Anyone move from a Stageline to Rega Aria?

[Adikt]

I’ve been looking for a used Mk3 Rega Aria for some time and have an opportunity to pick one up at a good price. I have a Planar 6/Ania Pro and have nothing but good things about the combo. I’m curious if anyone has made this exact change and noticed an appreciable improvement.

Thanks in advance for any of your thoughts.

[Robinho]

I have not listened to a Rega Aria Phono stage but I have heard good things and can imagine it fits in well with the rest of your Rega equipment.

I have a Stageline S that I have used for several years but this year I have changed to a Graham Slee Reflex C which to my ears is one of the best Phono stages I have listened to and works very well in my setup.

[ratrat]

With RP6 + NEO moved from Exact mm to Ania mc.

At the time, was using Rega Fono MM and enjoyed an afternoon at my dealer listening to several phono options for Ania MC cartridge - with Naim amplifiers - including StageLine and Rega Aria.

Going to the end of this story, came away with the Rega Aria. It was so much more capable than the StageLine. But it should be given the cost differential. Also, suspect there might be some synergy to be enjoyed with an all Rega solution.

There are lots more comments on this specific topic if you go looking with the search function.

Good luck
R

[ratrat]

Found some earlier notes, that might help here…

Phono stage advice

@Holmes Sounds like a nicely balanced system there… Perhaps my experience of the Rega Aria might be interesting for you. My Rega RP6 was originally fitted with Exact MM and using Fono MM. Then I moved up to Rega Ania MC… As this was several years ago, my memory of the details are rather hazy now. The dealer set up to audition several phono stage options, including Naim Stageline, Lehmann Black Cube and SE, Dynavector P75, Rega Fono MC and Aria. All were worth consideration, offering different…

[Adikt]

Thanks for sharing your experience ratrat. I was also using an Exact/Stageline combo before the move to the Ania Pro/Stageline combo and it was a significant improvement. There’s actually so much on the forum I’m struggling to see the forest through the trees!

[ratrat]

If you can, quickly do an A/B comparison before you buy.

Otherwise, maybe jump in with the pre-loved Aria, knowing that if it doesn’t work for you, maybe sell onwards with little or no loss. ( But experienced gained)

With the lovely Rega Ania Pro mc cartridge, IMHO, I would be willing to guess the Aria will give you more of what you want, ( compared to a StageLine).

Best wishes
R

p.s. isn’t it about time for another super Systems Pic and the fabulous view out of that window behind. Good luck with your journey

[Adikt]

It’s very true and one of the things I enjoy about buying used hifi. If you have patience and know the market you can try things without taking a significant amount of risk. I’ll check back in if I can close the deal.

[Adikt]

Thanks for reminding me about the listening position post.

[Christopher_M]

@Adikt

I have a Planar 6/Ania Pro

It would be interesting to compare this into an Aria against a Planar 8/Nd7 into a Stageline N.

[Adikt]

Finally took receipt of a new-to-me Aria today and got it into my system. It was already run in by the previous owner and after a short warm up it seemed up to the task.

The differences in my system were immediately apparent compared to the Stageline S/FlatCap XS and very positive. Definitely more dynamic and insightful. The casework is mostly metal and much more substantial than the Rega gear I’ve had previous experience with. I’m VERY pleased.

A few items I’m still sorting out. The amount of gain compared to the Stageline S was a bit of a surprise, but I’m sure I’ll get used to that quickly. The power mains is a bit underwhelming, but maybe not a factor. Last and maybe a bit OCD, but the lighting on the Aria is much more laid back/dimmer and sophisticated looking than the Neo. I might look into some dimming stickers for the Neo to tone it down a bit.

Aria at work just below the TT.