Major upgrade from Rega Apollo: Which one?

I went from a Rega Saturn to a Sony 5400 and was very pleased. I recently sold the Sony to finance a computer/DAC project, but I *really* miss the Sony and may end up buying another one. All of that said, as always, you would have to hear it in your own system to determine if the changes are "major," or to find out if it achieves your goals of improving bass, eliminating midrange glare, and getting smoother, cleaner highs. (For whatever it's worth, I never found the Rega Saturn to have any of the problems you mentioned--perhaps some other part of your set up is contributing to these issues?)

I own a Rega Apollo, and I added an outboard DAC (Hegel HD11). It made a big positive difference. More open sound, more precise, more details. I have since moved to computer audio, but adding the DAC was not even subtle.

I've owned the Rega Apollo and the SONY 5400ES.
The Rega paired with a BAT VK-300SE integrated was the most musically satisfying system I've owned (Thiel 1.6 speakers).
The Sony through an Onkyo SR876 HT receiver was kind of generic sounding.

Thank you to all that responded; I was actually informed by several AG members that an outboarded DAC would make little difference to the sound of the Rega Apollo. But that was not the only negative. When outboarded DACs began to be offered by many companies and prices dropped, the focus seemed to change as to THEIR PRIMARY FUNCTION. PREVIOUSLY, DAC's were marketed like an outboarded phono stage; that is, to go beyond the perofrmance of inboarded devices. Then about 7 years ago, the pitch changed to computer audio and server files as the primary if not sole function of an outboarded DAC.

So, with members telling me forget the DAC, buy a better player, and the computer audio rage I said: "fuck it" who cares; I don't need another friggin box on my audio rack, anyway

So cut me some slack, guys. If I was misinformed. or misguided or just myopic, well that's water under the bridge. There is a Micromega DAC which is $399.00. and gets very good reviews. Some bonehead at Music Direct told me that the Micromega would also make no difference with the Rega Apollo, and he said: "you should buy the $3000 Marantz CD player". Wrong

Therefore, I will find a internet dealer that sells Micromega, and offers a full refund, if not satisfied.

To Jonathan 1257, I looked for months for a used Rega Saturn, but used ones were at least $1100-1200. Rarely, do you see a used Rega Saturn on sale on AG. Also, I am not so sure it is going to be a major upgrade over the Apollo.

Pat70 recommended the Hegel HD-11, but that is got to be at least 4 times more than Micromega. I will check it out.

Sunnyjim,

Apollo is a terrific transport. The advice for an external DAC transforming your souce end is solid. The Mircomega DAC you mention is a great buy in that new price range. Do it man.