Arcam CD73t Vs Rega Apollo Vs Cyrus CD8x

[admin_exported]

Guys

Has anybody any experience of a comparison of the above players, i have the Arcam CD73t but am thinking of upgrading to the Rega Apollo. I plan to audition the Apollo but was wondering what people thought. Is it going to be much of an upgrade or more of a sideward step? I like the Arcam player and realise that it was seen as a good player in it's day but wondered how much standards/quality have changed in the last few years. I have also been looking into a 2nd hand CD8X as a possible alternative. The fact that the Rega has now come down in price is quite appealing. My musical tatse is very broad so a good "overall" sound is what i'm looking for really.

Thanks

Frank

 

[Anonymous]

the apollo is a good player but standards and quality basically havent changed much so a good player 15 years ago is still a good player now

if you have the upgrade itch id be looking at replacing your turntable with a rega p3

 

[chebby]

one off:
the apollo is a good player but standards and quality basically havent changed much so a good player 15 years ago is still a good player now

The Apollo has not been around for 15 years.

A WHF award review of it in November 2007 said "launched recently" so it is only a couple of years old.

And an excellent player.

 

[Gerrardasnails]

chebby:one off:
the apollo is a good player but standards and quality basically havent changed much so a good player 15 years ago is still a good player now

The Apollo has not been around for 15 years. A WHF award review of it in November 2007 said "launched recently" so it is only a couple of years old.

And an excellent player.

One Off only ever promotes older stuff so he's probably never even heard the Apollo.

 

[Anonymous]

chebby:one off:

the apollo is a good player but standards and quality basically havent changed much so a good player 15 years ago is still a good player now

The Apollo has not been around for 15 years.

A WHF award review of it in November 2007 said "launched recently" so it is only a couple of years old.

And an excellent player.

Do you know if it will be much of an upgrade, or more of a sidewards step?

Thanks

 

[Anonymous]

Gerrardasnails:chebby:one off:
the apollo is a good player but standards and quality basically havent changed much so a good player 15 years ago is still a good player now

The Apollo has not been around for 15 years. A WHF award review of it in November 2007 said "launched recently" so it is only a couple of years old.

And an excellent player.

One Off only ever promotes older stuff so he's probably never even heard the Apollo.sold mine sorry though i still have cd players ranging from old marantz through to new hk you should know by now unlike some i only comment on stuff ive heard

chebbt dont get in one of your funny moods i meant the arcam

 

[crusaderlord]

I would say this is a sideways move - the CD73t is an excellent player and one i once owned myself. To get a significant improvement you would need to head towards the £1000+ players.

Have you considered a 2nd hand Arcam 192 or even an FMJ CD36 - you can find some at great value prices ?

 

[chebby]

one off:..unlike some i only comment on stuff ive heard

chebbt dont get in one of your funny moods i meant the arcam

Until he went over exclusively to iTunes/DAC replay - a friend used a Rega Apollo in his system for over a year. So I can safely say I have heard the Apollo pretty thoroughly. Listening time probably totalling weeks if it had been contiguous. (I have also had it demo'ed via a couple of Naim amps including my own.)

I had a Solo-Mini for about a year - which used the same DAC and clock and transport as the CD73 - and I have also heard the CD73 itself, and it's predecessor, and successor at various times.

I am therefore familiar with both and would prefer/recommend the Apollo every single time. Moreso since Rega dropped the RRP to £475.

 

[Anonymous]

crusaderlord:I would say this is a sideways move - the CD73t is an excellent player and one i once owned myself. To get a significant improvement you would need to head towards the £1000+ players. Have you considered a 2nd hand Arcam 192 or even an FMJ CD36 - you can find some at great value prices ?

Fair enough,

I have considered the CD192, i looked into an upgrade from my CD73 which believe it or not is still £500. I'm not gonna pay that as i could probably sell mine and buy a 2nd hand 192 for less than £500. I will keep an eye out. What is the CD36 like then?

 

[matthewpiano]

I used to have a CD73 and the one thing I could fault it for is a slightly syrupy midrange. The Apollo (which I've also had and regretted selling almost as soon as I sent it to the buyer) has more clarity in this area, and generally provides a more rhythmic presentation.

Both are very good players, though I would personally have a preference for the Rega. I think to improve on the Apollo substantially you would need to move up to something above the £1k mark such as the Sugden Mystro CD (which I've heard and is a good step up).

The Apollo is first and foremost a musical player. Very infectious rhythmically and with no prejudices towards any one type of music. I'm still very seriously considering one myself alongside the Cambridge Audio 650C, Denon DCD-710AE, and Denon DCD-1500AE.

