Rega Apollo vs California Labs

[dsd-7]

Hi guys, I currently have a California Labs CL-15 cd player and am thinking of upgrading. I have had my eye on the Rega Apollo for quite a while. I've heard a lot of people say it possesses an analog sound. I'm an analog guy, and digital always takes 2nd place in my listening sessions. Does anyone have an opinion concerning the California Labs vs Rega?? I enjoy both my Cal Labs cl-15 and Sony 608esd, but I can't help but wonder if buying a newer Rega Apollo will be worth the upgrade. Any help/tips/comments are greatly appreciated.

 

[psyopwak]

I have heard of two people having reliability issues with the Apollo. One even looked at the guts, and compared it to the inside of a Cambridge Audio ( i think 640c) and the transport and parts were MUCH better on the CA.

I have had a great experience with mine. I like the DAC and the sound. I even like the ball and chuck system for holding the disc. I think you can find the 640c at a MUCH cheaper price. I would not hesitate to buy one of the CA players at a reduced price.

 

[Art K.]

Unfortunately the CA players don't sound very good compared to the Apollo, to me. I had a CA 650C here until last week and far preferred my Apollo. Another one to consider is the TEAC PD-H600 great sound at a reasonable price. My wife has the TEAC (she wrested it from me) and we love it.

 

[dsd-7]

Thanks for the replys so far guys. I have always heard the Apollo is very musical and analog-like, which is why I am considering it. I've never done much research on the Cambridge Audio gear. I would really like to hear how these players stack up against my trusty California Labs CL-15.

 

[juno]

I have wondered....does the Apollo-R color the sound to get the analog sound? What if the rest of your system is analog already?

 

[dsd-7]

I have wondered....does the Apollo-R color the sound to get the analog sound? What if the rest of your system is analog already?

Very good question. I am curious myself. I love the analog sound, so maybe the Apollo is the ideal cdp for me. Hmmm...

 

[Art K.]

I have wondered....does the Apollo-R color the sound to get the analog sound? What if the rest of your system is analog already?

Very good question. I am curious myself. I love the analog sound, so maybe the Apollo is the ideal cdp for me. Hmmm...

The answer is yes. Then again the answer would be yes regardless of what piece you asked about. Every piece in the audio chain colors the sound. It's a matter of what you color you prefer. The Apollo and Apollo-R are great sounding machines.

 

[juno]

But what if you are using non-digital equipment? Does the analog coloration become too much when run uinto analog equipment? Which begs a question.......If you want analog sound, why not run an analog system to start with????

 

[juno]

I guess my question is...if run into a vintage analog reciever.....does the coloration become overwhelming? Is it designed to make a digital system sound analog? Im confused...which is why I haven't bought one and am leaning toward something else that does not attempt to make CDs sound analog.

 

[Art K.]

But what if you are using non-digital equipment? Does the analog coloration become too much when run uinto analog equipment? Which begs a question.......If you want analog sound, why not run an analog system to start with????

I guess my question is...if run into a vintage analog reciever.....does the coloration become overwhelming? Is it designed to make a digital system sound analog? Im confused...which is why I haven't bought one and am leaning toward something else that does not attempt to make CDs sound analog.

No it doesn't become too much. It's a very clean and open sound with great timing. Another deck you might want to consider as well is the TEAC PD-H600...great piece for the money.