Now what?


I like the sound of the Rega Apollo-R, but I don't like how it won't read disc that aren't perfect. I decided to start looking into replacing it. My journey began with a Densen 400 Plus. Wow what a difference. The Densen is bright, imaging is poor, sound stays between the speakers. Now I really understand when people say a component gives the prospective of sitting in the front row. My problem is I want to change from the Apollo, but I don't want to spend more than 2K for a new or used player. Can I do better than a Rega Apollo-R for less than 2K? If so, I need two or three recommendations to listen to.
ricred1
Actually, comments about the Rega Apollo's recognizing CDs come up from time to time. Most are concerning CDRs, which Rega explains in the user booklet that if the CDR was recorded at greater than 8X, you are SOL.

I have had the original Apollo for 7 or 8 years now and on that rare occasion when a CD is not readable, I open the lid and reinsert the CD or I shut the player off and then back on and I am good to go. If Ricred is having this issue occur a lot, I would suggest contacting Rega about the matter. I own more than 5000 cds and have not come across more than a handful of damaged cds.

Rich
I like the sound of the Rega Apollo-R, but I don't like how it won't read disc that aren't perfect.

I guess this could be frustrating but:

In speaking to Rega technicians many years ago about my Saturn, they told me that Rega established a standard for the players when in the "initializing" mode.

This is why it takes a while as it calibrates itself for each disc.

If the cd does not pass all the software tests it does not register as playable. So I see this as a good thing.

Of the players I own it is the pickiest. Its been my experience that burned colored discs work better/less errors than shiny ones.

My experiences also mirror what the others have said. nice player.

Cheers
I've had the Rega Planet, Planet 2000, and Jupiter 2000 which I liked quite a bit. But, when the latter was blown away by a $35. used Sony Play Station One I knew it was time to change. I bought a used Bryston BCD-1 and never looked back. The BCD-1 is all I was looking for and might be the one for you, too. Check out the reviews online
I talked to a Rega technician yesterday and he told me I needed a new laser. I'm sending it to True Sound for repair and upon its return will sell it.
Hi Foster - I was confused by your post at first, since I agree with it 100%. Then I realized that it was mine that was unclear, as usual. I meant it to refer to my equipment, not necessarily the OPs or anyone else's. I was just trying to suggest other possible causes of the problem besides the CD player itself. Rar1's comments about the burning speed may have alot to do with it, as well. I usually burn stuff on the faster setting, as I am not generally critically listening to the CDs I burn. I happen to be burning some stuff right now that I want as good a copy of as I can get on my limited equipment, though, so I will try that slower setting and see if it makes much difference.