 

[Anonymous]

matthewpiano:I used to have a CD73 and the one thing I could fault it for is a slightly syrupy midrange. The Apollo (which I've also had and regretted selling almost as soon as I sent it to the buyer) has more clarity in this area, and generally provides a more rhythmic presentation. Both are very good players, though I would personally have a preference for the Rega. I think to improve on the Apollo substantially you would need to move up to something above the £1k mark such as the Sugden Mystro CD (which I've heard and is a good step up). The Apollo is first and foremost a musical player. Very infectious rhythmically and with no prejudices towards any one type of music. I'm still very seriously considering one myself alongside the Cambridge Audio 650C, Denon DCD-710AE, and Denon DCD-1500AE.

Thanks for the info, i think it sounds like my kind of player. I will of course audition it, i have been offered £200 part exchange for mine at a local dealer so in all the Apollo would only cost me £275 which i think is pretty good, as long as i like what i hear. I'm hoping the Apollo will be a good match with my Cyrus 8vs2, i have heard that they are very good with my Rega R3 speakers which is encouraging.

 

[Anonymous]

I would echo what has already been said. The 73T is a good player but sounds warmer than the Apollo. The Apollo will sound clearer, more detailed and more forward (in the treble) with better bass. For the price it sounds like it will give you a worthy change. Whether you call it an upgrade or a sideways step, it will sound different. If the differences suit your taste more then you're a winner.

 

[stephennic]

Hi,

I compared a arcam cd73t and rega apollo in a shop. I found the rega apollo had more clarity and rythym and a brighter and airer top, tighter bass, and leaner sounding. The arcam I would say is richer but drier sounding. The rega apollo seemed more musical overall. I would consider it better overall over the arcam. I had a lend of the arcam and found it okay for classical and jazz but lacked life for rock and pop whereas the rega seemed to keep my feet tapping, even though some say it is a little lean in the bass department - it seemed tight and punchy though.

Cheers

Steve.

 

[Anonymous]

stephennic:

Hi,

I compared a arcam cd73t and rega apollo in a shop. I found the rega apollo had more clarity and rythym and a brighter and airer top, tighter bass, and leaner sounding. The arcam I would say is richer but drier sounding. The rega apollo seemed more musical overall. I would consider it better overall over the arcam. I had a lend of the arcam and found it okay for classical and jazz but lacked life for rock and pop whereas the rega seemed to keep my feet tapping, even though some say it is a little lean in the bass department - it seemed tight and punchy though.

Cheers

Steve.

Cheers for that Steve, that's very helpful. My musical taste is broad, but primarily consists of rock so this might be the way to go.I appreciate that this is probably more of a swap rather than an upgrade, but like Igglebert says, as long as i like what i hear and i think the extra outlay is worth it, then i'm happy.

Cheers

 

[crusaderlord]

The CD36 as you asked is a superb player - i compared directly the CD73 (which i owned) and the CD192 and the CD36. The CD36 is far and away the best player of the three and for me also way better than the Apollo (which i heard sparingly though to be fair and is also in a different price bracket as well) and benefits from increased presentation and clarity but more noticeable a greater weight and body to the music. It does have a smooth but clear and detailed presentation.

I bought mine new for £700 so in this particular price bracket i have not found its equal but then it originally was a £1400 player.

Igglebert is right though, it comes down to preference - Arcam in general is excellent with certain music, female vocals, jazz, electronic, acoustic etc but the apollo may shine with heavier rock. I dont however find the CD36 lacking in any of the music i like but then it may still be in the next price range up for you at the moment.

A sideways more is still a good idea if you prefer its tone and presentation.

 

[JoelSim]

If you listen primarily to rock then Arcam isn't the right brand in my opinion. And I'm a big Arcam fan as people on here know. I've had several and have heard a demo of the Apollo which is CD192 standard in many respects.

Whatever you do don't pay £500 for an Arcam upgrade, you could get £200 for yours and get a nearly new CD192 for £350, total outlay £150.

I'm sure you won't be disappointed with the Apollo.

(I'm presuming you don't use your DAC on the CDP, in which case upgrading your CDP is pretty pointless).

