takes Rega efficiency to a brand new stage

Written by Bill Philpot, the late Paul Messenger and Rega co-founder Roy Gandy, “A Vibrational Measuring Machine” launched in 2016 chronicles Rega Research’s lengthy, wealthy historical past and the evolution of its design ideas. In its quest to create and market the final word “vibration measuring machine”, Rega Research has through the years labored diligently, you may say nearly ruthlessly to cut back mass and improve the rigidity of its turntables.

A low mass, stiff plinth (or no matter you want to name the platform that holds the platter bearing and tonearm) is important, Rega argues, to thwart the switch to the platter floor of bearing and motor noise in addition to to attenuate the intrusion upon the system of out of doors vibrations, each airborne and floor produced.

Properly executed, tremendous low mass, inflexible designs evaporate undesirable power like water droplets hitting sizzling pavement. Rega has been averring and proving that for a few years. That doesn’t imply it’s the one strategy to turntable design, however it’s definitely a sound one.

In Rega-world, each high and low mass methods improperly executed create issues. Low mass mechanically gentle ones can vibrate at excessive frequencies like drums and that’s clearly not good, whereas excessive mass ones can resonate at low frequencies which are troublesome to stifle and so linger and produce unacceptably muddy, “sluggish” sound. Mass alone can’t sink low frequency resonances.

Rega’s argument has all the time been that gentle and stiff obviates the necessity for top mass and that deep, "tuneful" bass manufacturing has nothing by any means to do with excessive mass.

The aim is to provide a turntable/tonearm mixture that precisely reads the vibrations produced by the stylus coursing by the groove whereas not studying extraneous ones produced by motors or bearings or coming in from the surface world, or maybe essentially the most pernicious of all, vibrations produced in response to those produced by the stylus/groove interface.

Of course, there’s extra to producing an excellent turntable than a lightweight, stiff plinth that successfully holds the bearing in place. Bearing high quality itself is crucial each for correct platter rotation and low noise, and low vibrational power.

And as a result of what’s being measured is stylus velocity/displacement (until the cartridge is optical or pressure gauge by which case it measures amplitude), pace consistency is as crucial as pace accuracy. Motors vibrate and there are “steps” between motor poles that should be smoothed out. Rega prefers belts (spherical “O-ring” varieties really, however not really “O-rings”) to assist {smooth} out motor vibrations.

Platters will need to have enough mass and stiffness to additional cut back motor produced vibrations and to take care of bearing produced ones. Mass correctly positioned on a platter enhances flywheel habits that additional improves rotational consistency.

Tonearms current their very own set of efficiency variables most readers right here have explored so let’s not get into these on this admittedly simplified overview, aside from to remind you that Rega values rigidity over adjustability so Rega arms present no changes for azimuth or VTA/SRA. You are on the mercy of your cartridge producer.

In 2017 I visited Rega for the third time and received to see the then nonetheless within the experimental stage Naiad, which represented and nonetheless represents the final word in Rega’s considering. Though it was initially supposed as a non-production design akin to what vehicle producers show at automobile exhibits, attributable to fan demand Rega made and offered a couple of $45,000 Naiads.

Based on Naiad analysis and utilizing at the moment’s highest tech supplies, Rega has over the previous few years produced a collection of excessive efficiency, light-weight turntables which are its finest performing but: the Planar 8 and Planar 10, each of which I’ve reviewed. They are super-rigid and super-lightweight, and their motors are managed by subtle electronics that enable for pace to be exactly adjusted and motor vibrations minimized, with every motor “tuned” to its PSU mate.

The Planar 8, which gives a light-weight plinth, with inflexible RB880 tonearm, Neo PSU that supplied digital pace management and high-quality pace adjustment, with out cartridge prices $3495.

The Planar 10 is extra “Naiad-like” and options an excellent lighter and extra inflexible plinth, an upgraded ceramic oxide platter, a newly developed machined aluminum subplatter/hardened metal spindle using in a brass bushing and a brand new RB3000 arm. It sells for $5695 with out cartridge and as with the Planar 8, bundle offers with Rega cartridges produce appreciable financial savings.

