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Rega Saturn and Apollo-How good are they??

Rebuilding my entire system and need opinions on cd players. The Regas are supposed to be superb!! Will they beat all the Arcam players, including the old CD23?? How about the Naim players?? I am not completely sold on universal players either. I suppose the Arcam, Rotel and others do a reasonably good job, but assuming dedicated music players are still superior. Then there's SA and DVD-audio, not sure if there is enough software out there that I'd like to warrant owning one or both high rez formats. I would think the finest redbook playback can equal or beat em.

I'm a long time analogue lover, but have slowly gravitated more to digital listening, it's come a long way in the last 20 years, and I'm convinced that the quality of the mastering and transfer to the disc makes or breaks digital playback. My finest discs are very close or as good as anything I've heard in analogue, and I owned a few nice tables in my life.

Any thoughts would be great.

Thanks to all!!!
128x128pluto
harneloot
7 posts
 
I just upgraded from a Panet 2000 to a Saturn. My very first impression from listening last night was that the Saturn was brighter, faster and "harder" sounding than the Planet 2000 - non of which was an improvement IMHO. I know its suppose to sound much better, but i found myself prefering the sound of the Planet instead.

Am I just crazy or could this be correct?
manny55's avatar
manny55
21 posts
 
In their respective price both are excelent.If you have a very revealing system go for the saturn , if not the apollo will do .Be careful with system matching and if you can hear the unit in your own system before letting go of your credit card , do so . Ive always found system matching to be extremely important . What sounds great in one system might not in another one.
jack_dotson
210 posts
 
I auditioned the Apollo against the Naim CD-5i back when they first came out and went with the Naim. As I recall, the Naim was also $600-700 more though.

Both were good in different ways. I found the Apollo to be polite in comparison and the Naim had much better bass. However, I also thought the Apollo was a bit more detailed.

There is something about the Naim's. Tonal accuracty combined with world class PRAT.

I regret getting rid of mine, but just had to try something else. You know how it goes.

BTW, I strongly recommend you give the Oppo 980HD an audition. I know it's a cheap multi-purpose DVDP, but I don't care. They sound good.
harneloot
7 posts
 
Thanks for the advice...

My system is:

Merlin sig 4s, Audible Illusions Modulus 3 (with NOS telefunken tubes) and a Dynaco 70 refurb amp with Mullard xf2 NOS tubes and cardas cross wire all around.

I've been "breaking in" the Saturn and have almost 150 hours on it, and it does sound better in many respects than my old Planet 2000:

Much tighter & deeper base
Better highs
Broader, deeper soundstage
better imaging
better separation of instruments
better overall clarity

However, I'd say that in one important category it falls short of the planet - the midrange, especially on vocals is not as sweet and involving.

Should I switch back or try something else...maybe the Jolida?
rtilden
156 posts
 
Harneloot:

During the first 100 hours of operating my Saturn, I noticed an objectionable reproduction of raspy trumpets and trombones on one or two recordings. That condition has since subsided. My experience with the fully broken-in Saturn reveals a very enjoyable, sweet midrange, with no objection whatever. Only when I compare it to my vinyl rig do I find slight criticisms, mostly in the texture of instruments.

I suggest patience, not haste, in deciding that the Saturn is the culprit. Perhaps it needs more break-in time, or it is not interacting up to its potential in your system. Hopefully, other Saturn owners will chime in to give you a broader perspective. Good luck.
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