View Full Version : What does an entry 'all Rega' system sound like?
Light Capture
28-08-2014, 01:47
I haven't had a cohesive system in such a long time that I can't remember what good audio sounds like.
I've begun to dream of what one may sound like, and an entry level all Rega come to mind.
The Rega system I'm dreaming about:
RP3 turntable w/ Elys2
Brio-R amp
Apollo-R cd
RS-1 speakers
I have a nice Target Audio welded steel 5 shelf rack with their welded and sand filled speaker stands that I want to take advantage of in this system.
What does an 'one brand' Rega system sound like?
destroysall
28-08-2014, 05:30
I couldn't tell you myself, Mike. The only thing Rega related I've ever heard was the Rega RP3. :p
I haven't had a cohesive system in such a long time that I can't remember what good audio sounds like.
I've begun to dream of what one may sound like
My recommendation to you however, would be to discover a local hi-fi dealer near you. Most dealers setup their systems for optimal sound. I can speak this based on experience. A favorite local dealer of mine had a "dream setup" on a day I decided to come in. The setup was as follows:
Pro-Ject Xtension 12 → EMT TSD15 Super Fine Line Cartridge → Leben RS-30EQ Phono Preamp → Line Magnetic 518ia Integrated Amplifier → DeVore Fidelity Orangutan O/96 loudspeakers.
I have never heard any system with such cohesion, finesse, warmth, accuracy.. The moment the music played, it felt as if everything disappeared and only sound remained. It was pure bliss. One of the rare occasions I have ever teared over gear than music itself. So try it out, you never know what it is you might find or even dropping your money on? :D
Difficult to say as there are so many variables, not least of which is how it works in your particular listening space.
Some good advice above, try to get to a dealer or have a home trial.
See my signature, I have a lot of Rega and really enjoy what it does. For me the sound is entertaining, detailed but not analytical, I suffer no listening fatigue and have no plans to chanhe any components other than larger speakers when I can afford them.
MikeMusic
28-08-2014, 07:27
I guess it would sound good and deliver great value for money, based on what I have heard from others.
I have only a Rega Isis CD player which is very, very good
Best must be to hear the system
Light Capture
28-08-2014, 07:43
There is not a single hi-fi dealer in the nearest large city to me. All we have here is the large big box store 'Best Buy' and they only have HT receivers.
walpurgis
28-08-2014, 08:23
An all Rega system would sound fine and compete more than adequately against anything else similar at the price. But it would not be my preferred option.
Sticking to one make seems 'too safe' to me. I like the experimentation involved in matching varying components. Yes I know it can be an expensive route, but it's fun.
Geoff, several years ago I'd have laughed if someone had suggested I had a one make system. Yet here I am.
For me it happened organically with the arrival of some Rega speakers, which gradually led to the amp, then the dac, then the cables, then a turntable. I've heard plenty of other gear but none sees to work so well with Rega as well.... Rega. I suppose the designers do build their components and stuff to work well together and combining all the bits certainly proved this for me (some call it synergy, I say its purposeful design).
If I'm honest I'd say its all the hifi I'd ever need and delivers nothing short of musical joy whenever I listen. The only reason I might ever change is because I hang around here and you lot are a terrible influence.
I still have second and third systems which comprise all manner of ever changing bits so my itch to experiment gets scratched there.
walpurgis
28-08-2014, 10:07
Go and listen to some good Class A driving big Tannoys. You may come away with plans in mind! :)
Or some Class D's driving full ranges.... true that there are lots of choices.
Not keen on the tannoy sound myself.
I would suspect many man hours are dedicated to ensuring that all Rega's products gel well with each other, therefore I'd expect an all Rega system to sound very good indeed. Think about it, there are sound commercial reasons why Rega would take this approach. Some may imply that this is a safe bet however it is one with potential benefits.
istari_knight
28-08-2014, 11:00
I think you're probably right Dave, I'm yet to hear what I would call a "transparent" Rega component... I expect when combined to make a system each components character compliment eachother... Maybe :)
I think you're probably right Dave, I'm yet to hear what I would call a "transparent" Rega component... I expect when combined to make a system each components character compliment eachother... Maybe :)
Oh I dunno, my Rega DAC does transparency in spades. It would take something very special indeed to oust it from the system ;)
Not keen on the tannoy sound myself.
