rantan Posted July 22, 2024 Posted July 22, 2024 1 hour ago, Cafad said: Rega Elex R at about $2400. MF M3si at about $2700 (or maybe the M2 which seems to be almost exactly the same amp minus the usb input) Naim Nait 5si for about $3K. A very good list indeed. You won't regret buying any one of these.
Cafad Posted July 24, 2024 Author Posted July 24, 2024 On 22/07/2024 at 8:45 PM, Southie Adam said: Great news. Will look forward to a review!!! As will I. I'm down to a decision between the Rega Elex R and a Musical Fidelity M2si. Very similar power specs, both single transistor pair designs (which I love the concept of) nice level of build, design and construction. I suspect the MF will have a little more bottom end and the Rega be a little more mid-range focused and I am OK with both of these approaches (and of course I could be wrong too, but that's OK too because the fun is in the finding out). I prefer the circuit board layout of the Rega, it scratches my OCD itch for symmetry. But that isn't really enough to base a preference on. None of what I have been able to find is what I would call a deciding factor here. Does anyone have any info on either of these amps that might tip me over to one side and help me make the call?
PKay Posted July 24, 2024 Posted July 24, 2024 37 minutes ago, Cafad said: As will I. I'm down to a decision between the Rega Elex R and a Musical Fidelity M2si. Very similar power specs, both single transistor pair designs (which I love the concept of) nice level of build, design and construction. I suspect the MF will have a little more bottom end and the Rega be a little more mid-range focused and I am OK with both of these approaches (and of course I could be wrong too, but that's OK too because the fun is in the finding out). I prefer the circuit board layout of the Rega, it scratches my OCD itch for symmetry. But that isn't really enough to base a preference on. None of what I have been able to find is what I would call a deciding factor here. Does anyone have any info on either of these amps that might tip me over to one side and help me make the call? Perhaps go with price. Whoever gives you the biggest discount. Personally I like Rega amps.
Cafad Posted July 24, 2024 Author Posted July 24, 2024 1 minute ago, PKay said: Perhaps go with price. Whoever gives you the biggest discount. Personally I like Rega amps. I hadn't really considered that, I was only looking at the general RRP. OK, I'll see which one I can get for less.
Cafad Posted July 24, 2024 Author Posted July 24, 2024 Klapp have an M2si for $1890. Nice, very nice. Living Sound have a Rega Elex R for $1899. I think I have to call that even, I'm not going to make a decision on only 9 bucks. Hang on, hang on. We may have a winner. The HiFi Shop have an open box Elex R for $1499. That's a serious discount off RRP! 2
Cafad Posted July 24, 2024 Author Posted July 24, 2024 7 minutes ago, Cafad said: The HiFi Shop have an open box Elex R for $1499. That's a serious discount off RRP! It doesn't seem to be a current model, damn it! 1
Cafad Posted July 24, 2024 Author Posted July 24, 2024 The current model is an Elex mark 4 with no "R" in the title. Only available at the full RRP of $2499 from the looks of it. It does contain a built in DAC however and that is something that the MF M2si does not have at the same RRP (but cheaper discounted models are available, as I mention above). The M3si does have a DAC but usb only, which means more intended for use with computers than anything else. The Rega has both coax and optical inputs, that lends it to working better with audio and visual gear. I think I've talked myself into the Rega Elex Mk 4 here guys. I was actually actively chasing an integrated without a built in DAC just because my innate preferences are to keep digital and analogue circuitry separate if at all possible (particularly at this end of the audio price range) but I can't argue against the fact that the inclusion of an inbuilt DAC adds both value and connectivity and potential buyers are chasing both of these things. The Rega has a wolfson DAC and I have heard several different Wolfson DACs and have really liked every one. I really hope it's an 8740 series. And it is! An 8742. We have a winner! 3