 

[Anonymous]

my next upgrade will be the cdp ... I have read many good reviews of the Rega Apollo from people who own it and was seriously considering one,

even though I am very happy with my current setup, I will continue to upgrade and I feel that my next upgrade will be the cdp

I have opted to save a bit more and seek an Eikos cdp (Tom Evans upgrade) .... have seen these being sold for £800 or slightly less ... and can be sent to Tom Evans for a service which will not cost much ... from what I have read, these are really worth the wait

my marantz cd63 MKII K1 sig is working perfectly, so am not in a rush ... so i you don't mind buying something a bit older, do more research ... if you are looking for newer, from what I have read, the Rega Apollo is an excellent choice, and have not read a bad review, both from magazines or owners

 

[plastic penguin]

The CD73T is fabulous value for money - I've not heard the Apollo, so can't comment. People speak very highly of the Rega both on this forum and retailers alike.....no reason whatsoever to question that opinion of the Apollo. However, for similar money I've heard, and love, is the Exposure 2010S. It's a very ballsy player, with great dynamics and wonderful for rock music, so should marry well with Cyrus. Sorry, can't help anymore than that.

 

[Anonymous]

JoelSim:
If you listen primarily to rock then Arcam isn't the right brand in my opinion. And I'm a big Arcam fan as people on here know. I've had several and have heard a demo of the Apollo which is CD192 standard in many respects.

Whatever you do don't pay £500 for an Arcam upgrade, you could get £200 for yours and get a nearly new CD192 for £350, total outlay £150.

I'm sure you won't be disappointed with the Apollo.

(I'm presuming you don't use your DAC on the CDP, in which case upgrading your CDP is pretty pointless).

Cheers for that Joel, i had pretty much made my mind up that £500 for an upgrade of my CD player was a rip off. No i don't use my DAC from my CD player, it is USB only. I listen to music from my laptop to DAC, (Which is actually very good) mostly for convenience but CD when i'm in the mood.

 

[Anonymous]

I have had both. The Arcam is no doubt a good player, but I don't quite like the 'warm' sound that is synonymous with this brand.

The Apollo in my view, is a much better player - it extracts a lot more detail and clarity and is just that much more accomplished.I feel it is still the best cd player out there for under £600.00.

I used to have another CD player which I found very close to the Apollo - Musical Fidelity A3 24 Bit. If you are not keen on spending too much, this will provide an upgrade on the CD73T (IMO)

I have also had the CD8x - the detail, timing and resolution on this is second to none (bar the 8SE, of course) - but some may tire with this on extended listening periods.

In the end, it all boils down to the 'type of sound' that you prefer.

 

[Anonymous]

FrankTheTank:

Guys

Has anybody any experience of a comparison of the above players, i have the Arcam CD73t but am thinking of upgrading to the Rega Apollo. I plan to audition the Apollo but was wondering what people thought. Is it going to be much of an upgrade or more of a sideward step? I like the Arcam player and realise that it was seen as a good player in it's day but wondered how much standards/quality have changed in the last few years. I have also been looking into a 2nd hand CD8X as a possible alternative. The fact that the Rega has now come down in price is quite appealing. My musical tatse is very broad so a good "overall" sound is what i'm looking for really.

Thanks

 

[Anonymous]

Incidently Joel, Arcam have since responded by saying that this upgrade path is no longer available due to parts no longer being available.

 

[Anonymous]

Just as an update, i have taken a bit of a risk but one that i think is worth taking. I have managed to get myself a used Cyrus CD8x for a bargain price, still within warranty. I realise that i said i was going to audition, but if i don't like it i can sell it on without losing any money. I know some say they are lean or bright and some say they are extremely detailed with good bass extension, but just wondered what people's experiences with the CD8x were, especially anybody with comments on the partnership with my kit and the CD8x. Also, what kind of player is it compared to my old Arcam CD73t? Are they completely different, is it a worthwhile upgrade. In total, the CD8x should really only cost me approx £200 once i have exchanged my Arcam.

Many thanks

Frank

 

[Anonymous]

I used to have the Arcam CD73T and upgraded by purchasing an outboard DAC.

My Russ Andrews DAC1-USB(a rebadged Stello DA100) was a massive improvement via coax using the Arcam as a transport. The flexibility of an outboard DAC means you effectively upgrade anything plugged into it, whether that be via coax, usb or optical inputs. It might be worth auditioning some outboard DACS to see if they do the job.

It is worth pointing out that I no longer use the Arcam because the transport went and rather than service, bought a new machine(CA 550C) to act as a transport. How old is your Arcam? This is another factor to consider as well.

 

[plastic penguin]

FrankTheTank:Incidently Joel, Arcam have since responded by saying that this upgrade path is no longer available due to parts no longer being available.

They should be able to upgrade to the latest £1,000 FMJ player.

When I spoke to a dealer about 3 months back they didn't indicate any upgrade problems when asked about the subject.