Rega Saturn. Is it really a giant killer?

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.

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

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.

I agree with Foster-your ears and the synergy of your system is what matters most. However, I have heard both the Saturn and Apollo hooked up to the same amp/preamp and speakers. Given that equipment, the Saturn was law of diminishing returns. So if it were my money, I would take the advice above and go with the Apollo.

Saxo,

Yeah, that was the review..I went looking for that stereophile last night, but remembered I threw them all in the trash :-) so much for mags and reviews/reviewers opinions eh!

As for the Apollo...I was actually very impressed with it upon initial set up in my system..but, over some time..it seemed forced and rather "digital" to me. The highs in particular were not smooth, and seemed a bit detached. I prefered the NAD 542 that replaced it. Even though the NAD was a bit less dynamic..it seemed better balanced and had more resolution in my set up.Again, this is just my opinion of what I heard in my system...to this day..I actually prefer an older 18bit CAL Icon MkII to them all... but, I have tin ears..so what do I know!///best, ken