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.
