Looking forward to the Aethos tomorrow. I've been running a little Naim for the past 4 years and thoroughly enjoyed it. All Rega set up from now on! Cheers fellas
@@Markymarkvinylnut i sold my rega p6 with ania couple years back and have missed it so much. I'm now in the process of going back to rega. gonna pick up at aethos by the end of year and get a p8 turntable. i really like what rega is about
Just had the Aethos on loan for the week. Been wanting to try this amp for so long with having great success with my Elex R (not latest gen). Unfortunately I returned it this morning. Volume pot is annoying. Too low then too loud. Having used a remote with the Elex I don't want to go back to setting myself. What I found and remember this is the context of my room in my system, was a very nice muscular sound. I enjoyed this in the beginning but began to feel something was missing. I sensed the vocals slightly further back in the mix. They were also very controlled and smooth. This was a double edged sword for me as I felt they lacked a little too end sparkle. I kept cranking up the volume to compensate only to them feel it too loud. Swapping back to the Elex I knew I was right. This brought back a lovely balance with clear vocals that just seemed to hover in 3d space. I also sensed the soundstage was better etched, less mixed. Detail levels were to my ears little changed. My system is CD based only so maybe this is possibly why. Turntables poss show up more detail. In the end I feel my Elex is better suited to my system. Just be aware that change is not always the way forward. System, Mk1 Saturn as transport feeding original Reg a DAC. Elex powers 24 year old Celestion A1 stand mounts. Heavy duty Atacama stands support speakers. Cables are mid price chord with speaker cable being Van Den Hul CS122. I use a small 11ft square spare room as a dedicated listening room.
I have tested a lot of amplifiers, the Aethos is the only amplifier (at this pricepoint) that draws me fully into the music like no other. Forget everything and just listen with a smile 😊 Beautiful match with my Sonus faber Minima Amator 2 🎯
I had the pleasure of listening to an album I've played for the last 40 odd years on an Aethos and it pulled out details I'd just never heard before. A fantastic amp.
You guys are great and very entertaining. I'm a Rega and Naim fan and I look forward to seeing more reviews of these amplifiers. Also, I thoroughly enjoy the reminiscing, especially from the 80's. My score of Hi-Fi Riff is a 10! So much fun!
I demoed this recently up against the Elicit mk5 and the Hegel H190V. Excellent amp, as you say. Rega amps have loads of verve and drive, yet the Aethos is also clean and sophisticated.
+1 for discrete transistors here, I belive naim also does not use the mosfets/FETs but bipolars. It sounds much better to me, those mosfets are simply to fast and the tones appear to instantly which is unnatural. And it absolutely does not mean that the amp is slower than, it is not.
I have rega aethos and this amp is brilliant. When i play music i never listen brand i enjoy music and love my life. All my equipment is from rega research and in my opinion rega is best. Made for music lovers from people who know how music sound.
First of all, I thoroughly enjoy your reviews. I always enjoy your self-effacing British humour and presentation. Full marks. A very informative review too, especially your comments comparing with Naim, Cyrus, Sugden and Exposure. Could I also recommend you check out the Atoll range of amplifiers. I heard the SDA300 all-in-one streaming amp (the non-streaming equivalent would be the IN300) powering a pair of Neat Mystique Classics and it was a stunning combination. Immense power and control and enormous soundstage, but plenty of flesh on the bone too. It was difficult to move from the chair once the Atoll was in its stride. The Atoll/Neat combo was really quite addictive. I think it would make an interesting head-to-head with the Rega Aethos and it's yet another amp in the same price point.
I have an original Saturn (14 yr old with new transport just fitted) feeding the first Rega DAC. Amp is the Rega Elex-R which is superb for the money. Speakers are 24 yr old Celestion A1 stand mounts. I absolutely love this set up. Detailed, warm with deep controlled bass and huge scale. Holographic imaging is the icing on the cake. I find it hard to believe things could get any better but do wonder what the Aethos would bring to the party. Sorely tempted to give it a go. Just don't want to upset the lovely balance I have at present. Sometimes bigger is not always better.
Had the Rega Elex4, great amplifier, now have had the Aethos for about 7 months and it is easily the best amplifier I have had, I still can't believe how much better it drives my speakers at low to medium volumes than the Elex4, don't see me changing it anytime soon as the SYNERGY I have with IT and the rest of my system is really excellent, very well done Rega for the design and build of an amp of this quality in both build and sound for the investment cost.
Another fantastic Riff guys, always entertaining. Nice to hear Rega are still knocking it out of the park! I must say, having decided I need tubes in my pre amp, I ended up with a Mcintosh MA252 and I simply can't imagine ever changing it - it's certainly the other end of the spectrum to the Naim 250 DR I had been using before! But if I were looking, its nice to know there are so many quality options in this mid price range.
Fantastic rift lads but with Mike's naim heritage I would like you say review the Naim Supernait 3 at £3,500 in this mid priced integrated amp selection your discussion and it's even better with the naim supercap PSU
That sounds like a great system. I’m looking to order mine soon. Just wanted to ask you a few questions? How hot does it really get for a normal few hours of listening? And is the Aethos an amp you can enjoy listening to the Clash as well as Joan Armatrading etc… PS you gents are Brilliant
I use a Saturn R into an Aethos and Spendor A6 speakers. The room has not been furnished or decorated yet, so i have not heard the system at it's best, but even in a very lively/fluttery room I can hear the potential.
Interesting review quite enjoyable . I got a Rega Elicit r. Does the Aethos run hot when you really drive it [ Deep Purple etc] .Really the only complaint I got with the Elicit r and is the Aethos worth upgrading to.
Yes, the Aethos does get quite warm, but we're not talking Sugden A21SE 'hot', here! If I were you, I'd book a dem with your local Rega dealer and bring your Elicit R in to A-B it with a new Aethos.
