Rega Aethos review

What Hi-Fi? Awards 2023 winner. This integrated amp sounds exceptional for the price Tested at £2999 / $4000 / AU$5999

Rega Aethos review
(Image: © Rega)

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

The Rega Aethos delivers an exceptional combination of insight, dynamics and rhythmic precision to produce class-leading sound

Pros

  • +

    Impressive agility and punch

  • +

    Rhythmic and dynamic

  • +

    Solid build

Cons

  • -

    Runs warm

  • -

    Some minor ergonomic issues

Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.

It’s fair to say that we’re big fans of Rega’s integrated amplifiers. Between the io, Brio, Elex-R and Elicit-R, the company has picked up more five-star verdicts and What Hi-Fi? Awards from us than we care to remember.

But Rega’s products are rarely revolutionary, so it comes as no surprise to find that the Aethos leans heavily on the electronic principles already established in the existing line-up. Think of this integrated as an Elicit-R turned up to 11 and you’re close to the mark.

Features

Rega Aethos features

(Image credit: Rega)

The engineers haven’t just posted-in the design though. There’s a lot of fresh work under that brooding exterior. 

The Aethos’s power amplifier section uses two complementary pairs of Sanken Darlington output transistors, giving a solid power output of 125W per channel into 8ohms. 

Rega Aethos tech specs

(Image credit: Rega)

Power outputs 125W per channel (8ohms)

Impedance 109ohms

Frequency response 100W (8ohms)

Max power output 415W

Dimensions (hwd) 9.5 x 43.3 x 36cm (including speaker terminals)

Weight 17.5kg

The power amp’s circuit is designed to offer the benefits of Class A operation without the usual drawbacks in terms of heat and power consumption. 

The preamp section prioritises signal integrity and consistent channel balance and features higher-grade parts than used in the company’s other (cheaper) products.

The Aethos falls short of most obvious rivals in terms of its features, but if you’re happy with line-level analogue connectivity, there’s more than enough here. 

It has five line-level inputs, a preamp out, a direct input into the power amp section that bypasses the volume control and that rare thing, a tape loop. Let’s not forget about the front panel mounted 6.3mm headphone output either.

Those looking for digital inputs, wireless in the form of Bluetooth connectivity or even a phono stage will need to look elsewhere or add extra boxes. Given Rega’s record player heritage, some may find the lack of a phono stage surprising. 

However, the company feels that including a phono input would compromise the rest of the design and such sensitive circuits are better served by being outboard at this level. It’s a fair argument.

Build

Rega Aethos build

(Image credit: Rega)

The Aethos’s build quality is impressive. The chunky styling of the new casework may not be to all tastes but it certainly feels rock solid and inspires confidence. The controls are simple enough with smooth-acting buttons for choosing the inputs for listening and recording.

There are a few minor issues though. This design forces the user to toggle through the inputs rather than select them directly. This can be a bit of a pain if you change sources regularly, with any changes taking multiple button presses rather than just one. It doesn’t help that the lighting used to indicate the source selected is too dim to see clearly in a bright room. 

Lastly, the volume control is rather enthusiastic when responding to commands from the remote, so it’s hard to make subtle volume adjustments. However, these things are minor irritations at most.

A more practical consideration is that this amplifier still runs pretty warm despite the claims made for the power amplification circuitry’s efficiency. Make sure you leave enough space around the Aethos to ensure adequate ventilation.

Sound

Rega Aethos sound

(Image credit: Rega)

Our initial impressions of the Aethos’s sound were disappointing. Despite being given days to stabilise, it wasn’t as dynamically expressive as we expected and didn’t convey rhythms with enough verve. We asked for another sample and we’re glad we did.

The second Aethos sample proves a notable improvement in both respects. It turns out that the cables for one of the channels had been disturbed (possibly during transit) with the result that distortion had increased on that channel. The second sample has no such issue and is very much Rega on top form. Given Rega’s track record, we would hope and expect any issues to be sorted quickly. 

The Aethos retains all the verve of the company’s established affordable integrateds, but adds a huge dose of extra clarity, precision and muscle to the recipe.

Dvorak’s New World Symphony is a stirring piece of music and this Rega delivers it with all the authority we would expect. The Aethos sounds unstressed even when pushed to high levels and uncovers an impressive amount of detail. All that information is tightly knit in a cohesive and convincing way, so that all our attention is focused on the music, rather than the mechanics of hi-fi reproduction. The overall presentation is impressively clean and forthright.

Tonally, this integrated veers slightly towards the lean side of neutral, but in no way sounds thin or undernourished. We suggest that it’s best to avoid systems that already edge towards brightness or aggression. This is a revealing amplifier that doesn’t go out of its way to hide the shortcomings of its partnering source or speakers. Match with a bit of care, and let’s face it, this is something you should do at this level, and there won’t be any issues.

The stereo imaging is precise and nicely layered, though there are rivals such as the Roksan Blak that sound a little more expansive. Either way, there remains little to complain about when it comes to image stability or scale.

