Comments on: Rega Aethos Integrated Amplifier: The Audiophile System Builder

By: Modesto

Modesto — Tue, 13 Sep 2022 01:25:56 +0000

Thank you for the system builder articles. It’s always interesting to read how an experienced ear would put together a syste.

Can’t wait for the KLH Model 5 review. I purchased this new year and currently powering it with a modest Sonos amp until I can find a better long-term amplifier match.

By: Ian White

Ian White — Thu, 10 Feb 2022 19:41:49 +0000

In reply to Nenox.

Sounds like you made the right move.

I’m seriously considering it as my main system amplifier because of all the reasons you mentioned.

I’m going to be focused on speaker reviews this year (once I’m done reviewing a few amplifiers) and I think the Rega will be getting a lot of use.

Ian White

By: Nenox

Nenox — Thu, 10 Feb 2022 19:29:40 +0000

In reply to Nenox. Btw. The Aethos pairs really well with both my Nautilus 805, but really makes the cheaper Buchard S400 sing! The Aethos is built like a tank and Rega has lifetime warranty, so would personally be comfortable with buying it used.

By: Nenox

Nenox — Thu, 10 Feb 2022 19:25:15 +0000

I always really liked the smaller Rega amps (like the Brio) when heard at dealers. After going though an unhealthy amount of amps (and being somewhat disillusioned) I took a chance on an x-demo Arthos. It’s honestly the best thing I’ve ever done for my system (closely followed by dual Rel subs). Like you say, it managers to sound both so resolving and so relaxed and warm at the same time. It playes wonderfully at low levels and just makes music magic. I have the Rega Dac and the Aria and was actually considering a P6 or P8 with a Hana SL. Great to know it’s a good pairing 👍🙂

By: Ian White

Ian White — Tue, 01 Feb 2022 16:57:14 +0000

In reply to Bob Rapoport.

Bob,

We look forward to doing a AE320 review because more people need to know about these amazing speakers.

Best,
Ian White

By: Bob Rapoport

Bob Rapoport — Tue, 01 Feb 2022 16:29:58 +0000

Hi Ian, Thanks for your coverage of the new Acoustic Energy AE320 floor standers, the flagship model in the 300 Series as well as your great review on the AE1 Active last year.

Essence For Hi Res Audio is the AE dealer in the USA, I’ve been selling the brand since 1993 when I fell in love with the original AE1. Your readers can learn more about the line from me, I am happy to share my thoughts on the phone, email, or social media.

Btw, the entry level AE300 is the functional equivalent of the AE1 Active without the power amps, they sell for $990 a pair. True audiophile performance for under $1000.

By: Ian White

Ian White — Tue, 25 Jan 2022 14:25:39 +0000

In reply to ORT.

I see myself consolidating in the very near future.

My family will be pleased to hear that.

Ian

By: ORT

ORT — Tue, 25 Jan 2022 11:54:09 +0000

Sweet! I just put together an even dinkier setup. A Teac TN-300 for analgo, an Echobox Explorer for internet radio (Pandora, SiriusXM and Amazon Music HD) for my two sources and a pair of Pioneer Andrew Jones Atmos ready bookshelf speakers on a pair of stand without a name! One Acoustic Audio PSW-10 powered Subwoofer.

For power I bought a really small Douk Audio integrated amp with Blootoof, Coax and Optical inputs and RCA for the turntable (mine has a plebian pre-amp built in!). The little amp also has a single VU Meter that looks really cool and a pair of tubes that look even cooler cuz they are almost the same color!

And…It all works GREAT! It cost me very little (way under $1,000 – if memory serves me!) to make me very happy.

Thanks for your excellent inspiration! People so often get what they want when they could easily “get by with exactly what they need”. I am old so I have to. 🙂

ORT