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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
 
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
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Smilin, Alex has several times said that he will send me one. I too would love to have the opportunity to hear it. Now, of course, it would be compared with the Exemplar 5910 which is a dramatic jump in performance over the 3910.
styxtrekr
45 posts
 
considering the APL 3910 is at the pinnacle with a few other select digital products, how dramatic can it be. Is it comparable to Jim Beamon breaking the long jump record?
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Styxtrekr, I thought the Exemplar 3910 especially with it further mods was unapproachable. I was dramatically wrong. I continue to be amazed at how far digital has come these last several years. All I can say is that once I heard the 5910, I could not tolerate listening to the 3910. It has great clarity and sound stage, the best bass I have ever heard from digital, and just a realism to the sound that makes you want to play everything you have and hear it for the first time. And it has only about 100 hours on it.
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