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Rega Saturn. Is it really a giant killer?

Everything I read on the Rega Apollo says it kills anything in the $1,000 price range and above. The few criticisms say it could be better in the bass and high end.

I also read that the Saturn is a giant killer and a considerable step above the Apollo. More delicate, refined, detailed, great spatially, with very good bass.

Same modest Sanyo transport, same chassis. Can different parts and power supply make this much difference? It still is a relatively light piece (no 40 pound heavyweight) with no special vibrational features or construction that I know of. I've seen a picture of the inside, and it is pretty simple with one decent size transformer.

Then I read someone saying it beat out their Marantz SA11, which is an incredibly built piece with a high end, metal transport, supposedly using some audiophile caps, etc.

How much of this is truth and how much is hype?
saxo
kehut's avatar
kehut
668 posts
 
Can't remember what mag...but, I read that the new Saturn is very similar to the Apollo in sonics. Not much better overall..just a bit more of the same, and certainly not worth nearly a $kilobuck more according to the reviewer.Your best advice will certainly come from those who have owned both.. That said, I really didnt warm up to the Apollo myself..so didnt have much interest in the Saturn player.YMMV.
foster_9
1,638 posts
 
I've considered the Saturn for a while now to. However, I recently purchased a solid state integrated so now I'm thinking more about a new tubed player instead. With the "giant killer" question you're asking, you're likely to get responses that will fall on both sides of the fence. Some may say it could very well be a giant killer and some may say it isn't. Only you will be able to decide if it sounds like a big league player in your room, in your setup, and based on the other players that you've listened to. Take my word from experience, with issues like your room, your cables, synergy with the rest of your equipment, and the quality of your power, etc, no one can give you a definitive answer. I learned this the hard way a few years ago by when I bought the highly regarded Simaudio Nova cdp. (ended up selling it here) Musicdirect sells Rega and has a return policy. Maybe you can try it out in your setup.
ericthered
29 posts
 
I own the Apollo and it's a great cdp. I've been through Jolidas, YBAs, Classes, Rotels, two Planet 2000s and two Jupiters and this is my last CDP. Pick up an Apollo and save the dough you would have spent on the Saturn and buy a nice vinyl set up. My P3/AT/Slee combo kills the Apollo musically. YMMV
saxo OP
98 posts
 
Kehut, you said you didn't warm up to the Apollo. Could you describe what you heard?

The review you were referring to is Tellig's recent review in Stereophile on both players. He was inconsistent in that review, as first he said there wasn't much difference, but then later said there was a considerable improvement. Oh, well, can you trust reviewers anyway? Especially when they make decisions based on headphone listening?

Stereotimes.com has a review. Search their archives to read it. It is quite complimentary.

Check out another bangup review on audioasylum.com.
www.audioasylum.com/audio/digital/messages/12/129458.html

The reviewer is a vinyl guy and he thinks it is the first digital player that brings this much musicality to digital.

New pieces often get hype that later turns out to be overstated. Wonder whether that is the case here or not.
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