Price Paid:  $1200.00 from Stereotypes

Summary:
Here is a loudspeaker so honest and forthright as to scare off those looking for a warm and romantic view of their favorite music. Don't get me wrong if the recording is warm and fuzzy so too will be it's reproduction. The R5 is a speaker for those folks who don't mind the unvarnished version of their tunes.

I enjoy classical, jazz, rock, funk and variety of other music (like that ain't a variety) and have not found that the Rega's play favorites. They show the difference between good recordings and bad regardless of genre. My Chandos discs sound warm and lovely as they should and ofcourse my 70's and 80's pop transferred in the 80's or 90's sound thin and sharp. Again these are truthful speakers no funny business, no tricks just outstanding music making.

They excel at vinyl reproduction, no surprise if you've been paying attention. Remember this if nothing else from this review....Rega speakers = truth, and what is the truth relative to vinyl vs cd....you know, don't be shy now...that's right vinyl just sounds right. It's no surprise that these speakers were made by a venerable company that puts music first. Vinyl sounds absolutely fabulous through the R5's full bodied and red blooded (yes they're English but that doesn't make them blue blooded).

The high end is extended but not bright, low end full and round. Mids have not a hint of added color so if the recording ain't got it you won't hear it. That at times may make you feel as though the sound you are getting is a bit thin, that is until you get to that next full rich recording which is wonderfully reproduced. Soundstage is good to above average with imaging just being average. Hey...look at the price here, somethings gotta give!

Strengths:
Honesty...a straight forward approach to music making!

Weaknesses:
Not going to give you rock concert volumes. This speakers honesty can be more than some folks bargained for. Again if you are looking for a warm bodies presentation regardless of the recording, look elsewhere.

Similar Products Used:
Too many to list here

My system is:

Rega P3 Turntable w/Elys 2 Cartridge
Rega Mira 3 Integrated Amp
Rega Apollo CD Player
Rega R5 Speakers
Yamaha RX-V657 (used as AM/FM/XM tuner only)
Denon DVD2910 (used for SACD and DVD only)
Martin Logan Dynamo Sub

Price Paid:  $1200.00 from Stereotypes

Summary:
Here is a loudspeaker so honest and forthright as to scare off those looking for a warm and romantic view of their favorite music. Don't get me wrong if the recording is warm and fuzzy so too will be it's reproduction. The R5 is a speaker for those folks who don't mind the unvarnished version of their tunes.

I enjoy classical, jazz, rock, funk and variety of other music (like that ain't a variety) and have not found that the Rega's play favorites. They show the difference between good recordings and bad regardless of genre. My Chandos discs sound warm and lovely as they should and ofcourse my 70's and 80's pop transferred in the 80's or 90's sound thin and sharp. Again these are truthful speakers no funny business, no tricks just outstanding music making.

They excel at vinyl reproduction, no surprise if you've been paying attention. Remember this if nothing else from this review....Rega speakers = truth, and what is the truth relative to vinyl vs cd....you know, don't be shy now...that's right vinyl just sounds right. It's no surprise that these speakers were made by a venerable company that puts music first. Vinyl sounds absolutely fabulous through the R5's full bodied and red blooded (yes they're English but that doesn't make them blue blooded).

The high end is extended but not bright, low end full and round. Mids have not a hint of added color so if the recording ain't got it you won't hear it. That at times may make you feel as though the sound you are getting is a bit thin, that is until you get to that next full rich recording which is wonderfully reproduced. Soundstage is good to above average with imaging just being average. Hey...look at the price here, somethings gotta give!

Strengths:
Honesty...a straight forward approach to music making!

Weaknesses:
Not going to give you rock concert volumes. This speakers honesty can be more than some folks bargained for. Again if you are looking for a warm bodies presentation regardless of the recording, look elsewhere.

Similar Products Used:
Too many to list here

My system is:

Rega P3 Turntable w/Elys 2 Cartridge
Rega Mira 3 Integrated Amp
Rega Apollo CD Player
Rega R5 Speakers
Yamaha RX-V657 (used as AM/FM/XM tuner only)
Denon DVD2910 (used for SACD and DVD only)
Martin Logan Dynamo Sub