Hi Rich,
Which Tannoys have you heard and in what systems? :)
Marco.
MikeMusic
28-08-2014, 12:21
There is not a single hi-fi dealer in the nearest large city to me. All we have here is the large big box store 'Best Buy' and they only have HT receivers.
That's a shame.
Set out your total budget and ask for opinions here
I don;t think you would go far wrong with Rega though
istari_knight
28-08-2014, 12:31
Oh I dunno, my Rega DAC does transparency in spades. It would take something very special indeed to oust it from the system ;)
Ah, but all DAC's sound the same don't you know ? ;)
Hi Rich,
Which Tannoys have you heard and in what systems? :)
Marco.
Uh oh Rich watch out now you've got Marco going about Tannoys.
Tannoys are a bit like golf in that the people who love it can't understand why there are people who don't ;)
Light Capture
28-08-2014, 13:04
Geoff, several years ago I'd have laughed if someone had suggested I had a one make system. Yet here I am.
For me it happened organically with the arrival of some Rega speakers, which gradually led to the amp, then the dac, then the cables, then a turntable. I've heard plenty of other gear but none sees to work so well with Rega as well.... Rega. I suppose the designers do build their components and stuff to work well together and combining all the bits certainly proved this for me (some call it synergy, I say its purposeful design).
If I'm honest I'd say its all the hifi I'd ever need and delivers nothing short of musical joy whenever I listen. The only reason I might ever change is because I hang around here and you lot are a terrible influence.
I still have second and third systems which comprise all manner of ever changing bits so my itch to experiment gets scratched there.
Thanks, this is helpful. So you'd describe the sound as musical? What about PRaT like Linn or Naim?
To clarify, I'm not entirely new to hi-fi having owned some top brands like Cary, Linn, Pass Labs, Classe, YBA, but since moving to an hi-fi deprived area and with my aging ears, and a tighter budget, I want a simple solution yet still good sound. I'm also considering a cheaper Marantz rig w/ my diy SEAS Froy3 speakers.
I'm appreciating everyones input. Wish you were all my neighbors so I can stop by for an audition.
Ah, but all DAC's sound the same don't you know ? ;)
Behave yourself... :whippin::whistle: :D
I couldn't tell you myself, Mike. The only thing Rega related I've ever heard was the Rega RP3. :p
My recommendation to you however, would be to discover a local hi-fi dealer near you. Most dealers setup their systems for optimal sound. I can speak this based on experience. A favorite local dealer of mine had a "dream setup" on a day I decided to come in. The setup was as follows:
Pro-Ject Xtension 12 → EMT TSD15 Super Fine Line Cartridge → Leben RS-30EQ Phono Preamp → Line Magnetic 518ia Integrated Amplifier → DeVore Fidelity Orangutan O/96 loudspeakers.
I have never heard any system with such cohesion, finesse, warmth, accuracy.. The moment the music played, it felt as if everything disappeared and only sound remained. It was pure bliss. One of the rare occasions I have ever teared over gear than music itself. So try it out, you never know what it is you might find or even dropping your money on? :D
I think those Devore Orangutan speakers would sound great with my Croft/ VPI set up. They may be my ideal type of speaker so not surprised you enjoyed them so much.
istari_knight
28-08-2014, 18:03
Behave yourself... :whippin::whistle: :D
I should make it clear that I haven't listened to any of Rega's latest products which are probably quite good [I like the styling at least!] My judgement is based upon the old Brio/Mira/Elex/Planet/Ela era gear... Of which I love the speakers but can't stand the electronics, go figure :scratch:
I haven't had a cohesive system in such a long time that I can't remember what good audio sounds like.
I've begun to dream of what one may sound like, and an entry level all Rega come to mind.
The Rega system I'm dreaming about:
RP3 turntable w/ Elys2
Brio-R amp
Apollo-R cd
RS-1 speakers
I have a nice Target Audio welded steel 5 shelf rack with their welded and sand filled speaker stands that I want to take advantage of in this system.
What does an 'one brand' Rega system sound like?
Pretty damn musical l would have thought.
Its been a while admittedly Marco so I'm going off my tastes at the time..
