This is probably one of the most commenly asked question on AUDIOGON (except that some older threads like this get deleted)
Movin' up from Rega Planet 2000 What next
Were to go after a Rega Planet 2000?
I very much like my original Planet, which I have kept now for more than 8 years! It is a very difficult one to upgrade. I upgraded to a Linn Genki for 8 months and switched back to the original Planet that I just liked more. Same for a Unison Unico CDP.
One of my votes for an upgrade would be for the Audio Aero Prima...I have compared the Prima to the Unison Unico CDP, the Linn Genki, Rega Planet and found the Prima to best, smooth with lost of detail, a nice deep soundstage. It keeps the warmth of the Planet while at the same time adding detail and realism. In fact, so far I have not heard a single player that portrayed instruments (piano, sax) as realistic as the Prima.
The Prima is a little more though and at your price the only chance I see for an upgrade around $800 would be the Apollo. From all the Buzz on AGON it seems like the right way to go. In fact I am tempted to pick up an Apollo to compare to the Prima. Of course, you might be luck to find a Naim CD5i used for close to $1000 as well, which should be a good match in your system as well.
Good luck!
Rene
Movin' up from Rega Planet 2000 What next
Were to go after a Rega Planet 2000?
I very much like my original Planet, which I have kept now for more than 8 years! It is a very difficult one to upgrade. I upgraded to a Linn Genki for 8 months and switched back to the original Planet that I just liked more. Same for a Unison Unico CDP.
One of my votes for an upgrade would be for the Audio Aero Prima...I have compared the Prima to the Unison Unico CDP, the Linn Genki, Rega Planet and found the Prima to best, smooth with lost of detail, a nice deep soundstage. It keeps the warmth of the Planet while at the same time adding detail and realism. In fact, so far I have not heard a single player that portrayed instruments (piano, sax) as realistic as the Prima.
The Prima is a little more though and at your price the only chance I see for an upgrade around $800 would be the Apollo. From all the Buzz on AGON it seems like the right way to go. In fact I am tempted to pick up an Apollo to compare to the Prima. Of course, you might be luck to find a Naim CD5i used for close to $1000 as well, which should be a good match in your system as well.
Good luck!
Rene