APL NWO2.5 ?

Mmakshak:
Having had both the Crystal DACs and the AKM DAC's - (probably about revision 7 on the "Rainwater scale"), my experience has been that after they break in, the AKM's are significantly, noticeably better on well-recorded music. More detail, slightly greater range and a more pleasing presentation. As far as poorly-recorded music, "garbage-in" is still going to result in "garbage-out" IMHO, no matter what player you use. The AKMs are just more revealing and I am definitely glad I did the upgrade.

Steve-

Congrats on your new toy. I know you've been waiting a while for it and we'll be interested to hear your reaction as it breaks in. Looks like I will also be getting one in the not too distant future.

Just put a VD Genesis PC on my 3910 and it made a tremendous positive difference, even more so than I had expected, replacing an Epiphany X. Rick S. told me it is quite a bit better than my Revelation PC and he was right - its at another level. Very impressive in my system and definitely worth a try, IMHO.