Regards Apollo R vs. Saturn (used)

I know you dont wanna hear this, but is buying a older used player that you dont know anything about better than using your Apollo R as a transport and find a great DAC? I like the Apollo for its top loading CD, older players just tend to die quicker...lasers dont last forever.


Matt M

I want to hear people's opinions. If I knew the answer, I wouldn't ask the question. I value the opinion of the community here.

Every review about the Saturn says it's an all-around better player than the Apollo. On the other hand, the Apollo was part of the best sounding system I've owned. System consisted of: BAT VK-300SE integrated, Rega Apollo and Thiel 1.6 speakers. Wire was all Harmonic Technology. I had this system in a double-wide mobile home in Las Vegas around 2005. For whatever reason, the sound from this system was what every thinking-feeling audiophile is looking for. EVERY recording instilled the feeling that EVERYTHING on the disk was being revealed (or at least 99%). Recording venue signatures were easily discernable. This was in a 12 X 15 foot bedroom, more or less nearfield listening, W/W carpeting, Masonite wallboard with an 8 X 6 homemade quilt (thanks Aunt Corine) on the back wall. I can't explain why it sounded so good and doubt I'll experience this level of perfection again (sold off pieces for various reasons, thinking I could re-create in the future). So the Apollo is capable of rooting out every bit of data from a disk and, if the stars align, you will hear them from your system.  

I got an Apollo when they first came out. I really liked the player. I was able to home audition a Saturn from my dealer. I went back and forth relentlessly between the two, and could not tell much (if any) difference between the two. Kept the Apollo from that time on till I got a Cambridge Audio Azur 840-C cd player. Now THAT was a improvement over the Rega Apollo.....YMMV.

I have not heard the Apollo-R or the Saturn. However, I do own a Saturn-R and I think it is fantastic. I typically see them used for about 50% of retail. It's a pretty good value if you can swing the price.

BTW, I have the Elicit-R, which is a cosmetic match for the Saturn-R. The combination makes for a fantastic system at it's used price point.

I owned the Apollo and the Rega DAC original versions......

I upgraded to a Brooklyn DAC version 1....really enjoyed the player much more.

My dealer had a Saturn (older version) on consignment (6 months ago) and I took it home for a listen. I thought the soundstage was better, the high end more controlled, the bass slightly more punchy, just a better sound. I found more enjoyment out of the Saturn. Sold my Apollo and up graded for a small amount of money. I find myself buying a lot more CD's now. 

At least thats what I found out in my system.