LINN88 Posted July 25, 2024 Posted July 25, 2024 On 22/07/2024 at 11:10 AM, Cafad said: OK, so far we have. Rega Elex R Naim Nait 5si Rotel RA-1572 Mk2 Hegel, probably the H95 MF M3si Possible Cambridge? 3 votes for the Exposure 2510 (maybe I should be considering it?) No love for Audiolab at all, I thought they were fairly well thought of. Oh well, these things happen. The more I think about this the less clear the outcome seems to be. If I go down the popular but more neutral track then yes, the amp I choose will be widely available but I may not really like to listen to it and I'm thinking that is likely to come out in my writing and my attitude. A decision in this area sounds good logically but not good emotionally, I think I would live to regret it down the track. If I go down the most popular suggestions track then I'll be getting an Exposure 2510, I expect I'll quite enjoy listening to that but it's a bit more expensive and is not as widely available and so more out of reach and less likely to be an option for many potential readers/buyers. In the middle are the Rega, Naim and MF amps. Sooooooo... I guess that means I've narrowed it down to 3. Rega Elex R at about $2400. MF M3si at about $2700 (or maybe the M2 which seems to be almost exactly the same amp minus the usb input) Naim Nait 5si for about $3K. And I seem to have lost power to half of my flat. OK, best see what I can do about that, I'll get back to this later. Hi Cafad, After our numerous mails regarding Integrated amps for some time to match up with my Osborn Interludes, I just bought a Exposure 2510 from one of the forum members, It's immaculate around 1 year old original box, receipt all the papers n candy, I had the Rega Elex R and the Naim Nait 5si on the short list originally, but after numerous searches in reviews etc., the Exposure 2510 won hands down. As some might know the former Naim distributor here in Aus. discontinued its distributorship, they were selling Naim Nait 5 si's for $1475 (but with 1 year warranty) and the Hi-Fi Shop in Brisbane have a Rega Elex R (open box) for $1499 which is a great price. I didn't want to go with the Naim Nait 5si as there's not that many stores here seem to deal with them, as for the Rega Elex R I was a bit unsure regard to their, how can I put it analytical detail)) Hope to setup my system around Spring need to reorganize the lounge first. 1
rantan Posted July 25, 2024 Posted July 25, 2024 10 minutes ago, LINN88 said: as for the Rega Elex R I was a bit unsure regard to their, how can I put it analytical detail)) I agree completely. Notwithstanding the fact that the amplifiers mentioned in the "final " list are all very good, the Rega Elex would be the one that requires the most careful system matching. It's vibrant and energetic nature can be too much of a good thing with some systems ( speakers ).
LINN88 Posted July 25, 2024 Posted July 25, 2024 3 minutes ago, rantan said: I agree completely. Notwithstanding the fact that the amplifiers mentioned in the "final " list are all very good, the Rega Elex would be the one that requires the most careful system matching. It's vibrant and energetic nature can be too much of a good thing with some systems ( speakers ). Agreed the Exposure 2510 was a no brainer, plus the Rega Elex R's ones that are still around in stores will eventually be discontinued now for the Elex Mk 4, I got the Exposure for a great price shipping included they are pricey new around $3,300 1
Cafad Posted July 25, 2024 Author Posted July 25, 2024 5 hours ago, LINN88 said: Hi Cafad, After our numerous mails regarding Integrated amps for some time to match up with my Osborn Interludes, I just bought a Exposure 2510 from one of the forum members, It's immaculate around 1 year old original box, receipt all the papers n candy, I had the Rega Elex R and the Naim Nait 5si on the short list originally, but after numerous searches in reviews etc., the Exposure 2510 won hands down. As some might know the former Naim distributor here in Aus. discontinued its distributorship, they were selling Naim Nait 5 si's for $1475 (but with 1 year warranty) and the Hi-Fi Shop in Brisbane have a Rega Elex R (open box) for $1499 which is a great price. I didn't want to go with the Naim Nait 5si as there's not that many stores here seem to deal with them, as for the Rega Elex R I was a