Rega Aria review

A phono stage of rare quality, but be sure to partner with a similarly talented turntable... Tested at £800

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

The Aria is a terrific phono stage, capable of class-leading results as long of the rest of the system is up to scratch

Pros

  • +

    Insight, excellent dynamics and rhythmic ability

  • +

    Plenty of punch combined with subtlety

  • +

    MC loading adjustments

Cons

  • -

    Nothing of importance

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Rega may be best known for its Award-winning turntables, but over the last five years or so it has had a golden touch with electronics too. Just witness recent Awards for all three of the company’s integrated amplifiers and both its entry-level phono stages.

That great work continues with the premium-priced Aria.

MORE: Awards 2015: best stereo amplifiers

Build

It’s an understated piece of kit, built into the same half-width metal casing as the company’s Brio amplifier. The Aria’s finish is best described as rugged rather than elegant, but it all feels solid and built to last.

As expected the control count is low, with just a power switch and input selector on the front panel. The Aria has two inputs; one for moving magnet cartridges and the other for moving coils.

Unusually, the MC section isn’t just the MM circuitry with some added gain, as it is in most rival designs.

Here, Rega has designed and implemented two separate circuits, each optimised for the particular characteristics of each cartridge type. In theory, this should give a better performance.

While the MM section is fixed – as is usual – there’s plenty of cartridge loading adjustment on the moving coil side, allowing the user to fine tune the capacitance and resistance of the input.

There are also two gain settings for MCs, 69.3db and 63.5db, to aid compatibility with a wider range of cartridges. All these settings are adjusted by means of small switches on the Aria’s back panel.

A phono stage of this quality needs a good source, so most of our testing was split between our reference Clearaudio Innovation Wood turntable (fitted with a Stradivari MC cartridge) and Rega’s own RP6/Exact combination to test out the moving magnet option.

Unlike some rivals, the Aria doesn’t need to be powered up for days before its performance comes on song. It sounds right after a few minutes, showing an unusually broad range of qualities regardless of input chosen.

Sound

This unit produces a responsive and agile sound that tracks dynamic shifts – both large and small scale – very well. This quality is obvious in a piece of music like Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana with its mix of brutal crescendos and low-key sections that require delicate handling.

The Rega has plenty of resolution, and the ability to organise all that information in a coherent way. The music always makes sense, even when the piece becomes complex.

This sense of composure and control is evident in everything the phono stage does, but importantly, excitement and entertainment aren’t sacrificed in the process.

Tonality is a touch on the lean side, but the presentation never wants for weight or authority. Lows are suitably textured and delivered with plenty of power and grip. Take a listen to Nirvana’s Nevermind and the Rega is right at home.

There’s no shortage of drive and attack here, and a rhythmical precision most rival products barely hint at. It’s the kind of sound that grabs your attention, never losing it until the track ends.

The Aria is a fine all-rounder. It delivers all the passion in Radiohead’s downbeat Videotape while rendering the majesty of Holst’s Jupiter with conviction. There’s power, scale and authority on offer, but only when the music needs them.

Verdict

If you have a suitably talented deck we think the Aria is a superb buy. Phono stages of this quality are rare, particularly below the grand mark. Buy with confidence.

See all our Rega reviews

See all our phono amp reviews

What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

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