I used to work in the industry many moons ago and always felt the Rega amps had a nice balanced sound from their Brio upwards. Being so renowned for their turntables,it's easy to overlook some of their other products, which is a bit of a shame. Thank-you both.
Slightly different sound. Both excellent, and it depends on what system you're using - especially speakers. The Rega sounds 'louder', the Exposure sounds 'gutsier'. Tonally there's some upper bass bloom and midband opacity with the latter. Also, the 3510's low bass is soggier. The Rega is slightly crisper, more etched, and less coloured. Less valve-like, but still obviously sweeter than, say a Cyrus I9-XR or a Hi-Fi Rose RA280. I'd say the Rega is more neutral, more detailed, and more incisive, although you could never call it analytical. In summary, I think the Exposure 3510, Sugden A21SE and Rega Aethos are the 'Holy Trinity' of Brit high end integrateds, also with the Naim SuperNait 3 very close and it has a great phono stage too. Well worth auditioning all of these amps, preferably with your speakers and source. It comes down to your system and your taste as much as anything as they're all so good in their respective ways.
Great review, the Aethos is easily the best amplifier I have owned. The only thing I would add is its excellent low level listening capability, something I find it shares with the Exposure 2510 (not something that a lot of amps do well in my experience).
That's one more thing then that it has in common with valve amps, although it's the combination of valves and high sensitivity speakers that truly excel at low level listening.
@@gaborozorai3714 Yeah, I need to try that at some point! I’ve had bookshelves speakers exclusively, so it’s been class A/B for me so far (though Aethos seems like high class A bias) 😅 I actually think the Exposure is perhaps even better in this regard, but overall the Aethos is at another level, for my tastes at least.
I think that is true for all Rega Amps, I know it is so for Elex-R and Aethos. However, the speakers need to also be good at low volume levels. Speakers like KEF LS50 scupper an amp’s low level capability whereas MA and ATC do not. ( for me low levels are below about 35dB )
@@williambrown7484 true that (Actually those are the two Rega amps I own 😄 ). Yet something like the Buchardt S400 MK1, that is for good reason recognized a needing a little volume to come alive, was kinda transformed by the Exposure and the Aethos (never tried them with the Elex-R)
Great review guys ,I love my Atheos amplifier,i use it with a P3 turntable and Rega Saturn MK3 cd player driving Ruark Accolade speakers,I just love it
Dear gentlemen, the reason why Rush's albums sound so good is because they were recorded at Morin Height, Canada, by André Perry who was one of the best producers...
Lovey amplifier. I’m torn between this amp, the Exposure 3510 or Naim Nait XS3. I already have a DAC and have a phono stage, will be paired with Neat Motive speakers. Any thoughts or recommendations?
@@Hi-FiRiffthanks very much for the confidence boosting reply Mike. However… if you were pushed into choosing, what would you go for and do you think any particular one would shine or not work very well at low level night time listening? The Naim is the cheapest at £2500 followed by the Exposure at £2600 (it has had a price increase earlier this year). I am currently leaning towards the Exposure, but I thought the naim was superb in the first demo I had but I am not sure I could live with its exuberance all the time, it was like an excited puppy. Thanks once again.
@@mrkitewine7700 I think the Rega is probably the best all-rounder, actually. The Naim is always in party mode, the Exposure is more chilled out, and the Rega is happy to sit at home or go out! Depends on your favoured type of music, then. And if you're generally listening at lowish levels, then the Sugden A21SE is another to consider. It's more 'musical' than all the aforementioned, but runs out of puff when you really turn the volume up high. As Mike says, you're spoiled for choice - all are great in their way.
Great review! Answered a lot of questions along the line of the really worthwhile integrated amps that are relatively affordable that you guys have been covering. I’m hoping down the line to simplify back from separates with something that would fit the bill. Albeit my still being partial to the British component offerings, might you guys consider reviewing anything by the Italian brand Pathos? The Classic MK3 is a hybrid that would fit within these prices ranges 🙏🏼👍🏼
Γεια σας από την Κέρκυρα. (Hello from Corfu) Ήθος - or "Ethos" in English. Although used to describe the characteristics of a belief within a population, the Greeks also used this word to refer to the power of music to influence emotions, behaviors, and even morals. Maybe, this is relevant to the naming of this amp?
I bought it 1 year ago and i love it. I run atm with a pair of triangle magellan duettos and a bluesound node n130. I have ordered and waiting for it a Laiv harmony dac and i think i will also get the ps audio airlens.
@mrt6349 I too have had the Aethos for a little over a year, and just received the Laiv Harmony (silver, not that it matters) about a month ago. You're in for a definite treat. I am currently running coax but will eventually spring for a streamer with an I2S connection to take full advantage of the Harmony's delights.
So I have the same speakers as David , the magical Yamaha NS1000Ms - PLEASE do a retro review on those btw !! , and the diminutive brother of the TT, the Hugo 2. I prefer my LP12 though. Just played Tour de France (never heard it before) streamed lossless (through a SET Class A Valve) amp and the album sounds fantastic and is amazing. What a rhythmic beat it has. The Breathing sounds on Kardiogramm through the Yamaha speakers took my breath away literally (pun intended). Keep up the good work.
Yep, the Yams sure love Kraftwerk! Not least because the recording quality is generally superb. I think Electric Cafe is probably their high point in sound quality terms, and it's also a great album, but give it time as it's a grower.
Excellent review. I think the latest Rotel integrated amps (after Marantz legend Ken Ishiwata worked there and revised their sound signature) belongs to be part of the conversation.
Great review. Love the mood of the reviews and the conversations. What I would love to know if what would be the best option. The Aethos / the Naim Supernait or the Exposure 3510 pre/ power amp combo ….Or even the Sugden 21SE?
