd also want to say Thank You to all APL family members for their continued support and faith in APL Hi-Fi!

Regards,
Alex