rega XEL

Posted by: bec143 on 05 December 2002

Hi all.

Thinking of a speaker change from my Vienna Acoustics Bachs to go with my series 5 setup. Had the chance to audition Rega XEL, Meadow Shearwaters, and Linn Kabers this week.

Didn't like the latter two, but the Rega's were quite nice. Anyone have any experience with them?

Bruce

Posted on: 05 December 2002 by Mike Sae

Rega's discontinued line is far better than the new stuff, IMO. The old stuff were all classics in their own right. If you like them, go for it!

Don't worry about their newer models; in their quest for bass, they screwed up the effortless rhythm and flow of the old line.

Posted on: 05 December 2002 by Steve Toy

The XEL was replaced by the Naos that I use, and this is a seriously under-rated speaker imho.

It is dynamic, rich, and fast. It is also very neutral in terms of tonal balance. Mine are placed on Mana Sound Bases, and I'll keep them beyond buying a CDS2 as I've already heard them at the other end of this player, and they demonstate all of its capabilities.

Regards,

Steve.

Posted on: 06 December 2002 by louis_lx

I have CD3+72+140.

Once had Rega ELA and after lots of auditions i turned to Rega XEL based on a advice from a member of this forum... 3-4 yrs ago i think.

They are informative, neutral, very easy to live with... and partner very well to NAIM gear.

I´m alredy had demo a CDX at home and they sounded even a lot better, so there´s room for improvement.

Hope it helps

Posted on: 06 December 2002 by Steve Toy

The Naos are thrilling with rock.

Regards,

Steve.

Posted on: 06 December 2002 by onlythat

The Neats are where it's at. Yeah baby-- yeah.

Posted on: 06 December 2002 by bec143

So is it true that the Neats have no grill covers? If so, the low WAF is insurmountable...

Bruce

Posted on: 07 December 2002 by Mike Sae

Neat Mystiques (and the others, I imagine) come with a grille that's attached with velcro. I don't use them.

I can take a picure if you're interested...