All depends on your favourite music and the size of your room. Sugden and Exposure are warm and sweet, but very musical. Naim is a lot livelier but coloured. Rega is only slightly on the warm side of neutral and has more detail grip than all of them - and more power too.
@@MrVinylista thanks so much. Being a man with no patience I dived in and bought the Atheos last week on your recommendation. Yet to find time to listen to it . I think I will be buying the Sugden IA-4 next so a Riff on that would be great. Not sure anyone has done an online review of that at all. Thanks for the Riffs. Your personalities capture the best of hi fi /car fans from my era, when life was more simple and more sweet. Watching your Riffs are now like watching old friends on TH-cam. Great review on the Hi-Fi Rose. P.S. My first car was a 2.0L Capri on a ‘79 T plate. Two tone blue and silver rather than the vinyl roof. Utterly useless but I loved it. Could open it with any car key. I wonder whether Mike’s ‘Laser’ was better than mine. I expect so. I remember the Laser. Was there a Ghia Model? You should do an episode on 80’s Ghia and Vanden Plas models 😂😂
@@MrVinylista At the time I was using a Bluesound Node 130 with Proac DT8 and Kef R5 speakers. The room is 18ftx12ft, fully carpeted with soft furnishings. I've had lots of amplifiers over the years, Quad 306, 405 and 606. Exposure model 18 monoblocks, and Super V111, I've also had Denon, Pioneer, Marantz, Rotel, Cambridge, Sugden and Rega. I now have a Rega Brio for low level listening and a Rotel RA1572Mk11 when I want to turn the wick up. The Brio is a fantastic little amp, not sure I would class it as warm though. It has a nice punchy full bodied sound which is great for low level listening with the Kef R5’s, Bass is a bit to full if your play loud though. I do like the Rega and was thing about getting the Rega Aethos to replace the Rotel
I wish you guys would review the lower level Rega amps. I am really interested in the Excel due to its features and price point but could be persuaded to go for the Elicit but that would really be stretching my budget.
Unless something has recently changed, Cable Company is a Rega dealer. They'll send you both models so you can try them in your own system. No need to take a chance. Rega is a great company, but they're amps can be polarizing. For some people they can be a bit too energetic in the upper frequencies. Trusting reviews is risky. They're meant to be used as an aid, but not to replace an actual demo. What kind of speakers do you have?
@@052RC unfortunately being housebound due to long term health issues including a stroke I am unable to get out to audition like I would have done in the past so I am relying on lots of reviews and other people to point me in the right direction. I am in the process of updating my system that has served me well for decades which when done I hope will see me through to my demise so it needs to be right. Currently my main source is vinyl then cd followed by streaming. I have around 3000 records and possibly double that in cd’s. Music is a hobby that I can still enjoy now I am disabled. Main system consists of a modern Linn LP12 with Roksan Nima arm and Adikt cartridge. I have a second turntable a Linn Basik with Ittok arm and K9 cartridge. This takes the excellent but budget ATVM stylus range particularly the conical which I use for older worn records, bearing in mind I have been collecting records since the 1960’s. I also use the EN stylus for background music to save wear on the Adikt. A third turntable is a Rega P3 with a AT610mono cartridge obviously for my mono recordings. For CD’s it’s a Cyrus 6 which replaced a Marantz CD63 KI. Amp is a very smooth Technics class AA that has got lots of inputs that I need and 2 sets of speaker connections. Speakers are a pair of KEF Coda II’s which I love for late night listening and a pair of floor standing Celestions whose model number I can’t remember which I use in the day time. As for the amp upgrade I was considering both the noted Rega’s or perhaps an Audiolab. Speakers would be Wharfdale Evo 4.4 or maybe the Lintons. I would like Rega’s Appolo cd player but could be tempted by one of the Audiolabs probably the 9000CDT or an Atoll. Not considered an Atoll amp as the others I mentioned have good inbuilt DAC’s and phono stages. The cd player needs a good buffer as I buy lots of cd’s from eBay some of which aren’t in the best condition. Should have said that I am in the UK. As for a streamer I use Apple Music from my iPhone to a Bludento BLT by Bluetooth but will probably get the Wiim Ultra once it’s available. Any suggestions or recommendations would be greatly appreciated but I would have to purchase items online. Music room is heavily furnished 16x16 at a guess and the music I play is very varied from rock, folk and classical. Mike Oldfield, Led Zeppelin and Neil Diamond being particularly favourite.
Elex ? I moved from original Cyrus 1 to Audiolab 8000S to Elex-R to Aethos, found an ex-demo model going cheap. The Elex is no slouch, the Aethos just does it even better. Both are engagingly listenable, driven and pacey. In terms of ‘extras’ like phono stage and DAC you do get more with the current Elex.
If I had known inflation was going to be this out of control, I would have done some upgrading a few years ago. I have a lot of good stuff so I really can't complain, but it seems like prices have just about doubled on audio gear. Don't even think about buying a car.
The Rega amps get great reviews but I've never understood why the volume controls are soo poor? For that reason I've never bought one and much prefer the engineering of my Cyrus amps.
Hi there.. this time i really need your opinion upon rega product.. first, i have rega system for quite sometimes, i used to have rega brio and then swap to elecit r then i upgraded to aethos i really please with the sound… but most of my friend tell me that Naim is much better… but i never try NAIM before… what u think about these brand to be compare in term of character, flexibility of the system.. ? U know NAIM have pre amp and power amp separate system while rega dont have.. right now i use r4ga p6, aethos, aria mk 3, and xavian accorda, but in the future i like to get dynaudio which os everybody knows that they are Hungry power speaker…
With enormous respect for the Riffers (and Rega as well) a 9.5 Riff-o-meter score is not taken lightly. Do you think Rega would ever put a DAC and even a (shock, horror) streaming front end into an integrated amp? Never say never… The reasons are non-trivial. First, the use of analog and (yes) digital interconnects worthy of such an amp and other “boxes” are EXPENSIVE (say AudioQuest Thunderbird and Diamond). Undoubtedly there are reasons to keep things separate. But secondly, I’m confident Rega could offer something uniquely optimized as only it can and this is the direction the market is moving. The economics are compelling.
