Sony XA5400ES vs Rega Saturn:Which sounds better??

would go with sony a nice machine,also you might consider a Marantz Sa-8004 or Sa-15s2b.

Sunnyjim,

"To ZD542: It is not that I don't believe you; however, did you see C-55's comment about the Sony 5400 and also Jonathan 1257. Maybe I used the wrong terminology in the phrase"....SACD....enhances the sound of redbook CDs."

Let me reiterate: My goal is buy a player that represents a marked and noticeable upgrade from the Rega Apollo in sound quality, but particularly in musicality."

I went up and read their posts again, as well as the one from you I quote above. That's something different. Now it makes more sense. A better sounding player is just a better sounding player (Our opinions may differ on what sounds better, though).

I think your search would go better for you if you gave a better focus on what you are trying to achieve in terms of sound quality. Tell us what you like and don't like about the Rega. Also, tells us the same thing about some of the other players you have heard. It wouldn't hurt if you defined musicality, as well. That term will mean different things to all of us. If you get more specific, it makes recommendations much easier.

Not mentioned for some reason is the Oppo 105, reputed for its fine analog. I have both the Sony XA 5400ES and 105. They sound a bit different, but I think both are superb. OP didn't mention how the player would be connected in the audio chain. I use 7.1 analog from the Oppo, HDMI from the Sony to a Cary Cinema 11a. For analog, the Cary inputs are set to bypass.

db

Followup: I like classical and jazz, both of which are well represented in SACD format. Why would OP consider limiting the search to a CD-only player, unless his taste in music is not well represented in the SACD format?

db