What gives? CD’s, Solid State?

SS can be pretty darn good but does not work for me

the last few hi fi shows I went to, I did not really care for one SS room I was in, the only stuff I really liked had tubes

you may be in that camp

just a thought

Wow, thanks everyone for your thoughts!

Mapman, you are correct in that my system has become more relaxed and musical since I acquired it. The R-7 speakers certainly have improved in depth and bass. When I bought this stuff I was told there would be a break-in period and I am experiencing that. As Musicslug suggested, I’ve been running the daylights out of this stuff to expedite!

Nonetheless, I do feel that Jult52’s point is a valid one as well. Yes, I am experiencing improvement but I know well enough that this will never reach the nirvana I’m after.

So, what for now?…Ferrite snap-on gizmos? A DAC? Reside myself to the fact that the Saturn, although a good CD player, can’t replicate that vinyl analog sound I so like and therefore buy a TT? Hmmm, I’ll be looking into these suggestions.

2 other things: First, I have Rega’s best speaker cable, their SC 42 @$10/ft coming later next week which might help. Second, dirty power… has anyone ever had a “good” experience with a power conditioner? Many have said in Agon’s forum areas that many of these are wastes of money. Are there any good ones?

Before signing off, I do appreciate that no one knocked the Rega equipment – thanks.

As far as cleaning up A/C, I've had excellent results with a PS Audio regenerator. I've used a P-300 on my transport, dac and preamp. It does impart a certain smoothness, in the sense of a sheen or haze being lifted.
Upgrading to a Premier model allowed me to power my amp as well with good results.

So, what for now?…Ferrite snap-on gizmos? A DAC? Reside myself to the fact that the Saturn, although a good CD player, can’t replicate that vinyl analog sound I so like and therefore buy a TT?

Yes, there are intrinsic differences between digital and analog. So if you prefer the sound of vinyl to cd, and barring any solvable problems in your system, you'll need to go the vinyl route for the sound you prefer.
I am one of the few who prefers digital, at least with my setup, enough to sell off my vinyl collection. I'm not going to suggest any equipment changes as your rig sounds pretty digital friendly. There are many here who love their vinyl rigs and feel digital can never match analog. Give the tt a try and see how that works for you. Maybe you'll join their ranks.

The thought of a DAC has aroused my curiosity. Don’t know anything about these, so if anyone would care to validate (or correct) my thoughts I would be very appreciative.

So, does a DAC reside between the CD and pre-amp for converting the incoming CD signal to analog? Also, one quality I do like about my Saturn is its level of detail, which I wouldn’t want to loose during this conversion process – would it be compromised?

I did look in on the Nixon TD2 DAC and maybe it’s just what the doctor would order. However, I don’t want to loose any detail, but rather edge and all at the same time gain sweetness. Am I asking for to much?