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Any word from anyone on AudiogoN about the new Rega Apollo R CDP?

I see the Apollo R is now on the Rega site and, as expected, follows the new compact look of the Rega DAC and amp. The US retail price seems to have increased from the previous Apollo's $1195 to $1495.

I don't normally put much weight into paid reviews so I was hoping someone here has had the opportunity to listen to the new Apollo. Does anyone have any first hand experience yet?

Thanks.
baka1969
richardfinegold
196 posts
 
I have the old Apollo. I never really fell in love with it. It takes a long time to play a disc and it won't play many that play well on other players. Ultimately it gave way to a NAD universal transport feeding a PSAudio Digital LinkIII.
baka1969 OP
101 posts
 
@ richardfinegold. What else about the previous model of the Apollo didn't you care for?

I've owned and listened to several players and when I look at the convenience of a music server coupled with the nice performance from my DAC, I've been pleased. That said, if the Apollo R is superior to my setup then I'd be willing to give it a try.
kbarkamian
647 posts
 
I haven't heard the Apollo-R, but I owned the Apollo and now own the Rega DAC. The DAC is better than the Apollo in every way. Haven't heard the Cary Xciter to compare, but if you're looking for the Rega sound, the DAC sounds great being fed by my Apple TV gen 1.
baka1969 OP
101 posts
 
I'll tell you what, if the Apollo R had an asynchronous USB input using it's new DAC it would be a slam dunk. I could have the best of both worlds and not have to worry about a decision.
robbob
273 posts
 
+1 on the Rega DAC. I also tried the Apollo and it's a good player. But the Rega DAC opens the soundstage and air around instruments, mated with the Mac Mini or an old Oppo DVD player. I might consider the Apollo R as a better transport, but I do think the Rega DAC offers much more, even if connected to a inexpensive transport.

Rob
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