The best CD Player for the money

I am sure that there will be many around here to believe that Op Amps can beat tubes so your statement that your Op Amp/Black Gate 3930 "completely cream APL 3910" might actually fly

Here it comes, the double blind facial! Cameras ready...

Aplhifi, How does your APL Denon solid state design compare to your tubed output stage with AKM DAC's? Is your solid state unit actually better in your opinion? If you think the solid state design is better then I would agree that it would be more fair to compare the 3930 to that unit. Or are you saying solid state units should not be compared to tubed units period?

Can I take back the words "not competitive"(although it looks like it got people talking). I think the words came from admiration of what Alex did to his 3910. It had me wondering what could be improved, also. After changing the stock power cord for TVAD's recommendated Volex 17604, I see that anything can be improved. The thought that major companies use cost as a factor in their products, has me suspicious of their products.

Audiohobby1, I live the San Francisco Bay Area. I'de be happy to compare the two. My system is not optimally setup, so it might be better in your 3930's system. One thing bothers me. All by itself, Alex's 3910 sounds fantastic! I know this sounds like heresy, but I'm not completely convinced that comparisons yield the best results. I also want to mention that AKM dac's, tubes, and Alex's use of the Esoteric transport are considered upgrades on my APL 3910. I also think that replacement of the Denon 3910's power cord with the Volex 17604 is a no-brainer. This last statement are for those that still have the standard power cord. I'm sure there are better power cords out there, but for less than $20, who can argue?

Dbld, I see you had an Esoteric in the comparison. From what I've read, just that transport puts my 3910 at a disadvantage.