APL NWO2.5 ?

It didnt make sense to start a new APL thread because I thought I could most likely get my feedback right here. I am interested in one of the modified players which I may run along side my AA Capitole SE for now. I contacted Dan Wright and he promptly let me know his current Flagship 9100ES is currently not available with balanced outputs. I just invested in a new Siltech SQ 110 series 2 XLR cable which I would really like to have use of for the CD player that I may eventually keep. Since this 1.5 meter run of SQ110 cost almost as much as the 9100ES, I would like to use it but didnt realize I may have just been better off buying this run of cable RCA/RCA. Live and learn I guess.
Is this guy gonna get to the point or what?
I am interested in one of the APL players, and would like to stay in the 5-8k price range. I was not able to get any pricing on APL, but have yet to e-mail them. Which APL offering may be good enough to outperform the Capitole hands down. Also , is there any general feelings on XLR vs RCA for the APL.

Fjn04, there is no difference between RCA and XLR with APL products because of transformer coupled output of the tube stage (no capacitors). If you enjoy the resolution of balanced designs, you may want to consider the new NWO-M1 which, unlike the older single ended APL3910 (no longer offered), is employing fully differential configuration.

Please email us if you have more questions.

Thanks!

Alex

Following up on a thread titled 'Reference DACs', how would owners of the NWO-2.5 characterize the player on the scale of #1 to #2 sound?

Following up on a thread titled 'Reference DACs', how would owners of the NWO-2.5 characterize the player on the scale of #1 to #2 sound?

I don't own the player, but I've heard it on three occasions, for maybe an hour each time, playing a wide range of music: Rachmaninov, Diana Krall, Pink Floyd, Dire Straits, Nick Drake, and some avant-garde jazz (Banyan, Nels Cline, Tuatara, Steven Bernstein), etc. In my opinion, the player balances the best of both types of sound. It is extended top to bottom, with by far the most tuneful and resolved bass I've ever heard, confidently detailed (though neither crystalline or lush), with tonal reproduction and true-to-life palpability that will make you forget you're listening to an audio system. It just sounds like music, absent a designer's signature.