Major upgrade from Rega Apollo: Which one?

To Mountainsong, Unfortunately the Hegel DAC is too expensive, and I can't be certain of how much improvement it will offer in my system

To Celtic66, To day, I have heard from members and one or two online dealer that the MM "My DAC" will make little difference in the sound of the Apollo because the Apollo DAC is very good and superior Therefore as Pat70 and Mountainsong have suggested the Hegel HD-11 may be the answer. Do you know if there is something better tham MM "My DAC", but not as expensive as the Hegel?? Thanks

Just to add my 2 cents...

I went from a New Rega Saturn to a used Meridian G98DH transport I found on Agon, which I coupled with a rather modest MuFi VDAC-II. Sound improvement over the Saturn was epic. Total outlay for the Meridian + MuFi was a little over $1200.00.

It's worth noting that G98DHs are transports and require a DAC. FWIW I was able to compare the G98DH with an Ayre CX-7e and a Naim CDX2. The Naim at $2700 used had the best sound, but I also thought the G98DH was superior to the Ayre Demo Unit priced at $2500. At less than half the cost of the CDX2, I was very happy with my decision to get the Meridian. As always, YMMV.

I had seem the Hegel hd11 going used as low as $750,
Certainly with a comp based system and XLR connections via USB you will be not looking for upgrades in a while,
I had tried many combinations in he past few years.

To Courant Thank you for the tip about the Meridian transport. Would you have possibly gotten as good if not better results with the Hegel HD-11?? Nevertheless, I assume you were referring to the Musical Fidelity VDAC II which is relatively inexpensive. Though MF encourages buying a better power supply from them.. The Panagea PS is just as good for half the price of the MF power supply. Will check it out.

BTW, I almost bought a Ayre CX-7e. The CX-7emp2 is the latest version and supposedly the best. Thanks

The Rega Apollo Provided complete musical satisfaction.
Assuming the Saturn is at least as good (at 2.5 times price retail), what is an "epic" improvement in complete musical satisfaction?
Mr. Courant, please explain.
Perhaps you had a defective Saturn.