At Audio Advice LIVE 2022, Bryce Allan of The Sound Organisation put together a bare bones, take us back to the fundamentals, all-NEW and all-Rega sound system. A small system that not only displayed what could be had in the hi-fi arena for total of around $2K USD, but also showed us that innovations in audio technology are outpacing the value of a dollar. Meaning, more and better can be had today for $2K USD than just five or ten years ago. Hard to believe, but I’m willing to argue my point in the comments.
Reporting by Eric Franklin Shook
If you recognize Bryce Allan, he participated in the The Vinyl Revival panel discussion that took place on day two of the AAL show, that was hosted by Audio Advice founder, Leon Shaw and included such notables as Michael Fremer, Jeff Coates, and Jonathan Derda.
The Rega Kyte, Made in England
Point #1 of my argument — it’s MADE IN F***ING ENGLAND!
Q: Who’s a jammy bastard now?
A: We are!
Hand made mid-bass drivers, lightweight resin enclosure, funky-cool ceramic plate and brace damping, and all for just $895 pr USD.
Notable Features:
- Custom designed phenolic resin cabinets
- Unique ceramic plate & cross brace construction
- Handmade MX-125 bass-mid unit
- Rega designed ZRR high frequency unit
- Bass reflex design, rear ported
- UK designed and manufactured
- Stand mount adaptor available (sold separately)
- Lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects
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The Rega Planar 1, New and Improved
Point #2 of my argument — Five or ten years ago, a plug-n-play turntable of this magnitude and refinement, from a major turntable manufacturer didn’t exist for this kind of outlay. We are currently living in a market in which the nature of the beast has changed. The Planar 1 retails for just $595 USD.
Notable Features:
- New Walnut effect finish added for 2022
- EBLT Advanced drive belt fitted as standard
- New matt finish for 2021
- RB110 tonearm with ultra-low friction play bearings
- Factory fitted Carbon moving magnet cartridge
- Phenolic resin, flywheel effect platter
- High quality, 24V low noise synchronous motor
- Lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects
The All-New, Rega io
Point #3 of my argument — The all-new Rega io — which shares its amplifier and phono stage with the more costly BRIO ($1,100 USD) — only carries a street price of $725 USD.
Notable Features:
- Integrated phono stage
- Headphone socket
- Mini remote control
- All new custom designed chassis
- Lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects
The Rega Distinction
This might be point #4 of my argument, but along with the new Kyte and components from Rega being redesigned, updated, or all-together being birthed wholly in one country, the sound of this affordable system sounded distinct from competitors in the price range.
Distinctly Rega, and less a part of the homogenization that hi-fi has been through since manufacturers began shifting production offshore. I think now, in the process of bringing the business of hi-fi back home, companies have found the ability to refine their designs thoroughly and rediscover what it was that made their brand of sound special in the first place.
This small system sang with gusto, polish, and a distinct transparency that I would have not thought possible had things stayed the same. I’m glad they haven’t.
