Denon 3910 or Denon DVP 3910

Chuckie, Technically, the APL 3910 is not a mod of the Denon but Alex's redesign. It uses only the Denon's chassis and transport, everything else is replaced: DACs, clocks, transformers, power supplies, RCA connectors, etc. Alex uses a tube output stage and adds a hybrid attenuator that allows you to go straight into the amp for improved sonics. So, if you don't need the preamp for anything else, you can sell it to help finance the APL. The end result is one of the best CD players on the market, in a league that is way beyond the Denon 5910 or comparable units.

Chuckie, do your homework on all the mods you're thinking about, as well as talk to audiophools who own them. You can always call 711smilin. Steve has owned all of them and can give you the scooop on each. Bottom line: he'll tell you that they are all wonderful, but for his money the APL reins. I can give you the name of others who have experience with all of these and found the Exemplar reined. There go I, because of that homework. While John, obiously, loves the APL, there are ooldles who love Dan Wright's and John Tucker's mods. At this level you're talking: preference, not "better." Selecting one? A real high class problem you got there. Others should be so lucky. peace, warren :)

Warrenh, yeah, your are mostly right on, and FYI I did just buy another Exemplar 3910. I bought it for my HT, and my APL for 2 channel. If you are ever in the area, you can compare side by side, and hear the difference. It is always lots more for the final 10%.

Warrenh,I greatly appreciate you inviting me to contact you in a few weeks.I look forward to your opinions regarding your Exemplar unit.How long was the "waiting" list to have the modification done and how long did it take to receive the unit?The length of time to have this accomplished might be a contributing factor in who I seek out also.I understand APL has had some issues and hopefully it's in the past because the man himself...Alex....does most if not all the work and has a backlog of units to finish.Also,I understand he's has implemented a "new" strategy to deal with the demand.Maybe by the time I am ready all the problems will have been resolved.The person you mentioned called "711Smilin" you are correct it seems he has had them all and I remember reading some of what he has said but I think he's in the process of selling one of the units that he owns.I have been pouring over the classifieds trying to get a fix on what's out there also.
Puremusic,I am glad you chimed in with knowledge and information about which of the parts are replaced and affected.I am in the process of purchasing a preamp.I have been preampless for about a year using the "direct to amp approach" while trying to decide (and save some dollars)for what I will purchase next.For my money,it boils down to the Modwright SWL 9.0 SE!!!!!! It is on another level from my previous preamps mostly Audio Research....Ref.1,Ls series,and even Sp series.Air Tight ATC-2 and a few other I don't need to mention but you understand.I rather have a preamp in my system.I found much lacking in terms of musically,low level detail retrievability and dynamics which were missing without a preamp in my system.BTW,I have Soundlab Ultimate 2's and they have become a fixture just like the wife and kids.
So, thanks again guys, I have to go to work to save some more dollars. Rock On!!!!!!!!!!

Regards
Chuckie

John Tucker, the Exemplar man himself, is recovering from a bad car accident. He won't be back at his bench, I'm told for about 6 weeks. I believe he has people doing the work? Not really sure of much. peace, warren :)