Anyone have experience driving Rega R7's or similar. (6 Ohm,125W, 89dB)

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
T

therumdiaries

Member
Jul 1, 2025
3
0
20
Hi, first time posting, so thanks in advance. I'm looking for a new amp for Rega R7's. Need to replace my now-dead Cambridge Azur 640A which I think might have been a bit of a cold/lifeless pairing to begin with...
  • Rega R7's are 6ohms/89dB sensitivity/125w/channel, so only moderately efficient.
  • Stand alone DAC that delivers all the inputs (Stello DA100) so I don't need 'features'
  • Very moderate listening levels in a ~30m^2 room
  • Listening to everything - jazz, folk, rock, metal, electronica, younameit.
I'm considering the obvious two at this price point... Rotel A8 (€400) which seems 'right' but might only be delivering 35W at 6ohms... Has anyone any experience to share. Is this deal-breaker teritory or don't sweat it and as long as it's enjoyable. The primariy alternate is the Marantz PM6007, moving to ~50W at 6 Ohms. Highly reviewed but on pure sound, which is my base criteria doesn't appear to be quite as tight as the Rotel.

Do I really need to think again given the calibre of the R7's and dig deeper into finances and if so what amps might I be targeting, say at absolute limit of €800 (Arcam A5 perhaps)?

Or just get the Rotel and stop noodling over spec sheets?! : )
 
Last edited:
That’s actually a pretty good sensitivity by today’s standards but a nice sized room to fill. However, you state very moderate listening levels, so indeed the Rotel might suffice. I’d instinctively look for something beefier but the best way to tell is find a friendly dealer from whom you can buy on a returnable basis, or who might lend you their demo model.

Don’t be surprised if they show you a Rega amp at £2,000 plus however, as that’s a more natural partner for a speaker that cost about £1,500/pr over 15 years ago!

Welcome to the forum!
 
  • Like
Reactions: therumdiaries
nopiano said:
That’s actually a pretty good sensitivity by today’s standards but a nice sized room to fill. However, you state very moderate listening levels, so indeed the Rotel might suffice. I’d instinctively look for something beefier but the best way to tell is find a friendly dealer from whom you can buy on a returnable basis, or who might lend you their demo model.

Don’t be surprised if they show you a Rega amp at £2,000 plus however, as that’s a more natural partner for a speaker that cost about £1,500/pr over 15 years ago!

Welcome to the forum!
Click to expand...
I will hopefully be able to do this. After all an amp is not just for Christmas.
 
Edit: I just tried my neighbour's older Arcam A75 and the difference is staggering. Consider the budget doubled. There's an Arcam A5 nearby for €750 and a Rega Brio MK7 at €920 which will have to fall under consdieration.

Oh what difference listening and a few hours can do!
 
therumdiaries said:
Hi, first time posting, so thanks in advance. I'm looking for a new amp for Rega R7's. Need to replace my now-dead Cambridge Azur 640A which I think might have been a bit of a cold/lifeless pairing to begin with...
  • Rega R7's are 6ohms/89dB sensitivity/125w/channel, so only moderately efficient.
  • Stand alone DAC that delivers all the inputs (Stello DA100) so I don't need 'features'
  • Very moderate listening levels in a ~30m^2 room
  • Listening to everything - jazz, folk, rock, metal, electronica, younameit.
I'm considering the obvious two at this price point... Rotel A8 (€400) which seems 'right' but might only be delivering 35W at 6ohms... Has anyone any experience to share. Is this deal-breaker teritory or don't sweat it and as long as it's enjoyable. The primariy alternate is the Marantz PM6007, moving to ~50W at 6 Ohms. Highly reviewed but on pure sound, which is my base criteria doesn't appear to be quite as tight as the Rotel.

Do I really need to think again given the calibre of the R7's and dig deeper into finances and if so what amps might I be targeting, say at absolute limit of €800 (Arcam A5 perhaps)?

Or just get the Rotel and stop noodling over spec sheets?! : )
Click to expand...
Hi, first of all wellcome to the forum.
You got very good speakers, Rega R7 is somehow in a class like Rega Aya speakers from current line of Rega speakers. I think R7 deserve even better amp like Arcam A5 or Rotel A8 or Marantz 6007. All of them are very good but not on level as R7 speakers. I recommend to look for a used Rega Elex or Elicit amplifier. Or Cambridge Audio CXA81. I have used Rega Jura speakers with Rega Brio mk6 (previous version) amp, very good combo as well. There is a real synergy between Rega amp, components, speakers. BR.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Share this page

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom