About The Rega Saturn MK3 Compact Disc Player
Now this is a CD player! It plays single CDs, is a top loader and is totally - well let's say 99.9% - Made In England. This is the second Saturn model and is extremely good.
The Saturn MK3 is deemed a CD-DAC because there has been an enormous amount of time in producing a DAC that is equal to the task and just as importantly, meets the Rega teams fanatical standards so there is a high specification transport and independent DAC circuit. Both sections are fully remote controllable via the supplied Solaris remote handset.
Connectivity: You will find plenty of connectivity options, all at the highest possible resolution up to and including 24-bit/192KHz. The Saturn MK3 has two optical inputs, two Coaxial inputs, a fully asynchronous USB and an added 'direct' digital output from the CD playback section. Additionally it has a removable IEC mains power cord so that you can easily upgrade to a suitable product. The standard 'freebie' item definitely needs to be upgraded to at least an Isotek Premier or better.
This ensures the Saturn MK3 integrates perfectly into any system and provides the perfect partner for the Rega Elicit integrated amplifier.
CDP Features: The Saturn MK3 uses Rega's proven digital to analogue converter and analogue output amplifier technology coupled with a pair of Wolfson WM8742 digital to analogue converter IC's. The Saturn MK3 has improvements to the CD section power supply which was a result of the research & development of the reference Rega Isis CD player along with the improved microcontroller and display drivers.
Technology: The Saturn MK3 uses a high stability master clock and high capacity power supply in the CD circuitry, high performance PLL digital interface receiver, isolated digital inputs and high performance power supply architecture in the DAC circuitry. Signal switching between the CD and DAC functions are performed in the digital to analogue converter stage. The signal path of the CD section in CD mode is kept to a minimum.
USB 24-bit/192KHz Asynchronous: The DAC USB input has been improved with asynchronous operation at sample rates of 44.1 to 192 KHz with a bit rate of up to 24-bits. The USB input has the same galvanic isolation as used in the Rega DAC. The USB uses dedicated drivers in the computer, enabling full ASIO operation, thus eliminating signal degradation caused by generic windows based drivers.
Solaris Remote Control: A dedicated system remote designed for the latest range of Rega remote controllable products. Lightweight and ergonomically designed to fit comfortably in the hand whilst presenting the most commonly used button at your fingertips. The Solaris is backwards compatible with all older IR Rega products.
Saturn MK3 XMOS USB Driver V2.15.0: Before you can use the USB function of the Saturn MK3 you must first download the Rega USB Windows driver and install it on your PC. Located under 'Product Downloads' on the Rega webpage. Follow the instruction for installation. Once installed, USB will be ready to use. This driver is not required for MAC OS.
Note: Please ensure that your system is configured correctly to output high resolution files within your chosen audio/media playback software.
If your PC does not default to the connected USB audio device you must select the XMOS Audio Device from the drop down list.
Our Take On The Rega Saturn MK3 CD Player
The player offers complete flexibility and integration into any system. It features a great sounding Digital To Analogue section with numerous inputs for use with other components. With its top loading transport, every time you play a CD is a sense of occasion not available when pushing a button to open a drawer. We have a lot of very good CD Players, but the Saturn suits the most demanding customer and delivers as close as it comes to analogue sound.
Main Features & Specifications
- Design: Single CD transport/DAC
- Plays: CD's; CDR's & CD
- DAC: Parallel/Dual Wolfson WM8742 DAC
- Line Level Outputs: 1 pr. L+R (RCA)
- Digital Inputs: 2 x Coaxial; 2 x Optical/Toslink
- Digital Outputs: 2 x Coaxial; 2 x Optical/Toslink - 1 each for the CD & DAC
- USB Input: 1
- USB: 24-bit/192KHz asynchronous
- Frequency Response: 17Hz - 20.5kHz -0.02dB
- Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.005% @1kHz
- Signal-To-Noise Ratio: -109dB
- Remote Control: Solaris remote with CD, DAC and amplifier functionality
- Power Input: 230V 50Hz
- Power Consumption: 15.5 Watts
- Power Cord: Detachable IEC which allows for upgrade
- Dimensions: (WxDxH) 430 x 95 x 325mm
- Dimensions needed to operate: (WxHxD) 430 x 180 x 350mm
- Nett Weight: 9.7kg
- Made In England
- Manufacturer's Warranty: 3 Years
- Learn more about Rega
Note: Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE.