New digital front end

If performance is the goal, I'd like to suggest adding to your list the the APL modified Denon 3910 or better still, the APL NWO-1 (an APL modified Esoteric ux-01 which also incorporates the best transport mechanism).

Performance-wise both units are potentially without equal and should msrp around $7k and around $19k respectively.

-IMO

Stehno, but realistically when can one actually take delivery of a NWO-1 or NWO-2? It seems to me from what's I've read and heard that it will be months. Is that your understanding?

Thanks,

Earflappin, I would imagine it all depends on APL's current workload. Yes, it could take a month or two. I know that with the 3910s, APL was getting quite backlogged because of demand.

Rumor has it (and that's all it is) that the vast majority of his time will be spent solely on the NWO-1. And because of the price point, the NWO-1 should not be quite as in demand.

For those that have the patience for orders to be fulfilled on custom furniture, automobiles, homes, universal cd players, etc., it is well worth the wait.

I am not one of those with patience (or money), but it was certainly worth the wait.

-IMO

Forget the "upgrades" ... perhaps, now is the time to cash in with so many used emmlabs CDSD/DCC2 up for sale at a good price ! assuming they are in good working order, you will not regret it.

"Forget the upgrades"?

Thom, obviously that's easier said by one who's never heard one of these two APL modded units, then done by one who's heard both and the EMM dcc2/cdsd. :)

-IMO