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APL 3910, Exemplar 3910, MF KW, Esoteric X-01?

I currently have Krell KPS-28c cd player ($8500). I am thinking about upgrading in the near future. Please help me decide which player – most important for me is “red book” format. The rest of my gears are Krell KCT pre-amp ($9000), Krell 400cx amp ($10500) and Wilson Audio Sophia ($11500). Following are possible players in random order:
Musical Fidelity KW SACD - $7,000.00
Krell CD/SACD – to be released soon (because of CAST) - $?
ESOTERIC X-01 SACD/CD - $13,00.00
APL 3910 - $5000.00
Exemplar 3910- $4000.00

Will I be down grading instead of upgrading with any of the above player?

Thanks in advance for your input
sd2005gt
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Bob Fogel's impressions of the APL and identical to mine for the Exemplar 3910. I would have to say that I have a new Exemplar 3910 which is $2000 more expensive. Thus far it is outstanding and clearly better to my old 3910, however, it has only 90 hours of breakin on it. Previous experience suggests that at least 200 are needed.

Although I heard a comparison of the APL/Phillips SACD 1000 and the early Exemplar 2900 under very unfavorable circumstances, I have not had them side by side for a comparison.
boa2's avatar
boa2
1,551 posts
 
Bob,
The new DAC upgrade for the APL is a dramatic leap forward. I know, it seemed impossible to me as well.
Enjoy,
Howard
jayctoy's avatar
jayctoy
4,102 posts
 
Ive heard both the APL that 711smillin own, and the
Exemplar Denon he own,in his basement,they are
not as musical as my Sony9000esModwright,Even AVguru
prefer my Sony9000es over his DV50 esoteric that time.
SD200gt,read the thread by AVguru, Is there a CDP
Significantly better than Esoteric DV50? I think
you will have a good picture with all the cdp involve
in the shootout,AVguru did a very good job, He is
not bias.Thanks
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Jayctoy, I think the "shootout" had many problems, but more importantly it is now grossly obsolete given all the changes that have taken place. I should also note that at the VSAC that took place somewhat earlier, few preferred the Modwright Sony 9000es. The contest there was between the Allen Wright mod and that by John Tucker. I ended up buying both.
711smilin
513 posts
 
Tbg, Jayctoys 9000 is a very different sound than any Modwright you or I have ever heard. Dan is now working on remaking that exact machine. Bon's is one of a kind for now. I am waiting on Dan to build me one too. OTOH, I totally agree with rfogel8 as to the APL. Mine will be back tomorrow, and after burn in, I will bring over to Bon;s house for him to hear. Tbg, I wish you lived closer.

Enjoy the journey folks
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