rega Saturn MK3 CD Player and DAC User Manual
- June 5, 2024
- Rega
Table of Contents
rega Saturn MK3 CD Player and DAC
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing the Saturn MK3 CD-DAC player. The Saturn MK3 offers complete flexibility and integration into any audio system. Essentially two products in one, the Saturn MK3 houses a high specification CD transport and independent DAC circuit. Both sections are fully remote controllable via the supplied Solaris remote handset. The new Saturn MK3 is rehoused in our very latest case designed to match the rest of the Rega range. You will find plenty of connectivity options, up to and including 192kHz-24 bit. The Saturn MK3 has two optical inputs, two Co-Axial inputs, a fully asynchronous USB and an added ‘direct’ digital output from the CD playback section. This ensures the Saturn MK3 integrates perfectly into any system and provides the perfect partner for the Rega Elicit MK5 integrated amplifier.
DESIGN TECHNOLOGY
The Saturn MK3 CD/DAC player uses our proven digital to analogue converter and analogue output amplifier technology coupled with a pair of Wolfson WM8742 digital to analogue converter ICs. The Saturn MK3 has improvements to the CD section power supply which was a result of the research & development of our reference Isis CD player along with the improved microcontroller and display drivers. 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. The DAC USB input operates at sample rates of 44.1 to 192kHz with a bit rate of up to 24bits. It uses dedicated drivers in the computer enabling full ASIO operation, thus eliminating signal degradation caused by generic windows based drivers.
CONNECTIVITY
BACK PANEL CONNECTIVITY
- Inputs – USB Input 1 / Optical Input 2 / Optical Input 3 / Coax Input 4 / Co-ax Input 5
- Outputs – DAC Optical Digital Output / DAC Co-ax Digital
- Output / DAC CD Analogue Output / CD Optical Digital
- Output / CD Co-ax Digital Output
IEC Mains Power Connection – Power In / Fuse access / Fuse Ensure the
operating voltage of the Saturn (stated on the rear) is the same as your local
power supply. Always place the Saturn in a position that will allow adequate
access to the lid. If this is limited, you may risk damaging the disc when
placing on the ball chuck system.
IMPORTANT: Always turn the player off when changing leads.
PARTS
- USB Input 1 (USB driver download required see page 5)
- Optical Input 2
- Optical Input 3
- Co-ax Input 4
- Co-ax Input 5
- DAC Optical Digital Output
- DAC Co-ax Digital Output
- DAC CD Analogue Output
- CD Optical Digital Output
- CD Co-ax Digital Output
- Power In
- Fuse
- Power On
- Display
- Rega Logo (illuminated when powered on)
- Play / Pause Button
- Stop Button
- Skip Track Backward
- Skip Track Forward
CONTROLS
FRONT PANEL INDICATORS AND CONTROLS
Basic control of the Saturn CD functions are possible via the buttons on the
front panel. To power the unit, press the button located on the left hand side
of the player directly above the REGA logo. When powered up, the Rega logo
will illuminate RED. More detailed control such as MP3 functionality and
switching to DAC mode is available via the supplied Solaris remote handset.
CD FUNCTIONS
REMOTE CONTROL
The Solaris remote control allows complete control over the Saturn CD/DAC
player. The top section of the remote is dedicated to DAC functions. The
button marked CD/DAC allows you to switch between the two modes available.
Once in DAC mode, you can also select any of the filter options via the FILTER
button and also select which input is used. As well as all usual CD control
functions, you can also control the use of MP3 or WMA CD’s using the album up/
down function. You can skip through multiple tracks using the -10, +10 & >100
buttons depending on how many tracks are on your disc. If an MP3 or WMA disc
is loaded, it will display MP3 or WMA. CD text function operates for MP3 discs
only. N.B A maximum of 999 tracks and 99 albums when playing MP3 or WMA CDs.
(Batteries included – 2 x AAA Alkaline) RC CODE: Phillips RC5 system number 16
audio preamplifier.
OTHER REMOTE CD FUNCTONS
-
SHUFFLE – To play tracks in a random order, press the SHUFFLE button once: RANDOM will be highlighted and the tracks will be played in a sequence generated by the player. To cancel shuffle play, press the SHUFFLE button again. Play will continue in the disc’s original sequence after the current track being played has finished.
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REPEAT – To repeat a disc, press REPEAT: ‘REP ALL’ will momentarily appear and REPEAT will be displayed. To repeat a track, press REPEAT twice: ‘REP TRACK’ will momentarily appear and REPEAT 1 will be displayed. To repeat an Album (MP3 & WMA format), press REPEAT three times: ‘REP ALBUM’ will momentarily appear and REPEAT will be displayed. Pressing the REPEAT button will cycle between the various repeat functions.
-
REMAINING TRACK – You can check the remaining time of the track you are listening to by pressing the ‘Time’ button. Press it again to return to the normal counter.
Note: Please give the player enough time to process the information each time a new or different function is selected. -
DISPLAY OFF – Pressing the ‘Display’ button on the remote will turn off the display. Press again to turn on.
CREATING A PROGRAM
The program function allows you to program up to 99 tracks from a disc or
album in any order you specify.
