Lyngdorf CD1::Can it compete with Rega Saturn-R?

The Mid and reference class REGA players differ from many cdps in that they are both players AND hi-end DACs .You can stream your external HD digital tunes through the USB input right through the remote) that use only top-shelf components and class leading power supplies that is built like a tank. We all know that high-end build quality costs more.

There is an inalienable tenet in this hobby we all fall subject to: you get what you pay for.

For those who don't like the REGA signature sound and performance and price, .... No worries ...cheerfully .understood .....but their sales are doing fine and are product highly sought in most places around the globe.

I live in Toronto, I enjoy AGON, but it is only one of several audio forums I frequent daily; and its forum posts are just a section of the bigger hobby arena forums that are matched by the opinions expressed in its peers.

Without prejudice to the former comments, a Bryston or DCS, Densen, Sim Audio, Cyrus, Meridian, Esoteric, older LINN, AYRE, Naim, or Mark Levinson could be " the one". It is a crowded arena of very fine competing products out there with no illusory "best".

I will be the first to emphasize that:

(1) there is no replacement for actual personal auditions . Reviews are first step screening guideposts only. There are too many types that buy without stress testing the kit first, and if system synergy is lacking, they re-sell the newer units passed on here in AGON and elsewhere.
(2) AlLL these posted forum comments are just ALL heavily biased personal value judgements at best; that have no assurances that these forum testimonials of particular personal favourite kit will actually work well in your system - system synergy matters, big time.

That is why any search in this hobby is a journey and not a destination .
Good luck.

Both are quality built kits that do compete. Which you may like is entirely dependent on how it sounds in YOUR system cuz system synergy matters.

(1) I have auditioned the Saturn many times and I am a fan.
(2) I've not heard the lyngdorf.
(3) In fairness I am also biased in that I personally bought the REGA ISIS Valve CDP.

(4) However ....Here's the extract from a consumer review who has heard them both.

Submitted by multihifi user a AudioPhile
Date Reviewed: January 12, 2011

Bottom Line:
unike sound.
Very precise in timming. (you can hear that is because of the built in DAC)
And good overall structure.

It´s one of the better choices for the asking price.

But this thing can only replace things that cost less than about 1-2000 dollars.

I don´t like that the sound is soo overly cold and scandinavian in a very clinical mp3 upsampled way.
It is a tiny bit to bright and harsh and is totally 2 dimensional.

It is in other words totally digital in sound, and does therefore seem slightly depressing if you listen to it alot.

It´s a steal for around a 1000 dollars, but for around 2000 you could still get a lot better player like for example quad and rega saturn.

I find that most people that choose this player simply are accountants or lawyers or not very nerdy people who don´t understand audio, but believes that everything sound better in a digital way :-)
(that is of cause just my opinion) ..."

In the $4k price range, the (now discontinued but still very much in demand) BRYSTON CDP is the one that I would look at as being on my short list along with the Saturn.

Yes I have heard the new Saturn cdp it and IMO is still at the top of my list
The issue is that a particular player will sound differently in different systems .

The AYRE is also a very fine piece - in its price range there are no bad players, But to express it as "best of breed" in the $10k strata .... Not-so-much IMO.

it's strictly a case of finding a player that works best in YOUR system. Just because one sounds good in a demo system is no assurance that it will perform in yours.

One thing that I would caution on is to be skeptical of raw $$ as a measuring tool and actually audition the kit itself independent of the price tag. It is precisely for this reason that the SATURN sits at the top of my suggestion list as the Goliath killer that performs way above its weight class.

Some drive Fords, some drive Chevys

As far as the Bryston cdp is concerned, I base my positive comments on first hand experiences only and not on any of good reviews . Favourable Reviews are just the source reading information for me used to personally go and actually audition.

I've auditioned it numerous times personally at the dealers and one of my best friends has it in his high-end system that I listen to frequently .

My personal listening experiences are very favourable - detailed, dynamic, open, lots of slam, ..... Top shelf equipment performance wise and built like a tank like all the Bryston products. IMO , highly recommended to audition.

Again system synergy matters - big time ..... So some drive Fords and some drive Chevys. For me, it was the Rega Isis valve cdp as my best choice, FWIW.