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Upgrading from Rega Apollo

I’m looking for a couple of recommendations to upgrade my Rega Apollo. If possible I would like to keep it under $4000 new. Rega Apollo was purchased when initially introduced and the laser is going bad. My sonic priorities are spacing between instruments, soundstage depth and width, and a natural sound. Current system: Densen B-350 mono-amps, Densen 250 preamp, Silver Audio speaker and inter-connect cables, and Wilson Sophia III speakers.
ricred1
kbarkamian
647 posts
 
Your priorities aren't exactly Rega's strongest points, so I'll stay away from suggesting a step up their ladder or even Naim's ladder.

Have you looked into Bryston's BCD-1? A good bit under your $4k-ish ceiling.

Or if you want to try out discless digital - Bryston's BDP-1 and BDA-1 combo. A bit over $4k, but just outstanding sounding IMO. I just heard the combo the other day. Wish I had the money to make it happen.
kbarkamian
647 posts
 
Also...

I heard some Densen gear a few years ago. Top notch stuff IMO. Very hard to come by here in the States. Hopefully the new distributor can give them a bit more presence. The old distributor is a great guy and runs a great shop, but he just doesn't have the business model to be a national distributor. He imported the line because his shop is about 45 minutes north of NYC and he wanted to be able to get people just about anything they wanted - in a good way, not in a shady sell anything at all costs way.
facten
2,878 posts
 
If you are interested in entertaining separate DAC & transport might consider Blue Circle 509 DAC (or 507) and Stello (made by April Music) CDT100 transport
ricred1 OP
2,008 posts
 
Brownsfan

I looked into the Modwright Sony 5400, but it looks like I can only purchase it direct. Do you know if they offer a home trail?

Kbarkamian

I've read goods things about the Bryston's BCD-1. I believe they have a local dealer here and I will contact them for a possible home audition.

I purchased the Rega Apollo a couple of years ago for a much different system. I decided to leave the source as the last piece of my upgrade. I always purchase based on home auditions(except Sophia IIIs, went from Sophia IIs) and have had the opportunity to listen to several speakers, amps/preamps, and cables. I haven't had the opportunity to compare CD players, therefore I don't know the weaknesses or strenghts of the Apollo.
ricred1 OP
2,008 posts
 
Kbarkamian

On a side note, the old distributor was Frank Huang and I agree that he is a great guy. With the exception of the Rega Apollo, I have purchased everything from him for just under 20 years. Frank and I have a great relationship and I trust him. He is recommending Audio Research DAC and transport, however thats out of my price range. The other option he suggests is the Densen 440. I just want a couple of options within my price point before I decide. Are there really significant differences between CD players?
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