Notified by my dealer that my long awaited Aethos ( + Aura) arrived yesterday. These will be fed by my Planar 10 + Aphelion 2. Initially these will be hooked up to B&W CM7s but I suspect that these will be "the weakest link" and that when funds allow I will be looking for something more able to demonstrate Mr Gandy's team brilliance. So I noted with interest your comments regarding NS1000s. Forgive my ignorance - what are these? A search only gave an extremely affordable Yamaha listing - are they actually something else?
Wow, very nice system by the sounds of it. I wouldn't be worrying! Yes, they are Yams that they are talking about, vintage, sealed box and beloved by many. Best to learn a bit about them and be discerning if seeking out a pair.
There is the Yamaha NS1000M, big and expensive, and the NS1000MM, small and cheap. Then there is the NS1000, the non monitor consumer version. I think they date from 1974.
We have just reviewed the Rose and loved it! The rose has a huge amount of power, but I think we probably preferred the sound quality the Rega offers... it is a very special piece of kit! Best wishes Mike
@@Hi-FiRiff thank you. Yes Rega has magic. I have my Aria MKiii and my table is Rega I love their stuff. The RA280 has been good but feel like it works amazing for acoustic type music like classical and live performances. It made me cry on some Mozart. But for studio based rock stuff with loud bombastic instruments it seems to be kinda blah.
Have you ever heard the Rega Ella Mk1? Uk £ for £ they were very good. I had a pair from early 1990s to 2014. Each to their own of course but if you haven’t heard them you might be a trifle surprised.
What's in a name? Why is Gary "Geddy"? His mother, in her native Yiddish tongue, couldn't pronounce his name correctly - hence "Geddy". Welcome to the Pleasure Dome? C' mon guys, you can do better than that. The Human League's "Dare" is a sonic marvel, much better than Frankie Goes to Hollywood's tat. Of course, Kraftwerk albums always sound magnificent.
@@EskWIREDYes, I agree. The 12' inch also has tectonic plate shifting low end... room shaking sonics! And "Dare" is one of the best sounding albums of the Eighties...
I can't comment on how Naim gear sounds, but God their industrial design is dull, dull, dull, with an extra dull on the end. BTW did I say they were dull?
@@jimfarrell4635 The design is the least of their worries. Piss-poor electronic engineering from day 1. No wonder they need 'upgrades' out of the box to make them perform at least below average. There's a reason manufacturers like Naim don't publish meaningful measurements.
@@nickevans3190 Ah yes, but good expensive amps don't need an even more expensive 'upgrade' just to perform how they should have in the first place. It's a con, and too many people buy into it.
A very enjoyable 22 minutes, thank you for the kind words and glad you enjoyed the Aethos. 👏👏👏
I think the AETHOS model is not widely promoted and advertised. I've seen a lot of people discover this lately and I'm surprised.
Our pleasure!
Looking forward to the Aethos tomorrow. I've been running a little Naim for the past 4 years and thoroughly enjoyed it. All Rega set up from now on! Cheers fellas
@@Markymarkvinylnut i sold my rega p6 with ania couple years back and have missed it so much. I'm now in the process of going back to rega. gonna pick up at aethos by the end of year and get a p8 turntable. i really like what rega is about
Just had the Aethos on loan for the week. Been wanting to try this amp for so long with having great success with my Elex R (not latest gen). Unfortunately I returned it this morning. Volume pot is annoying. Too low then too loud. Having used a remote with the Elex I don't want to go back to setting myself. What I found and remember this is the context of my room in my system, was a very nice muscular sound. I enjoyed this in the beginning but began to feel something was missing. I sensed the vocals slightly further back in the mix. They were also very controlled and smooth. This was a double edged sword for me as I felt they lacked a little too end sparkle. I kept cranking up the volume to compensate only to them feel it too loud.
Swapping back to the Elex I knew I was right. This brought back a lovely balance with clear vocals that just seemed to hover in 3d space. I also sensed the soundstage was better etched, less mixed. Detail levels were to my ears little changed. My system is CD based only so maybe this is possibly why. Turntables poss show up more detail.
In the end I feel my Elex is better suited to my system. Just be aware that change is not always the way forward.
System, Mk1 Saturn as transport feeding original Reg a DAC. Elex powers 24 year old Celestion A1 stand mounts. Heavy duty Atacama stands support speakers. Cables are mid price chord with speaker cable being Van Den Hul CS122.
I use a small 11ft square spare room as a dedicated listening room.
I have tested a lot of amplifiers, the Aethos is the only amplifier (at this pricepoint) that draws me fully into the music like no other. Forget everything and just listen with a smile 😊
Beautiful match with my Sonus faber Minima Amator 2 🎯
I had the pleasure of listening to an album I've played for the last 40 odd years on an Aethos and it pulled out details I'd just never heard before. A fantastic amp.
You guys are great and very entertaining. I'm a Rega and Naim fan and I look forward to seeing more reviews of these amplifiers. Also, I thoroughly enjoy the reminiscing, especially from the 80's. My score of Hi-Fi Riff is a 10! So much fun!
I demoed this recently up against the Elicit mk5 and the Hegel H190V. Excellent amp, as you say. Rega amps have loads of verve and drive, yet the Aethos is also clean and sophisticated.
It's a terrific amp. We used it at the UK Audio Show live, driving a pair of Kerr acoustic speakers and it coped brilliantly.