One pair was I believe D100, rosewood style standmounts. I heard em with musical fidelity pre/power, 90s era naim pre/power, and some Chinese valve monos and pre. I found them glassy in all combinations. The owner loved them, I recall being quite happy with my ruarks though.
The other pair was those midpriced floor standers they did also in the 90s, i dont know the model number, they were about 1m tall and had the dc and some kind of abr in them????my pal still loves them and uses an old a400. They were also of the 'tapered' cabinet variety.
I'm sure the big uns do scale and are possibly a different proposition but in reference to the OP, I'm not convinced that's the road we should be pointing him down.
Indeed you'd be welcome.
I'm not the best at describing how things sound but I'll try. The turntable is just rich, really full sounding, I play everything from prog to jazz to dance to folk. I understand why others say its not transparent sounding, that is something I associate with an analitical mindset. To be honest I don't really want that in HiFi, besides pro and studio gear does it better.
There are plenty reviews out there of the brio-r and I don't need to add much to them really. Its a toe tapper, a bit mild at lower volumes and a great thrill ride when you crank it up a bit. Mines loves nowt more than a good drum kit through it.
Speakers are all about the mid range, no ear piercing treble or grain. Give them strings and a female vocal and you'll see what I mean. The bass extension could be better but that's down to their size, hence this is the bit I'm experimenting with and will be the focus of my next purchase. I already have the speakers in mind. All said though they're no slouches and many will not want for more but I'm a bit of a headbanger and hang out here too much and feel an itch to scratch.
BTW I called into a friends house the other night post pub and he played some vinyl through a entry level marantz pm6004 and monitor audio bx2 on an unmodified technics 1210mk2. It made a lovely sound much to my surprise, I've had MA in the past and they didn't do it for me, the Cd6004 was fine sounding also. Again its a very safe choice but if, unlike us lot here, you just want something you'll enjoy and not fret about then its fine. Compared to my system I'd the Rega was a more involving listen and a bit more exciting, the marantz was more mild and 'polite' in its delivery. surprising when you consider how rough the bx2s can sound.
Its been a while admittedly Marco so I'm going off my tastes at the time..
One pair was I believe D100, rosewood style standmounts. I heard em with musical fidelity pre/power, 90s era naim pre/power, and some Chinese valve monos and pre. I found them glassy in all combinations. The owner loved them, I recall being quite happy with my ruarks though.
The other pair was those midpriced floor standers they did also in the 90s, i dont know the model number, they were about 1m tall and had the dc and some kind of abr in them????my pal still loves them and uses an old a400. They were also of the 'tapered' cabinet variety.
Lol… So the answer is you haven’t heard a proper pair of Tannoys! :eyebrows:
I’m not surprised you don’t like any of that pish you’ve mentioned. I don’t rate it either. ‘Proper’ Tannoys begin and end with the big dual-concentric models [Tannoys with multiple drive units, and those that are smaller than your average fridge, aren’t proper Tannoys], particularly the vintage ‘Monitor’ varieties, such as Reds, Golds, etc, and anything from the current Prestige range.
As for the rest, forget about them!
I'm sure the big uns do scale and are possibly a different proposition but in reference to the OP, I'm not convinced that's the road we should be pointing him down.
Sure, I was just curious in which context you’d heard Tannoys. Alles Klar :)
Marco.
walpurgis
29-08-2014, 10:32
One pair was I believe D100, rosewood style standmounts. I heard em with musical fidelity pre/power, 90s era naim pre/power, and some Chinese valve monos and pre. I found them glassy in all combinations. The owner loved them, I recall being quite happy with my ruarks though.
The D100 and D200 are Tannoy models I would try to point people away from. They ain't good in my opinion. Flat, two dimensional and coloured.
Shame you're not near Richard, my system could give you cause for a rethink. If you like clarity, depth, imaging and transparency. It's all there!
Indeed you'd be welcome.
I'm not the best at describing how things sound but I'll try. The turntable is just rich, really full sounding, I play everything from prog to jazz to dance to folk. I understand why others say its not transparent sounding, that is something I associate with an analitical mindset. To be honest I don't really want that in HiFi, besides pro and studio gear does it better.
