Further Impressions of Rega Ear

[Tuberoller]

I just got bask from Las Vegas at the CES this past weekend.I have recently decided to take the plunge into becoming a dealer so I bought a lot of stuff,amps, phones, cables,turntables etc.Most of it ain't here yet none of it can be sold yet as I have not finalized dealer agreements.

Anyway I initially beat up on the Rega Ear amp for the pronouned sybilant that I heard during my listen during the show.perhaps the system at alexis park in Rega's room had some other problems.I bought the demo unit and four others.the demo is dead silent in my system and sounds very close in characteristicts to the Creek Obh-11se.It has deep full bass and an open airy midrange.The vocal performance is all that seperates the best solid state amps from the best tube amps.this amp is no different.I did burn this one in for the last two days so maybe that has something to do with it.I will only have these in the new silver finish at first and I am trying to sell them at 20% off the list of $250.00.I gotta see what the importer says.When I make my agreement and get the warranty info I will post a for sale here first.You guys will get first shot at all the headphone related stuff.I will also post a full comparison review of all the solid-state amps I have now(Rega,Creek,Sugden,Grado,QED)with pics.that will be up by friday.Right now this one looks to be the value leader.

 

[Trawlerman]

Congrats at becoming a dealer.

 

[Vertigo-1]

I'd love to hear more impressions about this Rega, especially compared to a Creek, Grado, and even a Sugden?

And if not silver, what other color would it have come in? I thought Rega only made their equipment in that greyish aluminum silver look nowdays.

 

[morphsci]

Thanks for the info. If you decide to carry Sugden and have a trial period I would really be interested in comparing the headmaster to my McCormack MID. So let's keep in touch

BTW Are you going to have a brick-and-mortar shop? I will be in Chicago in June and would like to drop in if you are set up by then.

 

[acidtripwow]

I had one of the first Rega Ear amps. It was very "solid state" sounding. This one may be an improvement.

 

[20silkcut]

The new one looks like the rest of the Rega equipment but is identical to the previous version on the inside.

 

[Old Pa]

Does the Rega Ear incorporate crossfeed?

 

[KR...]

I hate crossfeed it's so NOT audiophile

Only Jan's and Headroom amps have crossfeed.

 

[Tuberoller]

The Rega line also comes in black.I have some cdps and integrateds in both finishes.I personally favor the silver.The Rega does not have a crossfeed.Due to some politics in the business my shop will actually be located right over the Indiana border.This exempts me from all the really babyish crying that is going on that I really can't tell you guys about right now.I will only be about 8 miles southeast of Chicago and my shop will be in a converted recording studio.I have to gut the place so this will take awhile(6 months)in the meantime I will sell whatever I can get dealer agreements for.The Sugden deal looks doubtful at this point.They have a lot of really goofy rules and regs.They even sent me a video on how to display their stuff.This is why the line is so hard to find.

I have always wanted to have my own shop and I am dedicated to the idea,but you guys wouldn't believe all the **** that gets thrown around.The territorial restrictions alone are ridiculous.when you add in all the demands and requests of manufacturers,distributers and importers,I am discouraged already.I get the feeling I will learn some valuable lesons in the coming months.In the meantime stay tuned for some reviews and stuff I will offer for sale here.If you want to deal with a really good dealer and a two nice guys to boot,tryhttp://decibelaudio.com .The handsome guy you see standing there in the goofy uniform is me.This place is run by two real live headphone geeks.They cut deals as well. The prices on the site are as low as manufacturers will allow them to print.Call for the real prices.That whole deal with printed prices is another thing that kills me too.

 

[Nick Dangerous]

Dood... those prices are *already* killer. A brand new Music Hall MMF 5 turntable for $425-ish? That's the lowest I've EVER seen.

 

[acidtripwow]

Wow, why open at all?

Thurs 5pm - 9pm
Sat 11am - 6pm

I do like the 112 Watt tube mono block for $350. Now all I need ia a good pre and speakers.

 

[KR...]

Tuberoller, I think it's great that you are testing out everything that you want to sell before hand, that way you will only sell products that you yourself belive in, and you won't sell ****, just the good stuff! Bravo on that, and good luck on the store!

 

[Matt]

...you could relate all the industry's dirty laundry: all the politics, pressures, ********, etc.

That'd be interesting, dontcha think?

- Matt

 

[reynman]

I agree with Tuberoller. I bought my OBH11SE from Decibel Audio (their old store was in the movie Hi Fidelity with John Cusack and Jack Black). Jeremy is a really nice guy to deal with. It took a month for it to come in (though worth the wait) because his Creek contact was dicking him around.

Tuberoller, you've got your work cut out for you, but we're all behind you.

Regards - reynman