FS: Rega Aria phonostage

[Gromit]

This has been one extremely tough decsision - I have 2 phonostages at home, both of which are superb, the other one being a Sonneteer Sedley. I've been spending the last couple of days doing some reasonably lengthy comparisons and they're hard to split; the Aria is punchier, more spacious and with more low frequency authority. The Sedley wins out on vocals and with a slightly more easy-going persona. The Aria has fully separate, dedicated MM & MC stages - ie the MC stage isn't just a high-gain version of the MM. It'll even take 2 turntable inputs (if one is MM and the other MC). New, the Aria comes up at a couple of quid shy of £800.

To be honest I would be extremely happy with either of them but if pushed I'd make a nod towards the Rega as it has slightly more zest. Trouble is, our dishwasher has just gone fubar'd so I need to sell the phonostage which is worth more - the Rega.

This one's in very good condition, just some small marks on the fascia (which does seem extremely susceptible to picking up dusting swirls etc) and will of course include all the bit'n'bobs (mains lead, instructions, full packaging etc).

Coupe of pics...

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7583/15160822513_a33357b672_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/p6HbkB)DSCF4569 (https://flic.kr/p/p6HbkB)

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7538/15594833388_2a66b84c6f_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/pL4ADJ)DSCF4574 (https://flic.kr/p/pL4ADJ)

Price for this wonderful little box of tricks:

£450 including the good ol'UPS in the UK.

[Tarzan]

Great phono stage.:)

[Gromit]

Great phono stage.:)

Indeed, Andy - it's none too shabby at all. :)

It's a better stage than the Sedley, not night & day admittedly (there are some instances where I prefer the Sonneteer) but enough to make the price (when new) justifiable. The Aria's fresh, crisp and extremely open sounding, treading what seems to be a carefully chosen path between having loads of get-up-and-go and being musically transparent and not imprinting any character. A really great phonostage - quiet too, and very adjustable.

[zen]

I love my Aria, and this is a bargain price. Snap it up folks.

[Gromit]

Sold STP. :)