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

03-07-07: Ctm_cra
Hi Tvad - Did you have the latest version Exemplar 3910 with the tube output stage (please pardon the rookie-like question)?

I had the tubed output and transformer coupled balanced outputs. I don't know if what I had is the latest iteration. It was at the time. Things change so quickly in the realm of modded players, I tend to think something must have changed since I sold mine.

...did your APL 3910 also have a tube output stage (what DACs/how many, and what type of power supplies)? If so, did you compare the two side-to-side?

Yes, my APL had the tubed output stage and AKM DACS (six per channel as I recall). The version of AKM DACs was something along the lines of version 6 or 7 out of the final 14 versions. I don't recall the power supply. It was not the linear power supply that was eventually abandoned.

I did compare them side by side, and I prefered the APL by a wide margin. It was more natural sounding, and as I have already written, the APL brought music to life in my system. The Exemplar, while very good, simply was not to my taste. The one thing I found particularly out of line with my preferences was its treble response. I found it to be too pronounced. The sound of the Exemplar Denon 3910 was overall more analytical than the APL, IMO.

Analytical (Exemplar) versus natural (APL). That was the bottom line.

My opinion only. My system. My ears. My preferences.

Tvad - Thanks for the detailed info. I have always wondered the nature of the sonic differences between these two players. One follow-up question: Were these differences consistent for CDs and SACDs? Or was there a more pronounced difference in one format over the other? TIA!

Were these differences consistent for CDs and SACDs? Or was there a more pronounced difference in one format over the other?
Ctm_cra (Threads | Answers)

Honestly, I did 98% of my listening to redbook CDs or DVD-A. I don't own very many SACDs, but the differences were consistent in the DVD-A format.

I wish the modders would give their iterations designations. Without that, it makes comparisons very difficult. Makes it particularly difficult for someone considering a used unit.

I owned an earlier Exemplar and now own the "latest" one (well, it was "latest" as of about 1 1/2 years ago). I found the first one too "analytical" in the treble; but the second one just about right. I have no idea whatsoever what the changes were to the player, however, or whether Tvad and I had similar Exemplar units. Just wanted to add my thoughts.

John Tucker: can you tell us the different versions by date? Or by some other designation?

PS1......