Mike
+1 for discrete transistors here, I belive naim also does not use the mosfets/FETs but bipolars. It sounds much better to me, those mosfets are simply to fast and the tones appear to instantly which is unnatural. And it absolutely does not mean that the amp is slower than, it is not.
I have rega aethos and this amp is brilliant. When i play music i never listen brand i enjoy music and love my life. All my equipment is from rega research and in my opinion rega is best. Made for music lovers from people who know how music sound.
First of all, I thoroughly enjoy your reviews. I always enjoy your self-effacing British humour and presentation. Full marks. A very informative review too, especially your comments comparing with Naim, Cyrus, Sugden and Exposure. Could I also recommend you check out the Atoll range of amplifiers. I heard the SDA300 all-in-one streaming amp (the non-streaming equivalent would be the IN300) powering a pair of Neat Mystique Classics and it was a stunning combination. Immense power and control and enormous soundstage, but plenty of flesh on the bone too. It was difficult to move from the chair once the Atoll was in its stride. The Atoll/Neat combo was really quite addictive. I think it would make an interesting head-to-head with the Rega Aethos and it's yet another amp in the same price point.
I have an original Saturn (14 yr old with new transport just fitted) feeding the first Rega DAC. Amp is the Rega Elex-R which is superb for the money. Speakers are 24 yr old Celestion A1 stand mounts. I absolutely love this set up. Detailed, warm with deep controlled bass and huge scale. Holographic imaging is the icing on the cake. I find it hard to believe things could get any better but do wonder what the Aethos would bring to the party. Sorely tempted to give it a go. Just don't want to upset the lovely balance I have at present. Sometimes bigger is not always better.
I would be very tempted to see if a friendly dealer would let you borrow one.
Careful what you wish for though, you may not want to return it.
Mike
A riff with Geddy Lee would be the most awesome event for this channel - really hope you make it happen!! And nice to see some AC/DC on the channel 🤘
I’ve enjoyed the sound of the Rega but its remote control volume steps are too big, so it’s hard to get the right volume setting.
Had the Rega Elex4, great amplifier, now have had the Aethos for about 7 months and it is easily the best amplifier I have had, I still can't believe how much better it drives my speakers at low to medium volumes than the Elex4, don't see me changing it anytime soon as the SYNERGY I have with IT and the rest of my system is really excellent, very well done Rega for the design and build of an amp of this quality in both build and sound for the investment cost.
Another fantastic Riff guys, always entertaining. Nice to hear Rega are still knocking it out of the park!
I must say, having decided I need tubes in my pre amp, I ended up with a Mcintosh MA252 and I simply can't imagine ever changing it - it's certainly the other end of the spectrum to the Naim 250 DR I had been using before! But if I were looking, its nice to know there are so many quality options in this mid price range.
Great review! I have a Rega elex - r it continues to amaze me for a modest price!
Totally agree. Superb and well worth the asking price. Love mine to bits.
Fantastic rift lads but with Mike's naim heritage I would like you say review the Naim Supernait 3 at £3,500 in this mid priced integrated amp selection your discussion and it's even better with the naim supercap PSU
That sounds like a great system. I’m looking to order mine soon. Just wanted to ask you a few questions? How hot does it really get for a normal few hours of listening? And is the Aethos an amp you can enjoy listening to the Clash as well as Joan Armatrading etc… PS you gents are Brilliant
I use a Saturn R into an Aethos and Spendor A6 speakers. The room has not been furnished or decorated yet, so i have not heard the system at it's best, but even in a very lively/fluttery room I can hear the potential.
Interesting review quite enjoyable . I got a Rega Elicit r. Does the Aethos run hot when you really drive it [ Deep Purple etc] .Really the only complaint I got with the Elicit r and is the Aethos worth upgrading to.
Yes, the Aethos does get quite warm, but we're not talking Sugden A21SE 'hot', here!
If I were you, I'd book a dem with your local Rega dealer and bring your Elicit R in to A-B it with a new Aethos.
it's a nice amp but the volume control was intolerable, changed to an Exposure 3510 which is as good but £1000 cheaper and has precise volume control.
How does the 3510 compare sound wise to the Aethos and what speakers are you using it with? Both are on my shortlist.
I used to work in the industry many moons ago and always felt the Rega amps had a nice balanced sound from their Brio upwards. Being so renowned for their turntables,it's easy to overlook some of their other products, which is a bit of a shame. Thank-you both.
Amplifier has no sound of its own. It needs to have a flat response with no noise .
@@r423fplip In an ideal world,yes.
@@oliverbeard7912 my amp is fantastic, the measurements show it to be. It has no sound of its own.
People spout nonsense about hifi on TH-cam. But we now know better.
@@r423fplip Hi.Which amp do you use out of interest?
Would you prefer the Rega over the Exposure at that price range? Having a Roksan Attessa + CD transport now that is up for sale or swap.
Slightly different sound. Both excellent, and it depends on what system you're using - especially speakers. The Rega sounds 'louder', the Exposure sounds 'gutsier'. Tonally there's some upper bass bloom and midband opacity with the latter. Also, the 3510's low bass is soggier. The Rega is slightly crisper, more etched, and less coloured. Less valve-like, but still obviously sweeter than, say a Cyrus I9-XR or a Hi-Fi Rose RA280. I'd say the Rega is more neutral, more detailed, and more incisive, although you could never call it analytical.
In summary, I think the Exposure 3510, Sugden A21SE and Rega Aethos are the 'Holy Trinity' of Brit high end integrateds, also with the Naim SuperNait 3 very close and it has a great phono stage too. Well worth auditioning all of these amps, preferably with your speakers and source. It comes down to your system and your taste as much as anything as they're all so good in their respective ways.
Great review, the Aethos is easily the best amplifier I have owned. The only thing I would add is its excellent low level listening capability, something I find it shares with the Exposure 2510 (not something that a lot of amps do well in my experience).