NAIA Ups The Performance, And the Price

Like the Planar 10, the NAIA is predicated upon Rega’s hand-made, Naiad, however it takes every little thing up various Emeril Lagasse-like notches, bringing it nearer to the Naiad technologically and, sadly, in worth. At $12,995 with out cartridge, the NAIA is greater than double the value of the Planar 10 and by far, Rega Research’s most costly regular manufacturing turntable ever.

Why the value leap? The Naia makes use of a Graphene impregnated carbon fiber skeletal plinth with Tancast 8 foam core sandwiched between the Graphene outer skins. The Planar 10 makes use of the identical Tancast 8 foam core, with a not practically as stiff excessive strain laminate pores and skin.

The NAIA makes use of two ceramic aluminum oxide braces, one on prime and one on the underside, as a substitute of the Planar 10s single ceramic brace on prime and a less-stiff phenolic brace on backside. The second ceramic brace provides appreciable further rigidity.

Rega additional upgrades its acquainted wanting tonearm to the RB Titanium model that features a one-piece titanium vertical bearing, a titanium vertical spindle meeting and a tungsten counterweight and counterweight stub. These are greater than beauty modifications as anybody who’s experimented with numerous metals in these positions can affirm.

I can. I simply evaluated two variations of a cartridge, one with a titanium physique and considered one of aluminum, with the identical inside guts they usually sounded fully totally different from each other, timbrally and particularly dynamically.

A brand new ceramic oxide platter contains a bigger middle opening in comparison with that of the Planar 10’s, to simply accept the brand new aluminum sub-platter’s mount that includes a spindle and central bearing manufactured from ZTA (zirconium toughened alumina). That’s among the many NAIA’s most vital efficiency upgrades and a significant value driver.

ZTA is an abrasion resistant ceramic materials developed for industrial use that Rega says is ideal for a central bearing meeting besides that it’s extraordinarily pricey and troublesome to fabricate. It begins life as a powder and after a fancy course of not essential to element right here, will get fired for 3 days at 1600 levels Celsius. The completed bearing should then be honed to exactly match the ZTA spindle. The “excellent match” matched pair stay collectively and are then assembled throughout the NAIA plinth.

Because the spindle and bearing are manufactured of the identical exceptionally onerous materials (versus the extra typical hardened metal spindle/brass bush bearing), put on is minimal to non-existent, particularly for the reason that spindle runs on a super-thin layer of artificial oil. Rega claims this produces the most lasting, most correct bearing meeting it has ever produced. No doubt it’s additionally the most costly. Obviously such a smooth-running, precision meeting reduces to a minimal friction and thus undesirable vibrations at a juncture the place it is best to transmit to the platter and thus to the cartridge.

The triple “O-ring” aluminum sub-assembly is by far Rega’s most complicated. I put “O-ring” in quotes as a result of Rega’s spherical belt fabricated from EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) shouldn’t be your typical irregular half-construct "off the shelf" “O-ring”, although it form of resembles one. Instead, the corporate has paid its regular fanatical consideration to R&D element to provide one which gained’t beat one towards the opposite in a triple line-up and do extra injury than good to hurry accuracy.

NAIA subplatter

Three years of labor produced a brand new specifically cured rubber drive belt compound that reveals a constant elasticity and is manufactured on Rega designed tooling that the corporate says produces “completely spherical” and “dimensionally correct” belts, obligatory for “excellent pace stability”. Anyone who considers this stage of consideration to element plain outdated audiophile “snake oil” posturing hasn’t taken the time to think about the infinitesimal dimensions of groove etchings and the way essential all these nuanced enhancements will be to bettering simply heard sonic efficiency.

The literature doesn’t clarify how or if the NAIA “Reference Power Supply” that drives the 24v low noise bi-phase AC motor (additionally used on different less expensive Regas) differs from what’s used on the Planar 8 and Planar 10 however it drives the motor utilizing a crystal managed DSP sq. wave generator that produces a “close to excellent” sine wave. Each paired motor/PSU is hand-tuned to attenuate vibration and high-quality pace adjusted. If want be, although it’s unlikely, you may fine-adjust pace in 0.01rpm steps or return to the manufacturing unit setting.

