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A new CDP after my Rega Apollo or a new DAC?

After a year plus with my Rega Apollo I'm ready to make a modest upgrade to a CDP in the $1500 to $2000 range. New or used. My system is pretty modest so I'm not sure if this price range will result in a real change. Options that I've considered include the Rega Apollo SE, Raysonic 128, Cayin CD-50T and Cambridge Azur 840. I should be able to audition these players shortly but only one or two in my system.

The rest of my current system consists of a Cayin 100T tube amp and Salk HT-1 monitors. I also have a Boulder modded Duet feeding into a Benchmark DAC. I wonder if my $$ is better spent getting a different DAC as the Benchmark sounds a little harsh to my ears after awhile. There are too many options in this price range and my head starts to hurt trying to figure out what might be right.Van alstine? TADAC? Music Hall?

Ultimately it seems like I might have to buy used gear to see if I like it and sell it off if I don't.

Although I listen mostly to jazz I don't want an overly warm or romantic sound. Suggestions?
mightyburner
learsfool
1,215 posts
 
IMO, you will not improve significantly on the Apollo in that price range, unless you see a Saturn priced that low, which I never have yet. You will have to spend significantly more than that to get a real improvement. IMO, the Apollo bests players I have heard that cost five times it's price.
foster_9
1,638 posts
 
I will add to the others mentioning the Raysonic cd128 which is one of the players I own. And to add focus to an already very good player, purchase the inexpensive and I'm told, under-appreciated Jan Philps 6922 tubes to go in it. After being recommended by another cd128 owner, these tubes really surprised me and improved the performance of the cd128. This player is a great value at retail price and a steal at the used price.
ihcho's avatar
ihcho
612 posts
 

the Apollo bests players I have heard that cost five times it's price.
I am not quite sure. One of my good friends has Apollo. His system is MC275, PrimaLuna Prolog 3, Apollo, and Klipsch LaScala and Valodyne subwoofer. Mine is Linn AV5105, Rogue Magnum 99, NAD C541i, and Tyler Taylo 7U. We tried Apollo and C541i in both systems. The only difference we both could recognize was that a little bit warmth on Apollo, but no audible difference on base, treble, mid, sound stage, detail, dynamics, ... on either system.

Anyway, he was rather disappointed even though he preferred warm sound of Apollo on his LaScala. On my system I preferred C541i.
nick778
147 posts
 
I'd suggest a Cary 303/300 used CD player that has a SS and tube output section. You can fine tune the sound by tube rolling the tube section very easily.

It is a very musical player with good bass and detail but not any harshness at all. They can be had here on AG for about $2000.
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jgiacalo
446 posts
 
A used Bryston BCD1 is in that range and will significantly outperform your Apollo.
Check the reviews and look for used or demo in AudioGon.
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