Now what?


I like the sound of the Rega Apollo-R, but I don't like how it won't read disc that aren't perfect. I decided to start looking into replacing it. My journey began with a Densen 400 Plus. Wow what a difference. The Densen is bright, imaging is poor, sound stays between the speakers. Now I really understand when people say a component gives the prospective of sitting in the front row. My problem is I want to change from the Apollo, but I don't want to spend more than 2K for a new or used player. Can I do better than a Rega Apollo-R for less than 2K? If so, I need two or three recommendations to listen to.
ricred1
I've had the Rega Planet, Planet 2000, and Jupiter 2000 which I liked quite a bit. But, when the latter was blown away by a $35. used Sony Play Station One I knew it was time to change. I bought a used Bryston BCD-1 and never looked back. The BCD-1 is all I was looking for and might be the one for you, too. Check out the reviews online
I talked to a Rega technician yesterday and he told me I needed a new laser. I'm sending it to True Sound for repair and upon its return will sell it.
Hi Foster - I was confused by your post at first, since I agree with it 100%. Then I realized that it was mine that was unclear, as usual. I meant it to refer to my equipment, not necessarily the OPs or anyone else's. I was just trying to suggest other possible causes of the problem besides the CD player itself. Rar1's comments about the burning speed may have alot to do with it, as well. I usually burn stuff on the faster setting, as I am not generally critically listening to the CDs I burn. I happen to be burning some stuff right now that I want as good a copy of as I can get on my limited equipment, though, so I will try that slower setting and see if it makes much difference.
You get can the laser assembly and install it yourself. In the newer version of the older Apollo it is just a swap in and out, no adjustments. The newer laser made a big difference in the player although I only use it as a transport with a Museatex BiDat. The stock DAC is not very good sounding versus the Museatex.
I've listen to a couple of CD players and I prefer a Metronome CDV2 Signature over everything I've heard. Why does a 10 year old CD player sound better than some of the current players? I thought digital technology has improved over the past 10 years.