EXEMPLAR 3910 behind the digital eight ball?

I have been listening to this baby fo 5 years and it has been a sonic joy. Have not been on the [seriously] 'gon for that many years, until now so I have no clue how digital has developed. My laser is on the way. I spoke to John Tucker, Mr Exemplar himself, and he wants me to ship it back and he'll replace the laser and look it over. Any Exemplar owners out there, who have changed to a different cd player for less $$? thanks in advance