[DeanSheen]

I need a new cdp.  I have narrowed the choices to the Music Hall 25.2 and the Rega Apollo.

I have heard neither, but am leaning towards the Apollo.  At used prices, $340 or so more dollars for a cdp seems a bit much though.

Any thoughts greatly appreciated.  I have no interest in software solutions so please keep that in mind. 

I was also thinking about the Onix CD 5 and the Cambridge 840c though the latter seems a bit over the top for my needs.  I did notice that Cambridge has several other models that are much cheaper than the 840c but when I started reading reviews on them my head started to hurt.

I was most drawn to the Apollo due to multiple reviews stating that it is analog sounding and I like the idea of that buffer stage. 

[Charles Calkins]

Rega Apollo seems to be a real hot item. They go real quick on audiogon.


                                           Cheers
                                           Charlie

[ajayrav]

I don't think you are going to get a used Apollo for under $650.  If you do, and it is a legit seller, I would totally snap it up.  It is in a completely different league from the Music Hall player, price and sound wise.

[Philistine]

I've heard the Apollo, and would put it on my audition list of players below $1k, not having heard the Musical Hall I can't comment on how it compares against the Apollo.
With a list price of $1000 my understanding also is that the used price is closer to $700 - checking out Audiogon confirms this.

[DeanSheen]

Thanks guys.

RE Selling price:  I meant used apollo $745 - $725 used Music Hall $400, thats where I was getting the price difference from.

I just missed one today.  I'll just have to keep stalking AGON.

[Haoleb]

For what its worth I think my Planet 2000 is beautifully engineered and designed. I have been inside of it a couple times and at first it took me a while just to figure out how to take the darn thing apart but it really has has some thought and real design put into it. Even the small aspects like hiding the IR sensor behind the logo and the magnetic lid switch. Very imaginative I thought. Not like most manufactuers that just throw everything in the same old box as everybody else and call it good.

[denjo]

If I did not go the SB3 separate DAC route, I would have settled for a Rega! They are solidly built, well engineered and sound very good. Sometimes I wonder if the route I took was worth it!! 

Its also worth mentioning that Audiolab are back in business. In its day, the 8000 series CDP and DAC made for a very fine system. Unfortunately, Audiolab is now assembled in China while Rega is still made in Britain.

[Airborn]

I'll go against the grain here and recommend the Onix Cd-5.  My reasoning?  Well, based upon your own choices, I think it's the best value and the most upgradeable.  First, while I haven't heard the Cambridge I have heard all the others you list and although the Cd-5 isn't as good as the Music Hall 25.2, it is IDENTICAL internally to the Music Hall 25 that got rave reviews and is much better looking externally, imo.  It's also about 1/2 the price of the Music Hall 25.2 and less than 1/3 the price of the Rega Apollo.  It plays HDCD's and I've got a stock version that sounds very good.  Finally, it is very upgradable through Underwood Hi Fi and the mods take the player to a level close to the Apollo for about 1/3 less.  The Apollo is a much better player stock, but you get nearly equal sound for less after the Underwood Hi Fi mods, imo.  I am saving up for the Underwood mods right now myself.  Good luck.

[JLM]

Airborn,

Do you know that the Underwood modded Onix CD-5 sounds "nearly equal" than the Apollo?  In what ways? 

I think I'm going the way of separates, but this is in my price range, so more than curious.

TIA

[Airborn]

JLM,
You're right, I should have been clearer that I haven't actually heard the Underwood Hi Fi level 1+ mods to the Onix cd-5.  I am basing my opinion on the description of the mods on Underwood's web site and Audiogon ad, the review of the same mods on the identical Music Hall 25 in Six Moons awhile back and the opinions expressed in some online threads that are probably as unreliable and second-hand based as mine.

Seriously, the Apollo is a great player, which I agree is well beyond the others mentioned stock.  However, I have heard both the Apollo and the Music Hall 25 (and 25.2) and I chose the cd-5 and am going for the mods because I believe that's the best bang for the buck, but ymmv. 

[Big Red Machine]

Check that the Onix unit plays CD-R's.

Just picked up the Original MK CDP for 850 and it is very nice.  Some used units do come up for 600ish.  Plays HDCD, etc.

[fly_fish_nz]

I've had the Apollo, MH 25.2, and MH 25 with the same upgraded parts that Underwood uses in their level one mod.  All very good for the money, but my preference was for the Apollo - very musical player in my system.

[saisunil]

Based on what I have read, if my budget could afford - I'd pick Rega Apollo of all the choices mentioned - given that if you were to sell it - you would not lose much money and it is a good sounding unit.

I have always recommended TRL (Tube Research Labs) modded players for anyone seriously looking for a digital upgrade.

I will be putting my TRL modded Sony 900 on sale soon (as I have already sent another Sony 900 for a full battery mod). These players rarely go on sale.

If you are in NY area - let me know if you'd like to listen to it.

Cheers
Sunil.