There are plenty reviews out there of the brio-r and I don't need to add much to them really. Its a toe tapper, a bit mild at lower volumes and a great thrill ride when you crank it up a bit. Mines loves nowt more than a good drum kit through it.
Speakers are all about the mid range, no ear piercing treble or grain. Give them strings and a female vocal and you'll see what I mean. The bass extension could be better but that's down to their size, hence this is the bit I'm experimenting with and will be the focus of my next purchase. I already have the speakers in mind. All said though they're no slouches and many will not want for more but I'm a bit of a headbanger and hang out here too much and feel an itch to scratch.
BTW I called into a friends house the other night post pub and he played some vinyl through a entry level marantz pm6004 and monitor audio bx2 on an unmodified technics 1210mk2. It made a lovely sound much to my surprise, I've had MA in the past and they didn't do it for me, the Cd6004 was fine sounding also. Again its a very safe choice but if, unlike us lot here, you just want something you'll enjoy and not fret about then its fine. Compared to my system I'd the Rega was a more involving listen and a bit more exciting, the marantz was more mild and 'polite' in its delivery. surprising when you consider how rough the bx2s can sound.
Rich,
as you know I had the all rega system including the RS3's and pretty much I agree with what your saying here 100%, particularly in the bass department with the RS3's.
I felt sometimes they just needed that lower octave to drive things along a bit better -glorious mid and top, and fantastic bass for the size...but they could only do so much.
The Edingdales I have do what the RS3's do in the mid and top, only a lot better.
The bass? Well...you can imagine.
It goes THAT deep talking brown note deep... :)), but just as transparent, clear punchy and focused as the mid and top.
When your upgrading mate see if you can get a set.
If your ever north of the border give us a shout.
Rich,
as you know I had the all rega system including the RS3's and pretty much I agree with what your saying here 100%, particularly in the bass department with the RS3's.
I felt sometimes they just needed that lower octave to drive things along a bit better -glorious mid and top, and fantastic bass for the size...but they could only do so much.
The Edingdales I have do what the RS3's do in the mid and top, only a lot better.
The bass? Well...you can imagine.
It goes THAT deep talking brown note deep... :)), but just as transparent, clear punchy and focused as the mid and top.
When your upgrading mate see if you can get a set.
If your ever north of the border give us a shout.
Cheers Gaz... You must be reading my mind as I've been in touch with a certain speaker builder but have had to curtail my plans (hopefully not for too long) as we've had some urgent work done at home. I'm going to get to owston this year so may get to hear a pair there.
destroysall
30-08-2014, 04:55
There is not a single hi-fi dealer in the nearest large city to me. All we have here is the large big box store 'Best Buy' and they only have HT receivers.Mike, I'm not sure how far you are from Oak Ridge, but there is in fact (based on a Google search) a Rega dealer there by the name of Goldprint Audio → http://www.goldprintaudio.com/home.html
Cheers,
Chris
Hi Mike! If you are a music-lover, as opposed to an audiophile with OCD, you'll love the entry-level Rega system. I could happily live with it if I ever need to sell all my stupidly expensive stuff. It maybe lacks the ultimate transparency and dynamics, but TBH you'll be enjoying the music too much to even notice. The Brio amp is the star of the show. Some dealers here reckon it is well worth moving one up the range on the CD player. The stand-alone DAC is truly excellent. Entry-level speakers are designed for UK-sized rooms, so if you are in a city apartment should work well. For bigger rooms (say larger than 20x20feet), you'll need the larger floor-standers up the range. In the UK, Rega has been popular and selling-well for decades ... solid gear!
The last time I heard an all Rega system was at a show - they were only using the RP1 turntable but I was really very surprised how enjoyable the sound produced was - in fact it was so good I think we visited the room three separate times! It was one of the cheapest systems of demo too.
Light Capture
30-08-2014, 11:54
Mike, I'm not sure how far you are from Oak Ridge, but there is in fact (based on a Google search) a Rega dealer there by the name of Goldprint Audio → http://www.goldprintaudio.com/home.html
Cheers,
Chris
I looked them up and they are 2 hours away. I emailed them to see if they are a brick and mortar store. I've noticed many dealers have fancy websites, but operate out of there home with little opportunity to audition. I'm waiting to hear back.
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