Rega Aethos sound

(Image credit: Rega)

We play Laurie Anderson’s My Right Eye and the Rega’s enthusiasm with rhythms and its impressive punch come to the fore. Following the song’s complex rhythmic patterns is a pleasure through the Aethos, and the amplifier makes easy work of communicating the song’s claustrophobic intensity. Anderson’s voice comes through with clarity and nuance and there’s never any doubt about her intent or what she wants you to feel.

We try the Rega’s headphone output and are pleased with what we hear. The results are consistent whether we use our Beyerdynamic T1 or Grado RS1x and retain the clarity and punch we enjoy through the speaker outputs. This headphone circuit certainly doesn’t sound like an afterthought in the manner that some do.

Along with the Roksan Blak, the obvious rival is the Naim Supernait 3. This is our current favourite at this level and is a formidable performer. Though it costs more, the Naim also includes a good quality moving magnet phono stage. There’s little to separate the two amplifiers when it comes to build, each feeling impressively solid and nicely finished.

There are differences when it comes to sound, though. The Naim sounds even more muscular and has a slightly fuller tonal balance, which probably makes it less fussy to partner. The Rega counters with greater clarity and dynamic fluidity. It arguably delivers rhythms and dynamics with even more skill too. That’s some feat considering the Supernait 3’s acknowledged abilities in these areas.

Verdict

If you’re in the market we would recommend listening to both, and the choice is likely to come down to system matching and taste as much as anything else. That saving over the Naim helps the Rega’s case, though. Either way, the Aethos is a terrific proposition and has to be heard.

SCORES

  • Sound 5
  • Features 3
  • Build 5

MORE:

See all the What Hi-Fi? Awards 2023 winners

Best stereo amplifiers

Read our Naim Supernait 3 review

Read our Roksan Blak review

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.

Read more about how we test

  • Gray
    It's always interesting to see what's in the 'against' column of a review, in this case there were 'minor ergonomic issues'.
    After listing the issues (see review), WHF's conclusion was that, 'these things are minor irritations at most'.Sorry WHF, but if I ever pay 3 grand for an amplifier, however good it sounds, I will not be expecting any irritations.
    Reply
  • Riri
    looking forward to the group test on this... with RoksanBlak and Supernait 3... did my own A/B testing... for what its worth it really did come down to my preferring the Rega sound. There is something about this amp that shows you that you are getting your monies worth...
    My setup is: Rega P6, Dynavector20x2l, Aria phonostage, Chord Epic interconnects/ mains/speaker cables. Buchardt S400's, Apollo CD. Node2i Streamer.

    Overall I found the Aethos more engaging, richer and detailed. It sounded great at low vols, this was a big surprise as my Buchardts prefer higher vols but the detail and control at lower vols is really enjoyable and with vol up I could play at higher vols because of the control the Aethos has.

    My 4ohm S400s sound incredible with the Aethos. The volume control is slightly annoying agreed, loved the Elex r volume control but hey... the ‘balance’ was notable too. Naim PRaT is better but the Aethos is no slouch... I like relaxed listening and found the SN3 a little dry and thin sounding. When it comes to Vinyl the Aethos dug out a little more detail than the SN3 and sounded richer again, fuller somehow.

    To balance this out the SN3 is lighter where bass is concerned but more controlled than the Aesthos, SN3 has more grip of it but it doesn't reach the low ends that the Aethos can.

    Surprisingly the Rega Apollo r sounded great with the SN3 they really complimented one another. The SN3 actually reminded me of my listening experience with the Hegel H390 which is a huge compliment because that Hegel is a cracking amp. Bang for buck I'd get more from the Aethos personally.

    Soundstage was a tie but Rega edged it with depth, in another review a 'walk in' depth is quoted & I hear that. The SN3 was slightly more detailed in the highs on some tracks. Johnny Cash's Hurt for example but the Aethos gave Cash’s voice more texture, realness. The SN vocals generally are more forward sounding.
    Conclusion : I loved my Elex-r and was slightly reluctant to let it go but am glad i did as the Aethos definately gives more controlled power, crispy detail and textured layer to sound that doesn't forgive crap recordings... it really does come down to 'what sound do you prefer'... I chose Rega...the SN3 just isn't as much fun to listen too.
    Reply
  • Joao ferreira
    I’m questioning why you never review the Sugden AS21SE, a great British amplifier ...
    Reply
  • Romulus
    Riri said:
    looking forward to the group test on this... with RoksanBlak and Supernait 3... did my own A/B testing... for what its worth it really did come down to my preferring the Rega sound. There is something about this amp that shows you that you are getting your monies worth...
    My setup is: Rega P6, Dynavector20x2l, Aria phonostage, Chord Epic interconnects/ mains/speaker cables. Buchardt S400's, Apollo CD. Node2i Streamer.

    Overall I found the Aethos more engaging, richer and detailed. It sounded great at low vols, this was a big surprise as my Buchardts prefer higher vols but the detail and control at lower vols is really enjoyable and with vol up I could play at higher vols because of the control the Aethos has.

