Upgrading from Rega Apollo to Rega Saturn CD??

KB, you make some excellent points. It has been a few days since I eyeballed the info on the ApolloR on their website Maybe they should just have called the new Apollo, the Apollo MKII...says enough.

Not knowing when the "new" Saturn will appear will be less an issue, I think, than the RETAIL PRICE of Saturn MKII. They have dropped the price on the old Saturn to $1895. I think the new Saturn price "could" cut two ways: it will possibly be $2095 to $2195....a cool $1000 plus over the ApolloR If so, it will be a head nod to a strugging, but recovering world economy. $1000 easily covers the expense of retooling the old Saturn with their outboarded DAC without any further ungrades. I know,... call me "cynical"

However Rega fans might ask why is the price lower on the so-called much improved Saturn from the original model..... "Look in the back....see if it is made in China". Really cynical!!

If that's the case, then will the DAC in new ApolloR be just a stepdown or lesser version of the outboarded DAC which will be placed in the SaturnMK II???

Considering how the ApolloR compliments the BrioR in size, Rega Central might have decided: "Let's sell the crap out of ApolloR, either by itself, or even better as a package with the BrioR."...And, an $1890 retail for both units looks very tasty to many buyers....especially, when you may get 15% off of that from sales starved brick and mortar shops.

The BrioR does sound very very good, but it is somewhat underpowered. Not having a pre-amp out is its Achilles heal, or just dumb, in anticipation of those wanting more power. Geez, I could easily envision a BrioPA of 125-150RMS on the drawing boards at Rega Central

I think that the difference between the Rega DAC and Rega Apollo-R is the number of Wolfson WM8742 chips in them. I believe that the new Apollo-R uses one chip and the outboard DAC uses 2 Chips in differential mode (like the Saturn uses).

I would say add the Rega DAC to your Apollo. This should improve the sound.

I am pretty sure you will NOT see made in China on the back of the new Saturn, when that time comes.

I think the suggestions that a few others made of adding the Rega Dac to your current Apollo is a great option for you.

**** Rega Dealer Disclaimer ****

Taylor
www.goldprintaudio.com

As long as Roy Gandy is calling the shots, Rega will always be made in England.

I think it makes a lot of sense why Rega didn't include pre-outs on the Brio R - it's a compact component. Adding a power amp negates that. I think Rega is probably thinking people who want a small and unobtrusive system will buy a Brio R, and those who want a full sized system with numerous boxes will buy the Mira.

I could be wrong, but I think they're discontinuing the Cursa, Maia, and Exons. I'm pretty sure I heard the Exons were going to be dropped, but don't hold me to any of that. I'm a huge fan of the Cursa and Exons. If I had the money and the space, I'd be all over them. I'm more of an integrated amp guy though; keeps things simple.

From what I understand it's likely that the Rega DAC will improve the Apollo R but I would not expect a mind-blowing difference. As with most good DACs and CDPs we're talking about subtle changes that can often amount to something sounding different instead of better in any absolute manner.
I have the Rega DAC currently paired with a Mac Mini and Oppo DVD player.

Cheers,

Rob