Some readers suppose a plinth-mounted motor means noise. The Planar 10 I reviewed elsewhere used a brand new motor mount system developed from the Naiad that was claimed to be much more efficient in lowering noise. Listening with a stethoscope to the Planar 10’s prime "pores and skin" produced a really low-level rotation begin up sound that, when the platter reached pace, was barely perceptible.

This wasn’t sufficiently satisfying for some within the peanut gallery commenting under the evaluate (although outboard motors mounted on pods typically produce extra noise relying upon how nicely they’re damped and upon what floor they’re positioned), so how about this? While it was troublesome to discover a NAIA floor upon which to put a stethoscope drum, once I lastly did handle, there was no audible noise with the motor at pace and a ridiculously low quantity upon begin up. The NAIA motor mount is an additional developed model.

Motor mount as seen from above

motor mount as seen from under (white cylinder is ceramic bearing housing)

While the net Planar 10 guide consists of specs like PSU weight (3kg), dimensions and turntable weight (4.7kg), the NAIA guide, each printed and on-line doesn’t present this data so I couldn’t affirm that the PSU used on each is equivalent, however I assume it’s.

New ultra-low mass “skeletal” aluminum toes full the product description. Oh! And there’s a really helpful, simple to make use of, house saving dustcover that protects platter and tonearm, which is a good suggestion since in line with Rega consistency, the mat is a mud attracting fiber one like what’s used all through the road. I’m not making an attempt to be “good” right here. I respect the road continuity and I perceive that Rega likes the mat as a result of it feels this mat offers the most effective document/platter coupling. I simply don’t, particularly when it clings to the document upon elevate off, breaks free and threatens the stylus’s well being and well-being and is a mud magnet.

The Rega Aphelion 2 Moving Coil Cartridge

Rega’s newest premium transferring coil cartridge is a third-generation design of a singular building that doesn’t require the same old rear-mounted tie wire to safe the cantilever meeting, or the same old elastomer damper held to a specified diploma of tightness towards the coil former, the entrance a part of which produces the system’s fulcrum and all of which determines the cartridge’s compliance.

Instead, Rega’s design makes use of a protracted cantilever, right here Boron, whereby the joint pipe that holds the cantilever is inserted into a bigger diameter “holder” that matches by a rhomboid-shaped elastomer (crimson), which serves as each the system’s fulcrum, and the cantilever’s placeholder. For apparent causes some form of association should be concerned that stops the cantilever from rotating throughout the elastomer on its longitudinal axis.

To one finish is affixed (cemented) a nude “high-quality line” stylus, the radii of which Rega doesn’t present in its specs. It seems to be Ogura-sourced however that isn’t sure. At the opposite finish resides a “hand wound” magnetized micro-cross former wound with 0.018 mm wire, (I assume copper).

Because the edges of the precision machined “zero tolerance” aluminum housing are open and guarded with a clear laminate of some form, you may see inside the place what Rega claims is “the world’s strongest neodymium magnet” (the green-fronted construction within the picture) is affixed to the tip of a bolt threaded right into a body that holds it in place.

The distance from the coil former to the magnet will be adjusted, however what can’t be adjusted is the relative positioning of the bolt and the opening by which the cantilever goes and the lateral positioning of the bolt holder itself relative to the fulcrum level opening. All should be excellent or the ship sinks.

Of course, by “hand wound”, Rega means a skilled particular person works utilizing a precision coil winding machine. You wouldn’t desire a real “hand wound” coil in your cartridge—if that’s even potential.

A protracted cantilever can spell cleansing individual, baby or cat bother however Rega has rigorously thought this by. The entrance of the physique contains a curved paper-clip like protrusion that each partially protects the cantilever and acts as a holder for the stylus guard that simply slips over it (you may see that within the above cartridge entrance picture).

