Those of you looking for a lush sounding CD player can go ModWright...

I looked but I could not find anything about the 3910 player there. I must say that my phonostage was a Modwright creation from the Monolithic ps-1 and Dan did an outstanding job on it.

 

Done

 

You're making me jealous! My 3910 is currently at Tube Research Labs getting modded. Despite the name, no tubes are involved in the modifications. I debated going the tube route, but TRL fit my budget at this point. BTW, the 3910 does have a fantastic picture, too.

John K.

 

Interesting!

I enjoy virtually every aspect of my stock DVD-3910. I'm curious to know how much this upgrade costs and if there are different levels available.

Please do let us know how you like it in the long-haul Steve.

 

Can you compare what you are hearing now to your memory of the APL 3910? You have the same CDs (of course ) and the same ESP speakers available.

 

Steve,

If you have the mood or inclination, Denon has released several firmware upgrades to your player. The latest version (all inclusive) is known as ESS6609-B which you can get here.

Alternately, contact me and I can email you the files and instructions. Improvements are mainly for video and compatibility with certain discs. Also for the IEEE1394/HDMI outputs. Unlikely that you will be using it in these types of applications, but the offer still stands.

I also have a region-free firmware version should you want to play PAL discs on your regular TV and/or use alternate region DVDs.

 

You betcha. Yes, Denon has a great record of support for many of their players, this one especially. By my count, they have offered at least 6 distinct updates to this machine to make minor improvements and adjustments. Just takes some know-how in creating the data disc files and loading it into the player's firmware ROM, and viola, you have an upgraded model without the player leaving your rack!

 

Excellent! Let me/us know if you run any obstacles upgrading when you get your discs (3!). Should be fairly straight-forward since they are sending you the discs already burned. They will send instructions too. I did my player last week.

Even in stock form, this player does great with hi-rez. I'd say the best bang-for-the buck comes in the form of DVD-A, either stereo or 5.1. Then SACD, 5.1 is better than stereo, and finally redbook (needs the most improvement).

Steve, is it strictly a two-channel player now? Or can you still use the 5.1 outputs?

 

Comparisons w/ APL 3910

Steve,

Alex told me yesterday he is buried with orders. Seems it would be hard to be more on "the ball". He is putting in 18-20 hr. days trying to keep up with demand.

I always like to remind folks that everything in his CDP is his design. Even the DAC is his design and build. also, there have been many threads on Audiogon with shootouts and comparisons to his machine, including Dan's 3910. I know Steve "smilin" owns both and prefers the APL.

One thing for sure is both these players are considered better than some front end many times their price.

I'd be curious to have your ears compare the two and your report of the comparison.

Tom

 

Here's what Alex P. had to say when I asked him about the Modwright on his forum.

EDITED.

 

Dan did a similar mod on my Denon 2900 (no external power supply,though), with great results (albeit at a somewhat more modest price (and presumably performance) level than the 3910). Highly recommended.

 

Wonder how much a fully modded 3910 would set me back?

 

Last I checked, a new unit with the full mods was just under 4K.

 

Thanks for the response. I believe this to be one of (maybe the best of) the alternatives to have SACD, DVD-A and HDCD in one unit.

 

Call this a crap, but as much as I love my music there are about 367 things I'd rather do with $3600.00. Maybe if I had a superdooperhighendsystem I might be tempted but once my wife found out I dropped another batch of Jacksons on my stereo I'd be living out of my Mazda by nightfall!

 

I'm curious as well, only due to the fact that I'm starting to listen to more surround titles.

 

Right - it was a crap. I know that the next piece of equipment I buy will probably cost a lot more than $3600. So?

 

Hi,

I believe that Dan does what Alex does and spends his energy and resources creating the best 2 channel possible. In the past, they would connect up the MC outs upon request BUT you would not benefit from all their upgrades w/ the extra outs. I have plenty of speakers to make it happen, but i wouldn't consider doing it w/ any of my modded players.

Take care,
Jeffrey