bit unsure regard to their, how can I put it analytical detail)) Hope to setup my system around Spring need to reorganize the lounge first. Nice pickup there mate. I thoroughly enjoyed the Exposure 2010S2 on my Osborn Eclipse speakers when I had them. 5 hours ago, rantan said: I agree completely. Notwithstanding the fact that the amplifiers mentioned in the "final " list are all very good, the Rega Elex would be the one that requires the most careful system matching. It's vibrant and energetic nature can be too much of a good thing with some systems ( speakers ). See now you've got me even more curious. I don't mind a bit of energy in an amp, and I'm also intrigued by the possibility of a bit of a challenge. Careful system matching is my idea of fun. I don't think the Elex would be a good match with a pair of Osborns, but I have a quite different pair of speakers in mind and I think they would work well with a bit of Rega sound applied to them. If I can get my hands on a pair of them then we'll find out. 3
Bronal Posted July 25, 2024 Posted July 25, 2024 (edited) 26 minutes ago, Cafad said: I don't think the Elex would be a good match with a pair of Osborns, but I have a quite different pair of speakers in mind and I think they would work well with a bit of Rega sound applied to them. If I can get my hands on a pair of them then we'll find out. Going back to one of your early posts, you said that you wanted your benchmark amp to be one that is commonly available to anyone seeking to put a system together. (I'm paraphrasing what you said, but I think that it's what you meant.) Given the paucity of hi fi stores these days, that could be a hard ask. You'd be OK for most brands in the large capital cities, but outside of them...I'm not so sure. Are you checking the offerings from non-capital city stores? Edited July 25, 2024 by Bronal
LINN88 Posted July 25, 2024 Posted July 25, 2024 2 minutes ago, hugo_wilco said: Exposure 2510.! Thats correct Hugo my long on & off finding a Amp journey has a good ending, still yet to find out how it will match up to my Rega Apollo R cd player) 1
LINN88 Posted July 25, 2024 Posted July 25, 2024 42 minutes ago, Cafad said: Nice pickup there mate. I thoroughly enjoyed the Exposure 2010S2 on my Osborn Eclipse speakers when I had them. See now you've got me even more curious. I don't mind a bit of energy in an amp, and I'm also intrigued by the possibility of a bit of a challenge. Careful system matching is my idea of fun. I don't think the Elex would be a good match with a pair of Osborns, but I have a quite different pair of speakers in mind and I think they would work well with a bit of Rega sound applied to them. If I can get my hands on a pair of them then we'll find out. Slightly intrigued with your choice of speakers to match the Rega sound any hint to the country of origin .... Aust, UK, France, Italy, US, Asia ,,,,,,,,,
Cafad Posted July 25, 2024 Author Posted July 25, 2024 13 hours ago, Bronal said: Going back to one of your early posts, you said that you wanted your benchmark amp to be one that is commonly available to anyone seeking to put a system together. (I'm paraphrasing what you said, but I think that it's what you meant.) Yes, that is the goal of this thread. A very unrealistic one though. If you replace "anyone" in your question with "more people" then it may come closer to the realm of possibility. 13 hours ago, Bronal said: Given the paucity of hi fi stores these days, that could be a hard ask. You'd be OK for most brands in the large capital cities, but outside of them...I'm not so sure. Well, I can't make it easy for everyone to have access to good/boutique hifi gear but I might be able to make it a bit easier for them to get more out of a review, so that's what I'm trying to do. I also can't guarantee success, only the attempt. 2
rantan Posted July 26, 2024 Posted July 26, 2024 This won't be popular and I am ok with being the outlier but I just don't get the Exposure love affair. I would n't be so arrogant as to say it is bad, but whenever I have heard one ( in several set ups) I found it to be just MEH. I won't comment further on it because I like this thread and its author and my impressions don't really help the thread. Interesting times ahead @Cafad. I will be watching this closely.
