Why doesn't Rega make a DAC?

How can you be allegedly a 'full line' hi fi manufacturer in 2021 and not make a DAC?

I think it's been over five years since they stopped making a DAC.

 

Maybe they don't want to.

I don't think they see themselves as an IT company, which seems to be a requirement for digital audio companies these days.

 

They make a CD DAC same as Marantz.

 

Their main thing has always been analog to my knowledge. I think it’s probably a branding decision. CD players at least are still physical media. It probably just wasn’t worth it to them to develop a new DAC and the associated accessories to stay competitive in the digital space when their customers would rather those resources go to TT’s

 

You need a big budget to make Dacs , Streamers etc
Project have dozens

 

I think because they didn't sell well when they did have them. I have the original Rega DAC. It sounds fantastic and makes everything pleasant to listen to. Very analog sounding (if that is even a thing).

 

The Saturn is Rega's Dac. The call it a Player-DAC.

Rega | Saturn-R CD Player / DAC

 

I bought the Rega DAC-R around 20 months ago, just as it'd been discontinued and I imagine it was because the Saturn cost £1.700 and the DAC £620, so I suspect like myself many would go for saving £1,080.

It's a great DAC, not the most analytical but a joy to listen to.

 

i'd have a hard time not buying an Apollo/half width CDP with digital inputs.

 

It is an anomaly. Maybe one will come in the newer case.

Pretty sure they'd sell a stack of integrateds with onboard DACs (as opposed to phono stages) if they decided to also.

 

Looks like it’s just been updated…per Rega’s Twitter feed today….”the NEW Saturn MK3 CD/DAC. Essentially two products in one the Saturn MK3 is a high performance DAC with the convenience of a CD transport”

Rega Saturn MK3 CD player DAC

 

Anyone knows the US price of the new Saturn?

 

The first edition of the Rega DAC suffered from power supply mains noise resulting in bass bloat. It was garbage. It takes some engineering skill to make a DAC, and Rega is anything but high tech.

 

The English once conquered two thirds of the world but where to put the battery in a car eludes them.

 

Can

If that would be the reason please explain why they are still producing CD players.

 

Could you name a brand that has never ever produced one single model without any flaws?
You may have perfect reasons to dislike Rega, but just stating they lack engineering skills and are far from high tech does not make sense.
I do own the Rega DAC-R and it does sound great. Would not recommend it to those looking for something ultra analytical, but "perfect" in other respects.

 

Rega Saturn MK3 CD player DAC



Also - "forthcoming Rega Elicit MK5 integrated amplifier".

 

Mine sounded lacking in bass .... ,Lots of top end detail.

 

The UK price list has £2000 so I guess you could compare the previous UK/US price differential and calculate.

 

Their amplifiers are among the best out there.

 

Not a problem with my R model.

Seems quite expensive , if you just want a Rega Dac imo.

 

It was well documented and measured….. (see stereophile). another review talked of it as a “bass monster!” on release, (I think this was the tone audio review, lol). It was low frequency based power supply noise.

I was among the first owners. An unfortunate blunder that took awhile to correct. By the the 2nd update the bloat was gone.

 

Well I don't know what's going on at my place then. I only just had one recently.

 

So are their CD players and turntables IMO

 

I owned the original Rega DAC; it probably still outperforms most much-pricier DACs out there. Unfailingly musical and, as per Rega's mission, very 'analog'-sounding.