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Sony XA5400ES vs Rega Saturn:Which sounds better??

I probably ask this question before in other threads but with some variation of emphasis.. Nevertheless, I interested in upgrading my Rega Apollo. I would appreciate any advice about which player will sound better...that is more musical, with better bass and highs. I have read almost all the reviews, but I have no way of auditioning either player individually or side by side So I must draw on the experience and wisdom of other members who either owned or heard these players

I might have mentioned before, I have no interest in computer audio which I believe the Sony was partly designed to accommodate. I have seen told that the SACD capability of the Sony will enhance the sound quality of standard "red book" CDs This has to be a plus factor for the Sony Thanks, Jim
sunnyjim
willland's avatar
willland
846 posts
 
"Nevertheless, I may just go with the Cambridge Audio 840C."

I just made that same decision after selling my first 840C about 5 weeks ago. I knew I would regret selling it. I found another one a couple of weeks ago and quickly snatched it up.

"I say "may" because I always thought of Cambridge Audio as glorified mid-fi."

Glorified mid-fi or not, the 840C performs(as CD player and DAC) much higher up the chain than it's "mid-fi" designation, IMO.

I came close to getting a Sony XA5400ES after selling my 840C but did not pull the trigger. I really did not "need" another SACD or universal player(I own two Integra DPS-10.5's and Oppo 83). Then another 840C popped up and it made my decision much easier.

Bill
jafant's avatar
jafant
19,901 posts
 
Keep us posted Sunnyjim.
jonathan1257
82 posts
 
As I wrote in your last go 'round with this subject, I have owned both the 5400 and the Saturn. I respectfully disagree with Don C55'a comment that the Saturn is "run of the mill mid-fi." I thought it was a darned good sounding player. I ended up with the 5400 because I wanted the SACD option. At the end of the day, though, I still listen mostly to redbook, which sounds wonderful on the 5400. Overall, I preferred (and still own) the 5400.

All of that being said, I think you'll find the 5400, the Saturn, and the Cambridge 840C to be very nice sounding. The 840C also can be used as a stand alone DAC, which is a nice feature.

Good luck .
jl35
4,047 posts
 
All the players mentioned are very good but simply a matter of system/room/personal preference to decide the right one for you. Fortunately all have been around relatively a long time and can be bought and sold for little or no loss. You're gonna have to try them yourself !
zd542
5,339 posts
 
"To Jafant, I was not particularly interested in getting into SACD. As I indicated I have read several times on this site that SACD can/could enhance the sound of redbook CDs, but ZD542 claims otherwise."

Its not something I claim. How can a machine that plays SACD's enhance Redbook disks? One format has nothing to do with the other. I think its possible that whoever wrote those comments meant that SACD is better than Redbook and not that it enhances regular CD's.
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