Suggested monitoring pressure is 1.9-2.0g and as you may see on this building, deviating a lot from that may simply degrade the magnet/coil relationship. Input load impedance is 100 ohms, output impedance is 10 ohms, output voltage is .35mV, channel steadiness is the same as or higher than 0.1mV and “separation” is rated at equal to or higher than 29dB.

The Aphelion 2 prices $5,545. Bought together with the NAIA turntable, the overall worth turns into $16,995, which means you’re getting the cartridge for $3995 or a substantial $1545 saving. Before you go for the NAIA/Aphelion 2 combo, you may take into account different $4000 cartridges and spend the identical $16,995.

Set Up

With the cartridge pre-installed, the Naia was out of the field and able to play inside ten or so minutes (on a superbly stage floor). Carefully decrease the platter onto the hub, set up the counterweight, steadiness and set monitoring pressure, set anti-skating to second place, plug multi-pin connector into the PSU and you’re able to play records! It’s as simple to arrange a excessive efficiency turntable as there may be and so light-weight.

Keep in thoughts that Rega’s three bolt alignment produces a “quasi-Stevenson” alignment that in comparison with Löfgren or Baerwald variants produces extra distortion over a lot of the document facet, whereas helpfully transferring the second null level significantly nearer to the label than both of these.

With “Rega/Stephenson” when you play principally older classical records, you may typically get to or previous the massive, troublesome to trace finales earlier than distortion escalated past the second null level. If you principally play newer records or double 45s which are minimize to nowhere close to the label, you’re getting extra distortion with no profit!

It’s simple sufficient to take away the entrance screw and utilizing alignment protractor (just like the WallyTractor) strive different alignments. If you don’t just like the outcomes simply exchange the third screw and also you’re again in.

Which jogs my memory of a fast story: I used to be on the Dolby Theater for an Atmos demo and needed to get signed in utilizing an elaborate course of that was nearly like utilizing Clear to get by airport safety. A younger publicity individual helped me, and as soon as I used to be good to go, she mentioned “You’re in like Flynn!”. I mentioned, “Do you already know what “In like Flynn” means? She mentioned “I don’t.” “The actor Errol Flynn was accused of rape and….”. Turning purple she mentioned, “I had no thought!. I’ll by no means say that once more”.

Quick Cartridge Exam

When I reviewed the unique launched in 2006 Apheta cartridge (the primary Rega cartridge to make use of the distinctive no tie-wire design now in its third technology) I appreciated what it did nicely however not by an annoying higher midrange sonic ledge that break-in didn’t eradicate. The unique Apheta’s stylus meeting orientation of unfavorable 90 levels (proven under) was not useful to the sound!

Happily, the Aphelion 2’s cantilever/ ‘high-quality line’ stylus meeting (which seems to be Ogura supply, however I’m unsure) was manufactured completely and produced 92 to 93 diploma stylus rake angle, with VTA usefully low at roughly 23 levels. Channel separation and steadiness met printed specs. That is how a cartridge ought to measure when provided by an organization whose arms don’t enable these parameters to be adjusted!

Using the Hi-Fi News take a look at document, the horizontal resonant frequency was preferrred at 9Hz, and vertical was round 7Hz (between 8Hz and 12Hz is the place you need them to fall). What’s extra, on the Ortofon take a look at document’s trackability bands, whereas each different MC cartridge I’ve examined slid off the 100µm peak band, the Aphelion 2 tracked it! A little bit of buzzing however it tracked it. That’s a primary!

Turntable Housekeeping

Don’t fear, how NAIA sounds is arising. But first, have a look at the pace measurements utilizing the Shaknspin app. I have to repeat each time I exploit it that it’s not a ‘lab grade’ instrument however it’s nonetheless very helpful and its limitations apply to all turntables measured utilizing it.

The take a look at report on the Shaknspin unit

The manufacturing unit pace setting in keeping with the app was 33.32, for all intents and functions excellent, however the common pace was even higher: 33.331, with a % deviation of 00.00%. I don’t recall ever earlier than seeing all zeros.

the take a look at report delivered by the Shaknspin app

Impulse kind “faucet checks” don’t essentially outline turntable isolation however they’re useful. I’ve had some massive, heavy turntables right here with elaborate isolation toes that handed every little thing, particularly low frequency elements of each platform and plinth faucets. Footer cosmetics don’t isolate.

