I haven't read any of the responses, but I would compare the new Rega to the APL Hi-Fi Denon 3910(my version). Although they are at different price points, I find the 3910(APL) to be superior to my $10,000 analog(circa 1992). Digital is so unusual that it took this player for digital to be music for me. I'de also like to add that volume is extremely important when it comes to digital, in my opinion. Prices are around $1000 and $2500. |
As an analog lover, I still have to say that the APl Denon 3910(my version-meaning the one compared to analog and modified with analog in mind) is one that analog lovers should check out. I would only compare it to the $1000 Rega Appolo. If you could live with the Rega, pocket the savings. Let me just say that I've not auditioned any cd players to come to this conclusion(although I've heard the Meitner Signature and Alex's best). What I've done is compare it to a state-of-the-art Linn Sondek turntable(circa 1992), Ekos, nude Archive, Lingo, and Mana Sound Table. |
I personally would like to hear a comparison between my APL Denon 3910(circa summer 2006-Burr Brown AKC's, mosfet outputs-price was $2,500) and the Rega $1,000 cd player. That would be a most significant comparison. Of course, those without access to $2,500, or more, should look at the Rega, and see if they could live with it. For those with more money, they might want to look at it. The APL might require more work to get, but might I suggest that, even if you are an analog lover, you might consider this player. Does anyone know of a player between these price points that could be considered. I think not! |
Bartokfan, I've been advised that it depends on which Mundorf caps you use. Also, it has been said that there is no one way to define overall musicality. Look, I'm a pretty simple guy. I've got two volumes-one for analog, and one for digital. Even though my $10,000 analog(circa 1992, and in need of a tune-up) is slightly more relaxing than my digital, the lack of detail, and bass response in my analog has my volume set for my APL(It takes me about a week to dial in volume.). Now, I have less than 100 cd's, and over 2,500 albums, so you'de think I would prefer to set volume for analog. Yet, I don't. Do you live in Northern California? TVAD's suggestion of comparing the two, sounds good to me. I've got to admit that the APL exceeds my abilities to understand. I more or less go with what music makes me listen to. That's why I wanted to compare it with the Rega. I'm not sure that I could live with the Rega. I am sure that I can live with Alex's Denon 3910. It is that good! I have to mention that Alex is also involved with analog. He just has an incredible ear, or something. He listens. He just doesn't put in things that are supposed to be better, and assumes they are. I can't say that his Denon compares with Meitner, but I can say it competes. I assume the Cayin has tubes? |
Dbld, how about my APL Denon 3910 in this comparison? I am that confident. In fact, Ori(Oritek Audio-X-2 interconnects, and Zhalou modded DAC) wants to hear it. I am not necessarily confident in comparison to other cd players, although in a way I am. I am confident in comparison to analog(circa 1992 Linn, Ekos, Archiv, Mana Sound Table, Lingo). Does that tell you something? |
Dbld, Alex moved to Dixon(near Sacramento). I'm sorry, but I don't think what you've proposed is competive with my APL Denon 3910 with Volex power cord(17604?). Just don't ask me why, as I don't understand. I do have my APL on a Bright-Star prototype 3 isolation platform, and use an Oritek X-2 interconnect. I'de be extremely suprised if the players you recommend are in the same ballpark. |
Can I take back the words "not competitive"(although it looks like it got people talking). I think the words came from admiration of what Alex did to his 3910. It had me wondering what could be improved, also. After changing the stock power cord for TVAD's recommendated Volex 17604, I see that anything can be improved. The thought that major companies use cost as a factor in their products, has me suspicious of their products. |
Audiohobby1, I live the San Francisco Bay Area. I'de be happy to compare the two. My system is not optimally setup, so it might be better in your 3930's system. One thing bothers me. All by itself, Alex's 3910 sounds fantastic! I know this sounds like heresy, but I'm not completely convinced that comparisons yield the best results. I also want to mention that AKM dac's, tubes, and Alex's use of the Esoteric transport are considered upgrades on my APL 3910. I also think that replacement of the Denon 3910's power cord with the Volex 17604 is a no-brainer. This last statement are for those that still have the standard power cord. I'm sure there are better power cords out there, but for less than $20, who can argue? |
Dbld, I see you had an Esoteric in the comparison. From what I've read, just that transport puts my 3910 at a disadvantage. |
Boy, were getting some great stuff here! I know this off the subject, but I 'de like to answer Audiofeil(or at least take a look at this subject). I think that long-term satisfaction takes precedent over comparisons. Actually, the question is, "Do you get-off on the music?". Everything else is interesting, but just that! I have to defer to Alex about his 3910(solid-state), but boy what a player that is! Ferrari, you might consider Alex's 3910(compared to analog, and designed with analog in mind) as an alternative to analog. I have a circa-1992 Linn(Ekos, nude Archiv, Lingo, Mana Sound table), and you might change your thinking. I know that I did. Now, not everything in digital will sound better. In fact, in almost all cases, I prefer the analog(pre-1983) to the cd made from that. I also want to point out that recent redbook is much better than earlier stuff. That leaves a huge gap(between 1982 until about 1995) in music, though. |
I have to mention that the highs in my APL 3910 have no grain whatsoever. I would say that they are close to state of the art. I do want to mention here that Oritek Audio's Zhaolu mod(under $400 for the whole enchilada) is a DAC that compares favorably to analog. He also has a cheap transport that he can recommend that works very well with his Zhaolu. The Zhaolu is very popular on Headfi. So, if all you have is $500 of less, I'de recommend it. Ferrari, just because your cd player comes from the land of Ferrari, that doesn't influence your thinking, does it?(Just kidding!). I have found(It's probably common knowledge.) that the interconnect between the transport and DAC sounds the same as that interconnect sounds when used elsewhere. |
Just curious, has anyone heard Alex's(APL Hi-Fi) new DAC? |
Oritek OMZ/DAC(it's a preamp and a DAC.). For $1,200, it beat my $5,700 preamp/cd player combo. |
I am using the APL 3910's transport. Remember that my version is one of the cheaper(mosfets, not tubes-and Burr-Brown, not AKM's(?)). You also cannot separate the preamp from the DAC on my Oritek. I have e-mailed Alex(APL) about bringing by the Oritek-to see what he thinks. My preamp(at Ori's) was easily beaten, and what I have at home with the Oritek(not sorted out yet) is really something. I wanted to give people of more limited means access to an unbelievable bargain. Also, I think the words,"for the money" may not apply here. |
I'de actually like to hear how Oritek's OMZ/DAC measures up to these players. I have heard a lesser APL(than the NWO 3.0) and Meitner Signature. Now the Oritek is a preamp and DAC. I think it would be an eye-opener. Any offers? I live in the Bay Area.(This is not a challenge. It would be instructive to me, and to the other person, I believe.) |
I am using my Denon 3910 as a transport. I would like to find out, myself, how it compares to state-of-the-art. I want to know its shortcomings, and get an idea of how much more I would need to spend to achieve state-of-the-art. I have a hunch, but I also think it may have the owner of a state-of-the-art player questioning price/performance ratio. Remember, simplicity can beat complexity a lot. We could use the transport of the state-of-the-art player. He could use his state-of-the-art preamp or volume control. I could bring my 3910. I'm not saying, that since I own the Oritek, that it must be the best out there. It is a revelation, though. |
I just wanted to mention that I got about 60% of the same improvement that I got on my pre/dac(Oritek) when using the Lessloss power cable on my APL Denon 3910 that I use as my transport. I just mention this to show that power cables can have an impact on perceptions of cd players. |
Fdcliff, which dumpster was that? I might need some spare parts. |