That's one more thing then that it has in common with valve amps, although it's the combination of valves and high sensitivity speakers that truly excel at low level listening.
@@gaborozorai3714 Yeah, I need to try that at some point! I’ve had bookshelves speakers exclusively, so it’s been class A/B for me so far (though Aethos seems like high class A bias) 😅 I actually think the Exposure is perhaps even better in this regard, but overall the Aethos is at another level, for my tastes at least.
I think that is true for all Rega Amps, I know it is so for Elex-R and Aethos. However, the speakers need to also be good at low volume levels. Speakers like KEF LS50 scupper an amp’s low level capability whereas MA and ATC do not. ( for me low levels are below about 35dB )
@@williambrown7484 true that (Actually those are the two Rega amps I own 😄 ). Yet something like the Buchardt S400 MK1, that is for good reason recognized a needing a little volume to come alive, was kinda transformed by the Exposure and the Aethos (never tried them with the Elex-R)
Thank you for reviewing this amplifier. A lot more expensive here in North America. I think it is very cool. Definately my cup of tea.
Great review guys ,I love my Atheos amplifier,i use it with a P3 turntable and Rega Saturn MK3 cd player driving Ruark Accolade speakers,I just love it
Dear gentlemen, the reason why Rush's albums sound so good is because they were recorded at Morin Height, Canada, by André Perry who was one of the best producers...
sound profile list was excellent , so from warm to analytical: Tube, Sudgun (class A), Rega, (Marantz?), Exposure, NAD. Please add more makes
Clearly Geddy Lee has excellent taste in hifi.
Lovey amplifier.
I’m torn between this amp, the Exposure 3510 or Naim Nait XS3. I already have a DAC and have a phono stage, will be paired with Neat Motive speakers.
Any thoughts or recommendations?
Yes, you are in a win, win, win situation.
I don't think there is a bad choice there at all.
Mike
@@Hi-FiRiffthanks very much for the confidence boosting reply Mike.
However… if you were pushed into choosing, what would you go for and do you think any particular one would shine or not work very well at low level night time listening? The Naim is the cheapest at £2500 followed by the Exposure at £2600 (it has had a price increase earlier this year). I am currently leaning towards the Exposure, but I thought the naim was superb in the first demo I had but I am not sure I could live with its exuberance all the time, it was like an excited puppy.
Thanks once again.
@@mrkitewine7700 I think the Rega is probably the best all-rounder, actually. The Naim is always in party mode, the Exposure is more chilled out, and the Rega is happy to sit at home or go out! Depends on your favoured type of music, then. And if you're generally listening at lowish levels, then the Sugden A21SE is another to consider. It's more 'musical' than all the aforementioned, but runs out of puff when you really turn the volume up high. As Mike says, you're spoiled for choice - all are great in their way.
What’s the rega like at lowish levels
@@Chimpsfingers Absolutely excellent.
I remember that the Rega Brio was based on a valve amp circuit. are any of the current Rega amps so-based?
The Isis CD player is available as a valve version.
“ mid price”! I’ll just have to wait twenty years until it appears on eBay for an affordable price .
Great review! Answered a lot of questions along the line of the really worthwhile integrated amps that are relatively affordable that you guys have been covering.
I’m hoping down the line to simplify back from separates with something that would fit the bill. Albeit my still being partial to the British component offerings, might you guys consider reviewing anything by the Italian brand Pathos? The Classic MK3 is a hybrid that would fit within these prices ranges 🙏🏼👍🏼
Γεια σας από την Κέρκυρα. (Hello from Corfu) Ήθος - or "Ethos" in English. Although used to describe the characteristics of a belief within a population, the Greeks also used this word to refer to the power of music to influence emotions, behaviors, and even morals. Maybe, this is relevant to the naming of this amp?
Great insight, thanks.
I bought it 1 year ago and i love it. I run atm with a pair of triangle magellan duettos and a bluesound node n130. I have ordered and waiting for it a Laiv harmony dac and i think i will also get the ps audio airlens.
@mrt6349 I too have had the Aethos for a little over a year, and just received the Laiv Harmony (silver, not that it matters) about a month ago. You're in for a definite treat. I am currently running coax but will eventually spring for a streamer with an I2S connection to take full advantage of the Harmony's delights.
So I have the same speakers as David , the magical Yamaha NS1000Ms - PLEASE do a retro review on those btw !! , and the diminutive brother of the TT, the Hugo 2. I prefer my LP12 though. Just played Tour de France (never heard it before) streamed lossless (through a SET Class A Valve) amp and the album sounds fantastic and is amazing. What a rhythmic beat it has. The Breathing sounds on Kardiogramm through the Yamaha speakers took my breath away literally (pun intended). Keep up the good work.
Yep, the Yams sure love Kraftwerk! Not least because the recording quality is generally superb. I think Electric Cafe is probably their high point in sound quality terms, and it's also a great album, but give it time as it's a grower.
Yes it does sound good: but you are quite right Kraftwerk just sounds good. Man machine and The Robots is stupendous through them as well.
Excellent review. I think the latest Rotel integrated amps (after Marantz legend Ken Ishiwata worked there and revised their sound signature) belongs to be part of the conversation.
A tube-like solid state amp is preferable to a solid state-like tube amp!
Which brings me to reassure my satisfaction with my MF A308. Remarkable amp
Hi David, how’s Lavardin ISX Reference compared to these? Some of the reviewers have it as their solid state integrated
Can't find the GL special guys!!!😂😂😂😂😂
Great review. Love the mood of the reviews and the conversations.
What I would love to know if what would be the best option. The Aethos / the Naim Supernait or the Exposure 3510 pre/ power amp combo
….Or even the Sugden 21SE?
