Speakers for a Rega system

a couple of comments:

(1)Speaker placement to improve bass response - have you moved the speakers as close to the back wall as you can? it makes a big difference in increased bass response.

(2) ICs, speaker cables, power chords: the effect of quality in these cannot be understated. The effects can be huge! REGA COUPLE ICs, REGA QUATTRO or SC42 speaker cable, REGA's own power chords (all of these are custom made for REGA to Rega specs by KLOTZ in Germany) are great quality, actually recommended by REGA as premium performers with all REGA gear, and an affordable bargain to boot.

(3) Small question please re: your recorded audio digital files? What format are the? FLAC or AIFF or ??.

The better the stored digital file format (less compression) results in a a not-so-subtle increase in performance particularly in bass response and overtall detail.

the regas are really good speakers and, as noted, work well with your system--the only thing they lack is a lot of dynamic slam, which is not a criticism. you might try investing $500 or less on a sub (something like a hsu or a smaller martin logan)--i bet it'll liven things up considerably.

I agree with all of the above on the Regas being a great match and extremely enjoyable. I also agree, however, that the R3s are a bit laid back and musical, all be it a bit euphonic and a bit "loose and bloated". Not a bad thing in a synergistic system, but the Brio R raises the bar with control of the music and additional extension in the bass. The R5 tightens things up a bit, but still exhibits Rega speaker qualities.

The new Brio can now take advantage of a tighter, more resolute speaker than ever before. There are few floor stand speakers in the price range you mention that are musical and will match up well with Rega.

I just heard Neat Acoustics Motive 2 small floor stander on a both Rega and naim gear and was quite impressed. Much of the great qualities of the Rega speaker, but with improvements in all the weak areas. Much better rhythm, timing, dynamics, and extension. I think the price is not far off the Rega R5.

Just a thought if you can find them.

Thanks for all, the responses.

The speakers are pretty close to the wall but I will try pushing them in a but more. The files I use are in Apple lossless format.

I will look into better cables or a sub, and if all fails, then perhaps other alternatives such as Neat Acoustics.

Neat and Harbeth are good choices.