Naia’a low mass, hollowed out toes remoted successfully, particularly on the decrease frequencies, and the plinth (what there may be of it), was in most places equally efficient at impulse dissipation, producing a “tight”, quick, fast to evaporate “pip” as a substitute of a “thump”— with much less “faucet” transmitted the nearer to the tonearm I tapped, in no way shocking given the situation of the double ceramic braces. The RB titanium was additionally extraordinarily well-damped. Tapping on it with the amount nicely up produced silence.

In different phrases, I went into the listening a part of the evaluate crammed with optimism.

Me No Denia the NAIA

I exited the evaluate feeling the identical means I went into it, so let’s keep away from any drama. The NAIA is the turntable Rega has, for many years, been aiming for, which isn’t to say those under are usually not profitable designs! The NAIA epitomizes and its sonic efficiency confirms the design philosophies so totally explored within the guide referenced at first of this evaluate.

No, I didn’t have a Planar 10 right here to “A/B” with the NAIA, so there’s that, and the Aphelion 2 is new to me however if you hear a turntable that produces this sort of quiet and apparent pace stability and accuracy, you hear it. It really helped, not hindered to have two $200K turntables readily available throughout this evaluate. I may hear the place the far less expensive NAIA competes and the place it doesn’t. That a turntable costing 1/20 as a lot competes in any parameters is spectacular!

I used a number of phono preamps together with the cheap $439 Schiit Skoll on the backside of the value ladder and the $52,000 Ypsilon VPS-100 (SE) (silver wound transformers, silver inner wire, and silver connectors) on the prime, along with numerous step up transformers that will likely be reviewed shortly, in addition to with Ypsilon’s personal massive MC-16L and MC-26L.

Before listening to something I used to be decided so as to add to the evaluate how the NAIA sounded with different cartridges however as soon as I received into the evaluate I discovered the Aphelion 2’s sonic and mechanical efficiency so engaging and satisfying I made a decision to simply evaluate the “as delivered” combo, particularly contemplating that anybody can just about unbox and completely set it up in a matter of minutes.

The Aphelion 2’s timbral steadiness—not less than when used with the NAIA, is as impartial a transferring coil cartridge as I’ve heard, which isn’t to say it matches or betters in all methods the most effective I’ve right here that value as a lot because the turntable, however the Aphelion 2 will get nicely out of the best way and simply delivers the products, dynamically, timbrally and with its "fine-line" stylus, transients and soundstage particulars that may have listeners who haven’t skilled prime echelon ‘entrance ends’, wide-eyed and wide-eared.

If the NAIA sounds this good with Rega’s personal cartridge I’m positive when you select to pair it with one thing extra pricey and unique, you’ll get the specified outcomes (however provided that you ship the cartridge off to WallyAnalog for a whole analysis and acceptable shims to appropriately set VTA/SRA, azimuth and even zenith angle).

One of the primary records I performed was Vivaldi in London (VALDC017) a model new double direct-to-disc title from Chasing the Dragon carried out by Interpreti Veneziani and recorded at Air Studios, a venue I used to be fortunate sufficient to go to for one more Chasing the Dragon Production, so I’ve deal with on the big open house’s acoustics.

Side B’s “Concerto for violin, strings and harpsicord” introduced the 9 musician ensemble as proven within the jacket artwork, although not with every in an exaggerated outlined house, as a result of the room’s pure reverb doesn’t enable that, however reasonably as a coherent ensemble in a well-defined house. You may extra simply “see” the cello and double bass off to 1 facet however nonetheless nicely built-in with the image.

Instrumental textures had been supple and delicately drawn, and timbres had been correct. The violins had been by no means screechy, the double bass and cello by no means suffered bloat. A testomony to the recording engineer too after all, and the room, which was provided in spectacular aid behind the musicians and a collection of arrayed baffles.