- Press PROGRAM on the remote handset to create your new program list: PROGRAM will appear on the display.
- When the first program location appears you can enter the required track number. Continue this until your required playlist program is complete.
- Use the TRACK NEXT and TRACK PREVIOUS buttons to enter the track numbers. Press the OK (Green) button twice after each track is selected.
- If you enter the wrong track number it can be deleted by pressing CLEAR. This will clear the last location entered. Press PROGRAM again to finish programming
Pressing PLAY will activate your program. The display now shows the first
track that was entered into your program. If PROGRAM is pressed again you can
enter further tracks from the last location in your program. This can be done
either when the Saturn is playing your program or when stopped. To clear your
program, make sure the Saturn has stopped, then press the clear button.
Note: The program function does not work for MP3 or WMA files.
DAC FUNCTIONS
CONNECTIVITY EXAMPLES
(1 x USB A-B / 2 x OPTICAL / 2 x CO-AXIAL) This page offers suggested
connectivity. With so many products offering a number of options, it is
important to check the manual of the product you are connecting for the
optimum output connection and settings required to operate properly.
Note: This unit only accepts two-channel PCM digital audio. You cannot
connect a Dolby Digital 5.1/7.1 or a DTS signal as they will not be
recognised. If you wish to connect a DVD or similar device, please ensure that
the sound output of your player is set to two-channel PCM.
USB SETUP & CONNECTIVITY
Connect a USB A-B type lead from the DAC USB to a USB output on your PC.
IMPORTANT: Before you can use the USB function of the Saturn you must
first download the Rega USB Windows driver and install it on your PC. This
driver is available for download from the Rega website, www.rega.co.uk, then
go to Products, CD Players then Saturn. Follow the instruction for
installation. Once installed, USB will be ready to use. The driver is not
required for MacOS.
It is recommended to switch off any other system sounds emitted by the PC via
the control panel. In some systems, the DAC will automatically become the
default for your PC whilst connected. Once disconnected, the previous default
should be restored. If this does not happen you can manually reset as follows:
Windows: Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Manage Audio Devices > select
‘Saturn’ from list.
MacOS: System Preferences > Sound Output > Select ‘Saturn’.
DAC FILTER SETTINGS
These settings are a matter of personal taste and offer subtle changes. We
suggest using Filter setting 1 and trying different settings with various
sources and sample rates. Each filter is selectable via the FILTER button on
the Solaris remote handset. Filters will have a more prominent effect the
higher the sample rate.
Filter settings 1 – 5 (@ low sample rates 32/44.1/48k)
- Linear phase half-band filter
- Minimum phase soft-knee filter
- Minimum phase half-band filter
- Linear phase apodising filter
- Minimum phase apodising filter
Filter settings 1 – 5 (@ medium & high sample rates 88.2/96 & 176.4/192k)
- Linear phase soft-knee filter
- Minimum phase soft-knee filter
- Linear phase brickwall filter
- Minimum phase apodising filter
- Linear phase apodising filter
REAR LED INDICATOR FUNCTIONS
Three LEDs are located on the back panel.
- POWER – The USB takes its power from the connected computer. This will stay on whilst connected even if the Saturn is off.
- COMM – The USB input is active and communicating with the connected computer.
- DATA – This indicates data is flowing through the USB input. For example, it will light when a track is played using a media player or when an Internet radio station is active.
SPECIFICATIONS
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
SERVICE
With the unit disconnected from the mains, only clean with a micro fibre
cloth, (lightly damp if necessary). Do not remove any coverings; there are no
user serviceable parts inside. If the unit performs erratically or emits smoke
or odour, disconnect from the power supply and take it to a qualified service
technician.
WARRANTY
All Rega products are covered by a lifetime warranty against manufacture
defects. This warranty does not cover wear and tear. Any unauthorised
modifications or failure to follow the Rega recommended guidelines may
invalidate the warranty. If returning goods for inspection to your retailer,
the original packaging must be used to preserve the warranty. Damage caused
during transport due to incorrect packaging may invalidate your warranty.
Replacement packaging is available from any Rega retailer. Your statutory
rights are not affected.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Do not use this unit near liquids or expose to moisture. Do not use near
sources of heat such as radiators, vents, stoves, or candles. Ensure adequate
ventilation around the product, at least 10cm in all directions, and avoid
placing the unit on soft surfaces such as long carpet and fabric. Do not open
the product enclosure or force objects into openings in the unit. Place the
unit on a fixed level surface where it will not fall or tip. The unit should
only be used in moderate climates between 5°C (41°F) and 35°C (95°F). Keep
packaging material and small pieces out of reach of children. Unplug the power
supply if the unit is unused for extended periods of time.
COMPLIANCE
This symbol indicates that the electronic equipment bearing it should not be disposed of as general household waste at the end of its life. The equipment should be disposed of at a collection point for waste electrical and electronic equipment in accordance with national legislation and Directive 2012/19/EU. For more information about how to dispose of your waste electronic equipment, please contact your local authority or retailer where you purchased the product. In the UK, please return your product to the retaile.
References
- Rega – award winning hi-fi, designed and made in England since 1973.
- Rega – award winning hi-fi, designed and made in England since 1973.