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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
saxo OP
98 posts
 
With all due respect to Mr. Schroder, he is a reviewer, and many of us have come to distrust reviewers after finding the product isn't what they say it is. I'm not saying that is the case here, but I don't know.

It seems the consensus here is that the bang for the buck is in the Apollo for the price difference. Also there are a few people who don't seem to like the Rega. Without having it in my system, I guess it will be hard to know, since everyone doesn't have the same opinion here.
foster_9
1,638 posts
 
You can try it in your system and return it if you don't like it. As far as reviewers go, in my opinion, Mr. Schroeder gives his honest opinion. I don't know about the others.
tgyeti
84 posts
 
Do you Saturn owners leave it on 24/7? I see there isn't a "standby" mode.
rtilden
156 posts
 
I leave mine on continuously, which was recommended by the US distributor. I turn the display off most all the time.
megasam's avatar
megasam
798 posts
 
I have mine plugged into surge protected power conditioner so I leave it on 24/7, only consumes 15 watts or less.

I don't like the term "giant killer" since this has a cynical or hyped tone to it, but I think the Saturn is very high performance for the money, great for audiophiles with real world budgets. I also think it looks very stylish and love the top load door function, very elegant.

I had both the Rega Saturn and the Meridian G08 for a few months and decided to keep the Saturn, it was a tough decision though. I have not heard the Appollo but have read comments from several other owners at other forums that lead me to believe Saturn is noticeable improvement.

I run my Saturn through a tube hybrid integrated which gives me a very nice full balanced sound.
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