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

@ 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.

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.

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.

+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

@Baka 1969
I haven't heard the Rega Dac, but others have commented that the Dac sounds more open than the Apollo, and I can well believe it. The Apollo sound is neat and tidy, with good insight and pacing, but it isn't a big wide open sound. For a while I used the Apollo as a transport with my Digital Link III, and that worked well. Ultimately I replaced it with the NAD universal player because I could play DVD-A thru my Dac, and theNAD is less fussy than the Apollo about playing discs.