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Upgrading from Rega Apollo to Rega Saturn CD??

The Rega Apollo is a very good player, but after 3 years of ownership, I would like to get something better. I considered just upgrading to the Rega Saturn, and despite its great reviews, I am hesitant. I am hesitant as to how much better the Saturn will sound.

If I sell the Apollo, and buy a used Saturn, the difference could be $600 or less. If I buy a new Saturn, I know I will have to put in another $1200-$1300. I want to avoid that type of expense, despite the fact that Rega has dropped the retail price on the Saturn to $1895.

So, I like to hear from members who upgraded from the Apollo to the Saturn, and can inform me about the improvement in sound, and whether in the end it was worth it... OR MEMBERS who owned the Rega Apollo and upgraded to something OTHER THAN THE REGA SATURN.....that did not cost a fortune, AND IS A DEFINITE UPGRADE IN SOUND.
sunnyjim
brubacca
5 posts
 
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.
goldprintaudio's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
goldprintaudio
502 posts
 
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
kbarkamian
647 posts
 
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.
robbob
273 posts
 
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
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