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What is equal to the Rega Apollo for less money?

I am replacing a 20 year old CD player. I have read the major reviews of the Rega Apollo CD player, and several positive reviews from fellow members. I would like to have input as to what current CD player may be equal or almost equal to the sound and performance of the Rega for less money. I like the appearance of the Rega, but not some of its features, but I could live with them. Unfortunately Rega's recent price increase has made it less affordable for me (Though, there have been several good offerings on this website.) I currently have a Creek 5350SE Classic integrated amp; a pair of Silverline Prelude II speakers and Analysis Plus Oval 12 speaker wire. My current CD player is the Sonographe SD-1 and the interconnect cable is the Audio Magic Spellcaster II. All are plugged into an Audio Prism Power Wedge 116 power line conditioner. I do not have a Rega dealer that is close enough for me to audition the player.... Thank you, Jim
sunnyjim
rotarius
431 posts
 
Not to rain on anyone's parade, but I found the Apollo to be a bit lean in the bass. It did not sound any better or worse than several players in the same price range, just a bit different. I preferred the Marantz 8001 and the jolida with upgraded tubes. The Onkyo 7555 is a much better value for money, imo.
Post removed 
magfan
1,583 posts
 
I too, have had CA issues.
1st one delievered DOA, the dealer fixed it by putting something mechanical back in place. I didn't want it back.
The 2nd ALSO delivered DOA (can you believe it?) had a ribbon cable edge connector raised about 2mm at one end and the laser didn't light. I use that player today....a CA 840cb....
This player brings so much to the table that I'll really be disappointed if it turns out to be a TURKEY....they'll get it back in a ziplock baggie.
There are ONLY 2 logical possibilities....
1. Shoddy build quality....assembly Asleep at the Wheel.
2. Shipping by airfreight...delivery by parachute drop.

Cambridge never answered my suggestion to use 'shockwatch' system on packaging. (goole shockwatch)....
kbamhi
39 posts
 

I faced the same situation you are and ended up purchasing a new Music Hall 25.2 online at a bargain price.

It sounds wonderful in my system and has operated flawlessly.

I don't regret my decision at all and look forward to many years of enjoyment.
dougmc
105 posts
 
I haven't heard the Apollo or any of the current Cambridge Audio models, but I'll chime in on the Music Hall. I bought the original 25, almost new and pretty heavily modified, a little over 3 years ago. I listen at least 3-4 hours a week, sometimes a lot more, so this player has seen a fair amount of use. No breakdowns or operating problems whatsoever. For the last year, it's been used as a transport only, but it's the transport and laser reading that usually cause problems. On the other hand, some Apollo owners have encountered disc reading problems that has been attributed to the unit's software. Search the archives and you can get more information about it. I don't know if the problem has been fixed.

With the Music Hall, you also have the option of having Underwood modify the unit to bring it closer in quality to the Apollo for approximately the same price. Sorry I can't comment on the sound of the Underwood mod, because my unit was modified by another company, no longer in business. In addition, my mod eliminated the op-amps, so its sound could be quite different from the modified Underwood unit.
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