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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
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
3,966 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.
sunnyjim OP
927 posts
 
To Bill. Thank for the comment. I think you must have bought the almost mint one for $850-$900. I was looking at that, but could not pull the trigger. (BTW, I think Rega products are better than "run of mill")

To ZD542: It is not that I don't believe you; however, did you see C-55's comment about the Sony 5400 and also Jonathan 1257. Maybe I used the wrong terminology in the phrase"....SACD....enhances the sound of redbook CDs."

Let me reiterate: My goal is buy a player that represents a marked and noticeable upgrade from the Rega Apollo in sound quality, but particularly in musicality.
terrybbagit
31 posts
 
I have owned both of these players and ended up selling the Saturn and keeping the Sony and I play redbook cd's for the most part the Sony just seemed to sound more natural to me than the Saturn which I always thought sounded a little at least in my system
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