Can you suggest a warm high-end CD player?

04-20-06: Springbok10
APL Denon 3910 - tube output; warm, accurate, great soundstaging - for less than $5K.
Springbok10  (Reviews | Threads | Answers)

Last I checked, the APL Denon 3910 was $6500.

For $6500 you can just about get an Esoteric X-03 which will crush the APL 3910. Better components, better warranty, and better company. No brainer.

Not going to argue the merits of the APL denon 3910 versus the Esoteric X-03. However, just from a features standpoint, the Denon 3910 plays more formats than the Esoteric X-03..DVD, DVD-A, etc.

Is the Esoteric considered a warm sounding player?

FWIW, I don't consider the APL Denon 3910 a warm sounding player...natural sounding, yes. I have heard warmer digital players, namely the Marantz SA-14 and the Modwright Sony 999ES.

try a california audio labs tempest or aria.

your right, the Ayre CD 5 xe is not exactly warm, but in part it depends on the equipment it is paired with, as well the speakers. As well, eraticating all emi and rf will further the chances of this piece to be warm. I think it is warm but all the other pieces of the puzzle need to be in place. Neutral is a fair consideration of this piece overall. well done