Happy and Faithful
And we mean happy. Perhaps the most surprising thing about this stereo system, given its modest price, is its absolute faithfulness to musical accuracy, communication and pleasure.
Ear-splitting sound-pressure levels and bass that makes you feel sick are of no interest to Rega's little system, and rightly so. They have nothing to do with getting off on good tunes.
Another distinction. This Rega system doesn't sound contrived in the ‘good tunes' department. You know the score: hyped transients, lean balance for that ‘ultra tuneful' bass. No, it just sounds musical in a very unshowy and undemonstrative way. So long as you don't drive the amp too hard, the results are detailed and natural with an easy presentation of detail, excellent resolution and fine overall integration. Sound staging is broad and spacious, rhythmic coherence excellent.
Where its real star quality shines, through, is in the upper octaves, which are fabulously well detailed and transparent. Not only does this give instruments a convincing timbral sheen, it also stuns in its immediacy, attack and verve. Mouth organ – bluesy, John Hammond – has stinging, tingling presence and tangibility, guitar – laid back, Steve Laury – a beautifully warm and natural timbre. Timing is nailed, music makes sense. It all brings a greater sense depth and subtlety to the listening experience, the overall presentation sounding more rounded and polished yet, at the same time, endowed with greater incisiveness, precision and resolution. Everything is clear: explicit, neck-tingling musicianship shines through.
With just about any cut from John Mayer (but we'll settle for his duet with Herbie Hancock, Stitched Up), the system is again in its element. This is real music with startling life and authority. Taut bass, effortless dynamic swings, wonderful mid-range presence and intelligibility and, again, that thoroughly alluring sheen to the treble.
So, it's easy to see what all the fuss was about in Bristol. With the terrific Apollo doing its bidding, this hi-fi system is fast, rhythmic and musically involving, more than capable of eclipsing many mega-buck combos on the day, and it does similar in the home, too. Quite simply, it provides unhindered access to the emotional power of music. And that, dear reader, is the biggest kick of all.
Rega Apollo CD player ¦ $1499 ¦ www.synergyaudio.com
It sounds vastly more expensive than it is with midrange and treble performance that's right out of the top draw.
Rega Brio 3 integrated amplifier¦$1000¦ www.synergyaudio.com
While no powerhouse, it has grip, speed and musicality in spades and makes a brilliant partner to the Apollo Cd player.
Rega R3 loudspeaker ¦ $1799 ¦ www.synergyaudio.com
Does detail, dynamics and bass with rare skill for a speaker so slim and visually unobtrusive.
Beautiful System: $4298
