In my opinion Rega Apollo is a steal at $995. I did compare Rega to other similar CD players & more expensive ones (Creek CD50mk2, CONSONANCE- CD-120, CONSONANCE CD120 linear 16 bit 44.1kHz CD-player & more). In sub-$1000 it's going to be extremely difficult to find a better player. Unique high-tech operating system that optimises itself for each CD. These are some of the tech. specs. :
Brand new transport mechanism, with the latest signal processing techniques and servo giving the best data retrieval.
Super stable clocking ensuring minimal loss of data before the DAC.
Very latest Wolfson dual-differential DAC
Class A audio output stage.
MP3 and WMA Media capabilities.
Ultra high memory capacity meaning that error correction need not affect sound quality.
My second choice would be - The Esoteric SA-10($3500). This is the most affordable player ever offered by Esoteric ! The SA-10 uses the same VOSP Transport Mechanism as its big brothers, and is built to the same high standards as the rest of the Esoteric line. The SA-10's sound is neutral, dynamic and detailed with gobs of resolution. This player will impress any listener with its pure neutrality and excellent sound staging. I highly recommended !
The third choice is :The EMM Labs CDSA-SE ($9995) is the newest single-box, dual-format player from the minds of Ed Meitner and his team of engineers. This player up-samples source material to twice the DSD sample-rate. ThatÂ’s 5.6448Mhz! This is one of the most significant advances in CD playback; standard CD sources will now have the resolution and refinement of SACD! When playing back an SACD, the EMM Labs deck is nothing short of miraculous. This is made possible by their unique Meitner Digital Audio Translator (MDAT) signal processing.
The most significant feature of the CDSA-SE is their discrete dual-differential DAC circuit. Not satisfied with any of the off-the-shelf chip sets from Burr-Brown or Crystal Semiconductor, Mr. Meitner and co. created their own proprietary DAC, which is free from the nonlinearities present in every other DAC chip set. This in itself is a monumental technical achievement! Even the circuit boards are of exceptional quality. They are made from an aerospace-grade composite material formed in a naturally damped, sandwich construction which insures resistance to vibration and incredible strength, all exclusive to this player.
Nothing is left to chance in the CDSA-SE. Even the chassis is made from solid aluminum and is extensively treated with a special highly-damped polymer composite. All of these things make this player one of the most innovative and sophisticated ever created!
These are my three choices in three different price categories. Happy listening !
