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Major upgrade from Rega Apollo: Which one?

I want to upgrade from my Rega Apollo. Have narrowed my choices down to either a Cambridge 840C; a Sony XA 5400ES, and an Arcam CD-37. Looking to improve bass, eliminate midrange glare, get smoother, cleaner highs.

Have considered an Ayre CX-7emp2, but used ones are about $2500, and to upgrade a basic CX-7( Ayre's first offering) to its latest version costs $900.00. I welcome any suggestions.

NOTE: NOT INTERESTED IN COMPUTER AUDIO, OR BUYING $1000 PLUS DAC WHICH I HAVE BEEN INFORMED WILL offer LITTLE TO NO IMPROVEMENT in sound OVER THE APOLLO'S INBOARDed DAC.
sunnyjim

Showing 3 responses by dweller

dweller's avatar
dweller
3,735 posts
 
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.
dweller's avatar
dweller
3,735 posts
 
I'm using the Oppo 105 and can say it sounds quite good.
I'm back with the vaunted BAT VK-300SE and finally have music again (after a five year wait).
At this point, the 105 isn't as glorious as my former Apollo but this may be due to its newness.
Also, I may have some bargain basement tubes in the 300SE.
The "good stuff" (30 year old Reflector 6H30s) sell for $600 per matched pair.
Somebody Puleeeeeze buy my Hydra (please, pretty please...)
dweller's avatar
dweller
3,735 posts
 
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.
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