Rega R3

I've always been a huge fan of British speakers- but it was not until a few years ago that I tried a Rega speaker. A lot of U.S. dealers only carry their cd players and TT's. In the RS line it is the 3 that is the most different from how the R line was. The RS 3 cabinet is bigger and tweeter on RS3 is different. But the R3 has a bit of a cult following, some prefer it to the slightly more detailed sounding RS3. Both have been well received in the British audio press and have gathered their own fans among music listeners. I have the RS3, and I had the R1. The RS3 tweeter has more air and detail than the R1 tweeter (which I think is same as one in R3). Ever since I had Epos ES11, I've been a believer in that designers idea to use very simple cross over network, to where some drivers have nothing in line at all. Rega does the same with their speakers, it really does make for a more direct and coherent quality. I agree with person who said Rega is not like other speakers. Lastly, they will go ample volume, but the drivers on the 3 are pretty small and probably won't stand up if you want to really crank a lot.

I found a pair of the R3's used for a steal so I picked them up. They do have a VERY different sound than I was expecting, compared to the NHT Classic 3's I was using. Not sure yet if it's good or bad. The detail is there, imaging is excellent, and they are a bit more forward but don't get harsh (could be the tubes?)

Bass is lean but accurate and not bloated in any way, as I'm strictly listening to them with my REL sub off to see what they sound on their own.

I did expect a bit warmer sound, and was quite suprised with the zippy sound of the Rega's. I will post more as I try different placement, etc.

Thanks and I welcome furhter input.

Rega speakers were prefered in a speaker shoot out in some UK audio mag not long ago...won out over 4 others. Can't remember the model but they were a 3 way tower with a side firing woofer. Seemed pretty cool to me!

The RS3 is a good bit better than the R3 IMO. The difference is an improved tweeter. The R3 was pretty good, but the RS3's tweeter smoothed out the slight harshness and dryness the R3 had.

Rega's speakers are very good IMO, but they're not a universal recommendation speaker. They're a bit different from the norm, hence why most Rega speaker owners also use Rega amplification and sources.

If you're into Rega's philosophy of how music should sound, you most likely will love them. If not, you'll probably not be able to live with them for the long haul.

All IMO of course.

I have the RS3 and I really like them. I have a small room (
10X12) and (in my opinion) they are easy to drive and sound very transparent with a great deal of resolution. They replaced a pair of Monitor Audio RS6, which excited and overloaded the room with excessive bass. The RS3 seems much more balanced to me, and also much smoother. Thanks and good luck.