Itching for an SACD player


I presently own an Audio Aero Prima. I was good to go (and still may) this Spring with an APL Denon 3910, but the purchase of new speakers, cabling etc. may mean a hold on the APL. What is out there in the way of SACD/CD player that will sound significantly better than my Prima, and do SACDs? Mods and used are cool, as well. I just don't think I will be able to go for $6.5k for the APL, and with the way digital is going, the APL may be dated by the time I receive it. Not really, of course, but you get my drift? thanks in advance. peace, warren
128x128warrenh
Very helpful as I am on a similar quest, searching the various "modders" website.One drawback it seems worth considering, is just what is being improved, for example VSE may be excellent, but the upgrade is mainly to SACD, I believe. Most of us are in the position of wanting excellent Red book and SACD. For "non modded" the Ayre seems the best real world price unit(relatively real world). I had my eye on the Exemplar Denon too, I am glad to hear your favourable feedback Warrenh.
David you can email me on the side for more particulars or give me a call. 516-316-3311
David12 writes:
VSE may be excellent, but the upgrade is mainly to SACD, I believe
I don't think that's true. If you have a SCD-C333ES, the latest mods (level 5) to the takeoff point on the VC24 work for both. For the SCD-1 and SCD-777ES you need level 5+. Either way, Redbook is significantly enhanced.

Regards,
Uppermidfi, do you know if you can get a replacement transport for the XA? I have one that's transport could use some cleaning and I wouldn't mind having a backup. Do you know where to get the new transport for the SCD? Maybe that is where I should start to look.
Warrenh, this is very interesting. Congrats!

Just for the record, would you please tell us more about the audio system in which the Exemplar and APL Denon 3910 were evaluated? What preamp, amp, speakers, cables, etc.

This would be very helpful.

Thanks!

Alex