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Rega Saturn and Apollo-How good are they??

Rebuilding my entire system and need opinions on cd players. The Regas are supposed to be superb!! Will they beat all the Arcam players, including the old CD23?? How about the Naim players?? I am not completely sold on universal players either. I suppose the Arcam, Rotel and others do a reasonably good job, but assuming dedicated music players are still superior. Then there's SA and DVD-audio, not sure if there is enough software out there that I'd like to warrant owning one or both high rez formats. I would think the finest redbook playback can equal or beat em.

I'm a long time analogue lover, but have slowly gravitated more to digital listening, it's come a long way in the last 20 years, and I'm convinced that the quality of the mastering and transfer to the disc makes or breaks digital playback. My finest discs are very close or as good as anything I've heard in analogue, and I owned a few nice tables in my life.

Any thoughts would be great.

Thanks to all!!!
128x128pluto

Showing 5 responses by harneloot

harneloot
7 posts
 
I just upgraded from a Panet 2000 to a Saturn. My very first impression from listening last night was that the Saturn was brighter, faster and "harder" sounding than the Planet 2000 - non of which was an improvement IMHO. I know its suppose to sound much better, but i found myself prefering the sound of the Planet instead.

Am I just crazy or could this be correct?
harneloot
7 posts
 
Thanks for the advice...

My system is:

Merlin sig 4s, Audible Illusions Modulus 3 (with NOS telefunken tubes) and a Dynaco 70 refurb amp with Mullard xf2 NOS tubes and cardas cross wire all around.

I've been "breaking in" the Saturn and have almost 150 hours on it, and it does sound better in many respects than my old Planet 2000:

Much tighter & deeper base
Better highs
Broader, deeper soundstage
better imaging
better separation of instruments
better overall clarity

However, I'd say that in one important category it falls short of the planet - the midrange, especially on vocals is not as sweet and involving.

Should I switch back or try something else...maybe the Jolida?
harneloot
7 posts
 
Thanks for the observations. I have it playing CDs all day on repeat. I'll give her another listen tonight.

Any other Saturn owners out there?
harneloot
7 posts
 
Are there any other owners who can offer their opinions?

Thanks!
harneloot
7 posts
 
Great posts - thanks for everyone's thoughts/experiences.

Makes me wish I had simply bought an Apollo instead of a Saturn!

I now have a Jupiter 2000 AND a Saturn and can't quite decide between them....
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