2. digital
  3. 1363284319

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
bigkidz
3,408 posts
 
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.
ricred1 OP
2,061 posts
 
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.
chayro
3,015 posts
 
You prefer the Metronome because you are using your ears instead of a spec sheet. Too many people do the opposite. Some of the most highly-regarded digital players use old DAC chips. There is a lot more to a digital player than the chips. I will take another shot at recommending the Doge6 from Pacific Valve. 2K and 30-day money back. Absolutely huge soundstage and detailed, yet warm sound. There's a reason that they almost never come up for sale used. I sold mine to finance a great deal on an Esoteric X-05. Big mistake on my part. Anyway, that's what I think. Pacific Valve gives you a 1-year warranty. IMO, if the thing doesn't break in the first year, you're going to get quite a bit of service out of it. Good Luck.
ricred1 OP
2,061 posts
 
Chayro,

I will do a little research on the reliability of the Doge6 (your comments "if the thing doesn't break in the first year", has me worried). I'm lucky that I've been able to evaluate many items in my system prior to purchase. My wife and I use our ears, because it's our money. In addition, I realize that everyone hears differently and has different priorities.
chayro
3,015 posts
 
I think you misinterpreted my comment, or I just wasn't clear. Defective or poorly-made electronics usually demonstrate problems very quickly. Pacific Valve gives you a year warranty. I have never owned any piece of electronic gear that did not break within a year and then went haywire later on. I don't know how long people expect CD players to last, but I would venture a guess that if any CD player doesn't break within a year, you're going to get a long life out of it. The usual culprits on CD players are transports and lasers, both of which are pretty easy to replace.
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