Prices listed in CA$.

It was great to see Rega getting some love at a Canadian show—the brand has been flying somewhat under the radar in Canada over the past few years, a situation that’s about to change, according to a representative from Stéréogroup, Rega’s newly appointed Canadian distributor.

That’s good news, because the sound I heard from the demo set up by retailer Trutone was special. It featured Rega’s flagship Naia turntable with an Aphelion MC cartridge ($26,000 for the combo), a Rega Aura MC Reference phono stage ($9,500), a Rega Aethos integrated amplifier ($7,000), an Arcam ST25 music streamer—on standby during my visit—and a pair of Monitor Audio Platinum 200 3G speakers in Piano Black ($17,500/pair). Completing the system were an AudioQuest Niagara 3000 power conditioner ($5,000) and cabling by Rega and AudioQuest.

Unsurprisingly, the system exhibited a good sense of timing—Rega’s signature PRaT factor—but also an effortless musicality, with sweet, extended highs and colourful, gleaming detail that was never harsh but just right. It also offered a well-sorted soundstage that allowed me to observe all the musical goings-on without a trace of listener fatigue.

It was an engaging experience, filled with the promise of what’s to come.