Cafad Posted July 26, 2024 Author Posted July 26, 2024 1 minute ago, rantan said: This won't be popular and I am ok with being the outlier but I just don't get the Exposure love affair. I would n't be so arrogant as to say it is bad, but whenever I have heard one ( in several set ups) I found it to be just MEH. I won't comment further on it because I like this thread and its author and my impressions don't really help the thread. Interesting times ahead @Cafad. I will be watching this closely. I understand mate, if there was one amp (or speaker, or anything really) that worked for everyone then we wouldn't have a need for this forum would we? I have heard the 2010S2 on Osborns and loved it, and then I heard it on a pair of KEF LS50's and hated it (and I mean hated it a lot!) so this love I have for Exposure is not only not blind, it is actually quite system dependent. Also, I later found out that someone who was at the GTG where we tried the 2010S2 and LS-50s really liked it. This hobby is basically made of differing opinions. 4
PKay Posted July 26, 2024 Posted July 26, 2024 44 minutes ago, Cafad said: I understand mate, if there was one amp (or speaker, or anything really) that worked for everyone then we wouldn't have a need for this forum would we? I have heard the 2010S2 on Osborns and loved it, and then I heard it on a pair of KEF LS50's and hated it (and I mean hated it a lot!) so this love I have for Exposure is not only not blind, it is actually quite system dependent. Also, I later found out that someone who was at the GTG where we tried the 2010S2 and LS-50s really liked it. This hobby is basically made of differing opinions. I think it’s those Kefs - I think they are the worst modern speakers I have heard. On the Exposure amps I briefly had their top pre and monos and found them underwhelming.
LINN88 Posted July 26, 2024 Posted July 26, 2024 32 minutes ago, PKay said: I think it’s those Kefs - I think they are the worst modern speakers I have heard. On the Exposure amps I briefly had their top pre and monos and found them underwhelming. So what amps against the Exposure did you find ' overwhelming' and which series Exposure did you have ??
PKay Posted July 26, 2024 Posted July 26, 2024 (edited) 29 minutes ago, LINN88 said: So what amps against the Exposure did you find ' overwhelming' and which series Exposure did you have ?? I settled on a Sugden A21 SE. My previous Lavardin IT was a significant improvement as well. The Rega Aethos is also better. I found the Exposure amp wasn’t anywhere near as enjoyable in comparison. I also had a Sonneteer Alabaster while I was waiting for the Sugden and a friends Naim Supernait. I thought all of them were better but that’s just my opinion. I think the exposure was the 3510 pre and monos from my recall. my speakers are Graham LS 5/9 so not a difficult load. Edited July 26, 2024 by PKay
blakey72 Posted July 26, 2024 Posted July 26, 2024 1 hour ago, Cafad said: I understand mate, if there was one amp (or speaker, or anything really) that worked for everyone then we wouldn't have a need for this forum would we? I have heard the 2010S2 on Osborns and loved it, and then I heard it on a pair of KEF LS50's and hated it (and I mean hated it a lot!) so this love I have for Exposure is not only not blind, it is actually quite system dependent. Also, I later found out that someone who was at the GTG where we tried the 2010S2 and LS-50s really liked it. This hobby is basically made of differing opinions. I think this hobby is made of differing opinions and also what works and what doesn't. There's a long spectrum of rights, wrongs and opinions, that's what makes it such an interesting hobby. I'm yet to come across a speaker I don't like with the Exposure amps. Oh hold on, I lie. I didn't think the Aaron ATS5's I had for a brief period sounded good with the Exposure 2010S2. I didn't think those speakers sounded much good with any amp I had at the time. I'm sure there is amps out there that do them justice. I am a little biased towards Exposure though. I think it's a brand that is hugely underrated and overlooked. 1
blakey72 Posted July 26, 2024 Posted July 26, 2024 @PKay Yes the 3000 series is quite different sounding to the 2000 series. I didn't find the 3010S2 much to my liking. I must say I really need to hear a Sugden amp one day. I've heard and read some positive things about them.
PKay Posted July 26, 2024 Posted July 26, 2024 (edited) 8 minutes ago, blakey72 said: @PKay Yes the 3000 series is quite different sounding to the 2000 series. I didn't find the 3010S2 much to my liking. I must say I really need to hear a Sugden amp one day. I've heard and read some positive things about them. The integrated could also be a lot better. A lot of people underestimate how good an integrated amp can sound. I want to hear the Rega Osiris one day. Edited July 26, 2024 by PKay 2
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