If Rega was to continue with our customer promise to deliver exceptional performance and value for money, the ever-increasing cost of real wood veneered MDF cabinets meant we had no choice but to investigate other options. After a decade of trials and development, the AYA loudspeakers are housed in a unique, UK manufactured cabinet moulded from glass-reinforced cement. The glass fibres that make up the construction reduce the weight whilst increasing the structural integrity of this 2.5 way band pass enclosure.
This technique creates the perfect loudspeaker enclosure that enhances performance whilst offering exceptional value for money. The process of moulding the AYA loudspeaker cabinets was developed alongside a UK-based company who are best known for bespoke concrete furniture and installations.
Rega fans out there will know that we have always questioned the marketing and science surrounding turntables. Experiments and research have allowed us to debunk most commonly held beliefs and use real engineering to produce world beating sound quality at sensible prices.
However, the loudspeaker market is very different because a valid scientific and engineering discipline exists which in turn has created hundreds of competitors in the loudspeaker marketplace. The success of many loudspeakers depends on powerful marketing, eye watering advertising budgets (of which Rega spends zero) and financial inducements to retailers. The funds that most loudspeaker companies would spend on marketing, Rega has put it all into research and development to achieve a totally unique cabinet construction.
*Loudspeaker grilles are available as an optional extra and will be supplied separately. To keep costs as low as possible and avoid unnecessary waste, we have chosen not to include the grilles as standard as the majority of customers choose not to use them. These grilles are simple attached by magnet to the front plate screws to prevent cone or tweeter damage. They are covered in quality speaker cloth material minimising any impact a fitted grille may have. Images of the grille are available in the gallery section.
Not unlike real wood veneer, GRC has its own characteristics. Each cabinet will be uniquely different due to the manufacturing process. Changes in shade and small surface holes in the cement are common and an expected part of the design and are not a fault. We feel these features add character to these unique cabinets.