All depends on your favourite music and the size of your room. Sugden and Exposure are warm and sweet, but very musical. Naim is a lot livelier but coloured. Rega is only slightly on the warm side of neutral and has more detail grip than all of them - and more power too.
@@MrVinylista thanks so much. Being a man with no patience I dived in and bought the Atheos last week on your recommendation. Yet to find time to listen to it .
I think I will be buying the Sugden IA-4 next so a Riff on that would be great. Not sure anyone has done an online review of that at all.
Thanks for the Riffs. Your personalities capture the best of hi fi /car fans from my era, when life was more simple and more sweet. Watching your Riffs are now like watching old friends on TH-cam.
Great review on the Hi-Fi Rose.
P.S. My first car was a 2.0L Capri on a ‘79 T plate. Two tone blue and silver rather than the vinyl roof.
Utterly useless but I loved it. Could open it with any car key. I wonder whether Mike’s ‘Laser’ was better than mine. I expect so. I remember the Laser. Was there a Ghia Model?
You should do an episode on 80’s Ghia and Vanden Plas models 😂😂
@@MrVinylista The Exposure 3510 is NOT WARM SWEET. In my 45 years in and out of hifi I can say this with confidence. I know because I've had one.
@@ronlysons6750 What loudspeakers and source do you use, as a matter of interest?
@@MrVinylista At the time I was using a Bluesound Node 130 with Proac DT8 and Kef R5 speakers.
The room is 18ftx12ft, fully carpeted with soft furnishings. I've had lots of amplifiers over the years, Quad 306, 405 and 606. Exposure model 18 monoblocks, and Super V111, I've also had Denon, Pioneer, Marantz, Rotel, Cambridge, Sugden and Rega. I now have a Rega Brio for low level listening and a Rotel RA1572Mk11 when I want to turn the wick up. The Brio is a fantastic little amp, not sure I would class it as warm though. It has a nice punchy full bodied sound which is great for low level listening with the Kef R5’s, Bass is a bit to full if your play loud though. I do like the Rega and was thing about getting the Rega Aethos to replace the Rotel
Check out the Roksan Blak even better. That amp sets the standard for integrated’s around that price point.
Sounds like a plan!
Mike
I wish you guys would review the lower level Rega amps. I am really interested in the Excel due to its features and price point but could be persuaded to go for the Elicit but that would really be stretching my budget.
Unless something has recently changed, Cable Company is a Rega dealer. They'll send you both models so you can try them in your own system. No need to take a chance. Rega is a great company, but they're amps can be polarizing. For some people they can be a bit too energetic in the upper frequencies. Trusting reviews is risky. They're meant to be used as an aid, but not to replace an actual demo. What kind of speakers do you have?
@@052RC unfortunately being housebound due to long term health issues including a stroke I am unable to get out to audition like I would have done in the past so I am relying on lots of reviews and other people to point me in the right direction. I am in the process of updating my system that has served me well for decades which when done I hope will see me through to my demise so it needs to be right.
Currently my main source is vinyl then cd followed by streaming. I have around 3000 records and possibly double that in cd’s. Music is a hobby that I can still enjoy now I am disabled. Main system consists of a modern Linn LP12 with Roksan Nima arm and Adikt cartridge. I have a second turntable a Linn Basik with Ittok arm and K9 cartridge. This takes the excellent but budget ATVM stylus range particularly the conical which I use for older worn records, bearing in mind I have been collecting records since the 1960’s. I also use the EN stylus for background music to save wear on the Adikt. A third turntable is a Rega P3 with a AT610mono cartridge obviously for my mono recordings. For CD’s it’s a Cyrus 6 which replaced a Marantz CD63 KI. Amp is a very smooth Technics class AA that has got lots of inputs that I need and 2 sets of speaker connections. Speakers are a pair of KEF Coda II’s which I love for late night listening and a pair of floor standing Celestions whose model number I can’t remember which I use in the day time.
As for the amp upgrade I was considering both the noted Rega’s or perhaps an Audiolab. Speakers would be Wharfdale Evo 4.4 or maybe the Lintons. I would like Rega’s Appolo cd player but could be tempted by one of the Audiolabs probably the 9000CDT or an Atoll. Not considered an Atoll amp as the others I mentioned have good inbuilt DAC’s and phono stages. The cd player needs a good buffer as I buy lots of cd’s from eBay some of which aren’t in the best condition. Should have said that I am in the UK. As for a streamer I use Apple Music from my iPhone to a Bludento BLT by Bluetooth but will probably get the Wiim Ultra once it’s available. Any suggestions or recommendations would be greatly appreciated but I would have to purchase items online. Music room is heavily furnished 16x16 at a guess and the music I play is very varied from rock, folk and classical. Mike Oldfield, Led Zeppelin and Neil Diamond being particularly favourite.
@@052RClooks like my original reply was deleted but at present Celestion F30 floor standing and KEF Coda II’s.
Elex ? I moved from original Cyrus 1 to Audiolab 8000S to Elex-R to Aethos, found an ex-demo model going cheap. The Elex is no slouch, the Aethos just does it even better. Both are engagingly listenable, driven and pacey. In terms of ‘extras’ like phono stage and DAC you do get more with the current Elex.
@@williambrown7484 sorry I meant Elex it must have been auto corrected
This is very attractive. Unfortunately, these are ridiculously priced in the US market. $5k+
If I had known inflation was going to be this out of control, I would have done some upgrading a few years ago. I have a lot of good stuff so I really can't complain, but it seems like prices have just about doubled on audio gear. Don't even think about buying a car.
Lots of close competition at way under $5,400.00.
Yes, a very fierce sector of the market.
The Rega amps get great reviews but I've never understood why the volume controls are soo poor? For that reason I've never bought one and much prefer the engineering of my Cyrus amps.
Ah, the Eric Morcambe mug again, Wise choice.
Comedy gold!