    My 4ohm S400s sound incredible with the Aethos. The volume control is slightly annoying agreed, loved the Elex r volume control but hey... the ‘balance’ was notable too. Naim PRaT is better but the Aethos is no slouch... I like relaxed listening and found the SN3 a little dry and thin sounding. When it comes to Vinyl the Aethos dug out a little more detail than the SN3 and sounded richer again, fuller somehow.

    To balance this out the SN3 is lighter where bass is concerned but more controlled than the Aesthos, SN3 has more grip of it but it doesn't reach the low ends that the Aethos can.

    Surprisingly the Rega Apollo r sounded great with the SN3 they really complimented one another. The SN3 actually reminded me of my listening experience with the Hegel H390 which is a huge compliment because that Hegel is a cracking amp. Bang for buck I'd get more from the Aethos personally.

    Soundstage was a tie but Rega edged it with depth, in another review a 'walk in' depth is quoted & I hear that. The SN3 was slightly more detailed in the highs on some tracks. Johnny Cash's Hurt for example but the Aethos gave Cash’s voice more texture, realness. The SN vocals generally are more forward sounding.
    Conclusion : I loved my Elex-r and was slightly reluctant to let it go but am glad i did as the Aethos definately gives more controlled power, crispy detail and textured layer to sound that doesn't forgive crap recordings... it really does come down to 'what sound do you prefer'... I chose Rega...the SN3 just isn't as much fun to listen too.

    Thank you for your interesting thoughts. Shame on WHF of never reviewed any Hegel product to date, makes AWARDS 2020 WHF kind of incomplete and limited.
    Reply
  • Green Bow
    Riri said:
    looking forward to the group test on this... with RoksanBlak and Supernait 3... did my own A/B testing... for what its worth it really did come down to my preferring the Rega sound. There is something about this amp that shows you that you are getting your monies worth...
    My setup is: Rega P6, Dynavector20x2l, Aria phonostage, Chord Epic interconnects/ mains/speaker cables. Buchardt S400's, Apollo CD. Node2i Streamer.

    Overall I found the Aethos more engaging, richer and detailed. It sounded great at low vols, this was a big surprise as my Buchardts prefer higher vols but the detail and control at lower vols is really enjoyable and with vol up I could play at higher vols because of the control the Aethos has.

    My 4ohm S400s sound incredible with the Aethos. The volume control is slightly annoying agreed, loved the Elex r volume control but hey... the ‘balance’ was notable too. Naim PRaT is better but the Aethos is no slouch... I like relaxed listening and found the SN3 a little dry and thin sounding. When it comes to Vinyl the Aethos dug out a little more detail than the SN3 and sounded richer again, fuller somehow.

    To balance this out the SN3 is lighter where bass is concerned but more controlled than the Aesthos, SN3 has more grip of it but it doesn't reach the low ends that the Aethos can.

    Surprisingly the Rega Apollo r sounded great with the SN3 they really complimented one another. The SN3 actually reminded me of my listening experience with the Hegel H390 which is a huge compliment because that Hegel is a cracking amp. Bang for buck I'd get more from the Aethos personally.

    Soundstage was a tie but Rega edged it with depth, in another review a 'walk in' depth is quoted & I hear that. The SN3 was slightly more detailed in the highs on some tracks. Johnny Cash's Hurt for example but the Aethos gave Cash’s voice more texture, realness. The SN vocals generally are more forward sounding.
    Conclusion : I loved my Elex-r and was slightly reluctant to let it go but am glad i did as the Aethos definately gives more controlled power, crispy detail and textured layer to sound that doesn't forgive crap recordings... it really does come down to 'what sound do you prefer'... I chose Rega...the SN3 just isn't as much fun to listen too.

    Was surprised to hear the SN3 being outgunned in the bass, by the Aethos.

    No disrespect to Rega. Just that the bass of the SN3 is said to be excellent. Very fast, start stop instant, deep and very well extended.

    Then with What-Hifi hinting that the Aethos is just on the lean side of neutral, I figured SN3 for richer bass. However I suppose with the Aethos being Class A, then well maybe it gets its bass from that.

    I say again, I am not dissing Rega. I have the Brio (2017 model) here next to me. However I have been looking for an upgrade for some time, so ended up here. Aethos would not suit me though, so I can rule it out straight out of the gate. Not based on sound. Based on temperature and no ability to stack with it. Plus it has more wattage than I need. Plus I read that volume control is a bit blunt with the remote. Whereas I need something with smaller steps. Not Rega's fault that it isn't the amp for me; am not saying that. Just how it is.

    I don't think the SN3 is for me either. I am not sure I want to start messing about with expensive power cables and expensive mains cleaners. With Naim being sensitive to mains noise. I suppose it's no harm to clean out the power supply if it is particularly bad. Just not going to go looking for problems, I think is what I mean. (Well not unless I can help it. Might end up with Naim.)

    I would like to be in a position to want the Aethos though. I have weak knees when it comes to Rega.
    Reply