But I performed the identical document as nicely on two 20X the value rigs, the place cartridges alone had been NAIA-priced and when you’d simply hear the variations, the NAIA/Aphelion combo produced equally steady, nicely outlined and totally satisfying photographs and soundstaging. Rock stable and well-focused. Especially spectacular was the NAIA’s attack-delicacy on the strings.

JoE Silva’s Band on the Run fiftieth Anniversary Edition evaluate piqued my curiosity so I laid out the $50 bucks and purchased a replica. I’m typically not a fan of Miles Showell’s ½ pace mastered cuts from digital information, although it’s troublesome to know who’s accountable, Miles or the engineers who ready the digital information.

In this case, all of them did a superb job total, re-inventing the document for twenty first century ears. It’s an pleasing pay attention crammed with element surprises and readability, although as regular, assault subtlety, maintain, decay and particularly instrumental textures take successful to provide that, and depth flattens. All the microdynamic cues that differentiate “actual” from “mechanical” get misplaced. If you don’t know they had been there you gained’t miss them.

Compare Paul’s bass on “Mrs Vandebilt” on the unique versus the reissue. One is “deep bass” and the opposite are bass strings vibrating. The NAIA dug out and effortlessly introduced all these variations in methods solely higher turntables handle.

If you need Paul within the room, or want to hear percussion on “Bluebird” sound startlingly actual, or get the complete bass textures as Paul plucks the strings, get an unique U.Ok. It’s received house, three-dimensionality and crammed with sonic “love” instead of “scientific precision”.

The NAIA laid naked all of these variations and once I in contrast them once more and listened to each on the NAIA and on the 20X rigs, what most impressed in regards to the NAIA was its backside finish management, pace and readability. It didn’t exaggerate and produce false bass extension mud nor did it truncate or attenuate the bass on the document.

On the unique Band on the Run urgent, the NAIA expressed each considered one of its constructive qualities together with on the title tune the prevalence of the drum smacks, and particularly the refined echo behind the vocals. On “Jet” there’s that nasty opening diesel truck like synth accent that had full weight and snarl backed by a deep bass accent. The sixteenth notice piano fills on the tune had been cleanly introduced and most significantly your entire presentation hung collectively three-dimensionally and in all of the methods solely nice turntable and cartridge combos handle. I feel Geoff Emerick would approve (however maybe not a lot with the reissue).

To hear the complete advantages of this turntable’s background quiet and pace accuracy and the Amphelion 2’s distinctive monitoring talents, take a look at a well-recorded and pressed solo piano recital like The Lost Recordings double LP stereo launch Emil Gilels Amsterdam 1976 recorded at Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw. It’s restricted to 2000 copies, however it seems a couple of stay. Kevin Gray minimize from rigorously ready excessive decision information and right here the aim was to not “modernize” however reasonably to current what’s on the tape, which I suppose wanted some digital area prep.

Whatever the rationale or causes for digitization, the stereo sound places you within the corridor, with the piano introduced with three-dimensional readability and stability. The massive reverberant house behind amplifies the truth with out interfering with both the well-defined piano’s picture, or with Gilels limitless macro and micro dynamic expression.

Finally, after studying someplace a couple of botched digital switch of Benny Carter’s Further Definitions (Impulse AS-12), I pulled out and performed the unique, mastered by Rudy Van Gelder. Recorded in 1961 by Johnny Cue, with whom I’m unfamiliar (a unique engineer will get credit score for the mono version), it options Coleman Hawkins, Jo Jones, Phil Woods, Charlie Rouse, Dick Katz, Jimmy Garrison and (guitarist) John Collins in parenthesis as a result of I by no means heard of him both.

Four saxes, piano, guitar, bass and drums impeccably organized by Carter and carried out by greats, many from the “old fashioned” however some like Garrison, Woods and Rouse (who was moonlighting from Thelonious Monk’s group). Garrison, nonetheless in his 20s, would be a part of Coltrane the subsequent yr however by the point this was recorded he’d already performed with many greats.