Hi there.. this time i really need your opinion upon rega product.. first, i have rega system for quite sometimes, i used to have rega brio and then swap to elecit r then i upgraded to aethos i really please with the sound… but most of my friend tell me that Naim is much better… but i never try NAIM before… what u think about these brand to be compare in term of character, flexibility of the system.. ? U know NAIM have pre amp and power amp separate system while rega dont have.. right now i use r4ga p6, aethos, aria mk 3, and xavian accorda, but in the future i like to get dynaudio which os everybody knows that they are Hungry power speaker…
With enormous respect for the Riffers (and Rega as well) a 9.5 Riff-o-meter score is not taken lightly. Do you think Rega would ever put a DAC and even a (shock, horror) streaming front end into an integrated amp? Never say never… The reasons are non-trivial. First, the use of analog and (yes) digital interconnects worthy of such an amp and other “boxes” are EXPENSIVE (say AudioQuest Thunderbird and Diamond). Undoubtedly there are reasons to keep things separate. But secondly, I’m confident Rega could offer something uniquely optimized as only it can and this is the direction the market is moving. The economics are compelling.
Rega Elicit mk5 has a dac in it.😊
Notified by my dealer that my long awaited Aethos ( + Aura) arrived yesterday. These will be fed by my Planar 10 + Aphelion 2. Initially these will be hooked up to B&W CM7s but I suspect that these will be "the weakest link" and that when funds allow I will be looking for something more able to demonstrate Mr Gandy's team brilliance. So I noted with interest your comments regarding NS1000s. Forgive my ignorance - what are these? A search only gave an extremely affordable Yamaha listing - are they actually something else?
Wow, very nice system by the sounds of it. I wouldn't be worrying! Yes, they are Yams that they are talking about, vintage, sealed box and beloved by many. Best to learn a bit about them and be discerning if seeking out a pair.
There is the Yamaha NS1000M, big and expensive, and the NS1000MM, small and cheap. Then there is the NS1000, the non monitor consumer version. I think they date from 1974.
My MA Silver 300 were good with Aethos but weak point for me. Now using ATC SCM40 and very happy.
@@williambrown7484 I bet that's a cracking combination!
Yes, but does Geddy have the original Naim Nait box??
Evening gentlemen👍👍
Evening, KJBB.
How would you compare this unit to a hifi rose RA280?
We have just reviewed the Rose and loved it!
The rose has a huge amount of power, but I think we probably preferred the sound quality the Rega offers... it is a very special piece of kit!
Best wishes
Mike
@@Hi-FiRiff thank you. Yes Rega has magic. I have my Aria MKiii and my table is Rega I love their stuff. The RA280 has been good but feel like it works amazing for acoustic type music like classical and live performances. It made me cry on some Mozart. But for studio based rock stuff with loud bombastic instruments it seems to be kinda blah.
Great review 😊
Where are the balanced connectors? Is this a class A amplifier?
i have the Elex MK4 and love it
Is it good with BBC speakers ?
Yes, it's good with pretty much all speakers.
All that clean power will suit the LS3/5a very nicely.
Watts do not equal power/drive we all know this of old???
Im sad that we have to pay 7000 for amps wort 1000 this and Naim Supernait 3.
Rush again lads, really ?!?!
It’s hardly new it’s been around for years.
Brilliant I love Rega amplifiers
I have never loved anything that I can replace.
@@r423fplip Now there's a thought!
👈👎#madness...
*Rotel RC-1572 MkII* + *RB-1552 MkII* 👈 *Advance Paris X-P700* + *X-A160 EVO* 👈 *Advance Paris X-i1100* 👈👍👌
Everything Rega make is brilliant,,,,,,, except for the speakers
Don’t be so sure about that.
Have you ever heard the Rega Ella Mk1? Uk £ for £ they were very good. I had a pair from early 1990s to 2014. Each to their own of course but if you haven’t heard them you might be a trifle surprised.
@@stevenbirds2920 must try them
Agreed, we thought the Aya's sounded bad at the Bristol hifi show (might have been the space).
What's in a name? Why is Gary "Geddy"? His mother, in her native Yiddish tongue, couldn't pronounce his name correctly - hence "Geddy". Welcome to the Pleasure Dome? C' mon guys, you can do better than that. The Human League's "Dare" is a sonic marvel, much better than Frankie Goes to Hollywood's tat. Of course, Kraftwerk albums always sound magnificent.
The 45 RPM 12 inch single version of Don't You Want Me Baby is just about the best sounding record I have ever heard. The depth is amazing.
@@EskWIREDYes, I agree. The 12' inch also has tectonic plate shifting low end... room shaking sonics! And "Dare" is one of the best sounding albums of the Eighties...
@@Jezza-k3yOne of the best sounding recordings of the 80s isn't necessarily high praise 😉
@@EskWIRED You should hear Change by Killing Joke. Knocks spots off your Baby.
@@apollomemories7399 Thanks. I'll listen to it. Killing Joke is a band that I have not yet heard much. I've always loved the name though.
THe most important thing we've established here is that Geddy Lee has poor taste in hi-fi!
Poor taste modern day naim amplifiers are fantastic especially the supernait 3 and even better with a supermarket PSU
I can't comment on how Naim gear sounds, but God their industrial design is dull, dull, dull, with an extra dull on the end.
BTW did I say they were dull?
@@jimfarrell4635 The design is the least of their worries. Piss-poor electronic engineering from day 1. No wonder they need 'upgrades' out of the box to make them perform at least below average. There's a reason manufacturers like Naim don't publish meaningful measurements.
@@nickevans3190 Ah yes, but good expensive amps don't need an even more expensive 'upgrade' just to perform how they should have in the first place. It's a con, and too many people buy into it.
Yes, Rega, Sugden, Naim and Exposure let’s show the measurements.