A enjoyable massive band document by which the saxes can both sound onerous and considerably brittle or sail on easily as they did by the NAIA/Aphelion 3 combo. On Duke Elllington’s “Cotton Tail” there’s refined guitar comping middle channel all through, Katz’s cleanly recorded piano on the left channel, with loads of surrounding house and sax solos by Carter, Rouse, Woods and Hawkins, the 4 unfold two left, two proper. On “Body and Soul” with no drums, Garrison’s bass carries the rhythmic load, every pluck cleanly rendered oh so subtly middle channel. Truly black backgrounds highlight the fragile interaction. Classic stuff recorded close to the tip of an period. The NAIA’s decision of low stage element and microdynamic expression on that recording and lots of others I performed places it in a efficiency tier above its worth level.

This Mat Not That

The Italian firm Sublima Audio Research manufactures and sells Mat Chakra in normal (190 euro) and Limited editions. You must get previous the stones and different merchandise that may flip off many guests, however please plow by to the mats! You’ll discover a hyperlink to a evaluate I wrote and a proof of how this sandpaper-like mat works.

I used each for a lot of this evaluate, instead of the provided normal white fiber mat. If you personal a Planar 8 or Planar 10 I encourage you to present this tremendous skinny, stiff mat a strive. The distinction it made on the Naia was substantial IMO, good because the sound was with the provided mat. The Mat Chakra intensified the black backgrounds, produced higher outlined transients particularly bass transients and to my ears made every little thing sound extra exact, three-dimensional and vivid. I do know the Rega of us will not respect this a part of the evaluate however that is what I heard, although you will be positive this turntable produced spectacular sonic efficiency utilizing the provided mat.

Conclusion

The NAIA presents an exquisitely tight ship for a document to sail on. Both the arm and ‘desk take Rega’s considering to the bounds with out completely breaking the financial institution to Naiad territory.

Stopping at NAIA is smart as a result of in keeping with Rega, whereas NAIA is usually a manufacturing assembled product, Naid can not, and since when you’re in $45,000 territory there’s very critical (however not as stiff) competitors.

Skeptics will have a look at the NAIA and suppose it will possibly’t probably be twice nearly as good because the Planar 10 although it prices twice as a lot. As with all issues audio, the legal guidelines of diminishing returns apply. I can’t say the NAIA is twice nearly as good because the Planar 10 however I can say with full confidence that it’s a lot higher in each means and the measured efficiency demonstrates that the NAIA is a step above the Planar 10 and above a lot of the competitors at any worth. It’s that good.

Because the Aphelion 2 is thus far superior from the unique Rega MCs I’ve heard, the mixture produces timbrally impartial, well- balanced sound and it tracks higher than any MC I’ve examined utilizing Ortofon’s take a look at document. The cartridge is a becoming NAIA companion.

Rather than closing with the same old audiophile guidelines, which this turntable checks off with ease, I’d reasonably shut with this: I really feel assured in writing that when you get to listen to this turntable and cartridge combo in a correct setting at a retailer, or at a present, you may simply hear how good it’s and the way a lot musical enjoyable and wealthy element it effortlessly delivers, whereas simply sounding "proper".

If you encounter critiques claiming the NAIA/Aphelion 2 is “all anybody will ever want” or “performs in addition to turntables costing ten occasions as a lot”, nicely these reviewers both are happy campers at a unique efficiency stage or have been listening to the unsuitable prime tier turntables. There are some not such good ones that the NAIA beats, particularly by way of pace stability rhythmic polish and even background quiet, however it’s not the "final", although it is likely to be inside its worth level and doubtless past.

Put all of it collectively and you’ve got a remarkably compact, light-weight, excessive efficiency bundle that at $16,999 is dear however not impossibly so and that may be taken out of the field, completely arrange and enjoying records inside ten minutes. If there’s one other turntable that mixes all of those attributes on the NAIA’s worth I have never seen or heard it—and I’ve seen and heard loads!

Meanwhile, under the album artwork, discover the identical Anthony Wilson observe you may take heed to within the evaluate of his new album recorded utilizing the 200K+ rig, recorded once more utilizing the NAIA/Aphelion 2 combo (with Rega’s mat), and the Ypsilon VPS-100/Ypsilon MC-16L SUT combo.

NAIA recording