Audio T Verdict
The Rega Kyte is a compact passive loudspeaker that offers a refreshingly different approach to cabinet construction. Instead of a conventional wooden box, Rega uses a moulded phenolic resin enclosure reinforced with ceramic plates and internal cross bracing.
Rega also designs and manufactures the drive units and crossover components, giving the Kyte a clear family connection with amplifiers such as the io and Brio MK7.
Its compact dimensions and supplied rear feet make it practical for shelves and smaller rooms, while optional adaptors allow the Kytes to be used with suitable speaker stands. Careful positioning remains worthwhile because the cabinet is rear ported.
The Kyte is an especially natural choice for the Rega io, Brio MK7 and System One package. Customers requiring a larger-scale floorstanding speaker should also compare it with the Rega AYA.
Rega Kyte Compact Bookshelf Speakers
The Rega Kyte is a compact two-way passive loudspeaker designed and manufactured in the UK.
Each speaker combines Rega's handmade MX-125 mid and bass driver with the company's ZRR high-frequency unit inside a specially moulded phenolic resin enclosure.
Ceramic reinforcement and a complex internal cross-brace structure are used to increase cabinet stiffness and reduce unwanted movement that could interfere with the output of the drive units.
The Kytes are supplied as a stereo pair with removable rear support feet, allowing them to be used on a strong shelf, stable surface or suitable speaker stands.
Passive Stereo Loudspeakers
The Rega Kytes are passive speakers and require a separate stereo amplifier.
They do not contain internal amplification, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, streaming software or a digital-to-analogue converter.
Speaker cable connects the binding posts on the rear of each Kyte to the corresponding left and right speaker outputs on the amplifier.
An Amplifier and Speaker Cable Are Required
The Kytes cannot be connected directly to a turntable, television, phone, computer or network streamer.
A suitable amplifier and equal lengths of speaker cable are required. The amplifier then receives the chosen turntable, streamer, CD player or other source.
Phenolic Resin Cabinet
Most traditional loudspeakers use cabinets made from MDF, plywood or another wood-based material.
Rega developed the Kyte around a moulded thermoset phenolic resin enclosure instead.
Phenolic resin provides a naturally stiff and lightweight structure that can be moulded into shapes that would be difficult to produce economically from conventional flat wooden panels.
The material also allowed Rega to manufacture the enclosure in the UK while controlling its shape, wall thickness and internal reinforcement.
- Custom thermoset phenolic resin enclosure
- UK-manufactured cabinet
- Stiff and lightweight construction
- Moulded cabinet profile
- Internal ceramic reinforcement
- Complex internal cross bracing
Ceramic Plates and Internal Cross Bracing
Ceramic plates are fitted inside the cabinet at carefully selected locations.
These plates work with the internal cross braces to increase stiffness and control unwanted cabinet vibration.
A loudspeaker cabinet should provide a stable platform for the drive units rather than moving in sympathy with them.
Reducing unwanted cabinet movement helps the energy from the amplifier remain focused on moving the drive-unit diaphragms and producing sound.
Rega MX-125 Mid and Bass Driver
Each Kyte uses a Rega MX-125 mid and bass drive unit.
The driver is handmade by Rega and incorporates a four-layer voice coil.
It handles the lower and middle parts of the audible frequency range, including bass instruments, vocals and much of the tonal character of acoustic instruments.
The MX-125 is also used within the larger Rega AYA loudspeaker, although the two speakers use different cabinet designs and drive-unit arrangements.
Rega ZRR High-Frequency Unit
High frequencies are produced by Rega's own ZRR high-frequency unit.
Rega developed the unit to work with its MX-125 driver and internally manufactured crossover components.
Using drive units designed as part of the complete loudspeaker allows Rega to optimise the crossover and cabinet around known electrical and mechanical characteristics.
Drive Units Are Exposed
Take care when unpacking, carrying and positioning the Kytes. Avoid touching the front of either drive unit.
Never place a Kyte face down while fitting the rear foot, as this may damage the drive units.
Rega-Made Crossover Components
The internal crossover directs low and middle frequencies to the MX-125 driver and high frequencies to the ZRR unit.
Rega manufactures and winds the crossover components in-house rather than relying entirely on generic off-the-shelf assemblies.
This allows the electrical filter to be developed alongside the cabinet and drive units as one complete loudspeaker system.
Rear-Ported Bass-Reflex Design
The Kyte uses a rear-firing bass-reflex port to support its low-frequency output.
The port works with the movement of the MX-125 driver and the air inside the cabinet to increase useful bass output from the compact enclosure.
Because the port is positioned on the rear panel, the distance between the speaker and the wall can noticeably affect the balance of the system.
Closer to the Wall
Moving the Kytes closer to a solid rear wall will generally increase the perceived amount of bass.
This may be useful in a larger or more lightly furnished room, but positioning them too close can make the lower frequencies sound overly prominent.
Further into the Room
Moving the speakers further from the rear wall may reduce bass quantity while improving definition and stereo depth.
Small changes can be worthwhile, so adjust one thing at a time and listen again before making another change.
Speaker Positioning
The Kytes can be placed on suitable stands, a strong shelf or another stable and level surface.
Begin with both speakers positioned at the same height and approximately the same distance from the main listening position.
Avoid placing one speaker close to a corner while the other is positioned in open space, as this can create noticeably different bass levels between the two channels.
The speakers can initially be positioned facing forwards. Turning them slightly towards the listening position may sharpen central imaging, while reducing the angle can produce a broader presentation.
Experiment with:
- Distance from the rear wall
- Distance from side walls
- Distance between the two speakers
- Speaker height
- Angle towards the listening position
- Distance between the speakers and the listener
Using the Supplied Rear Feet
Two rear support feet and four Pozi 2 screws are supplied with the Kytes.
The feet support the rear of each cabinet and position the speaker at the intended angle when used on a stable shelf or surface.
A PZ2 or Pozi 2 screwdriver is required and is not listed among the supplied accessories.
How to Fit the Rear Feet
- Protect the surface on which the speaker will be placed.
- Keep the front of the speaker facing forwards rather than laying the cabinet face down.
- Position the rear edge of the cabinet so that the fixing holes remain accessible.
- Loosely attach one foot using two of the supplied screws.
- Place the speaker upright on a flat surface.
- Check that the foot is aligned and the cabinet sits securely.
- Carefully tighten the screws by hand without overtightening them.
- Repeat the process for the second loudspeaker.
Never Place the Kyte Face Down
The front drive units are exposed and can be damaged by contact with a floor, table or other surface.
Using the Kytes on Speaker Stands
Speaker stands can place the Kytes at a more appropriate listening height and separate them from furniture that may vibrate or resonate.
The optional
Rega Kyte Stand Adaptors
replace the supplied rear feet and provide a larger, more stable platform for use with a range of third-party stands.
The adaptors are made from 2 mm powder-coated mild steel and use the existing fixing positions on the rear of each cabinet.
The adaptors and speaker stands are sold separately.
Choosing Speaker Stands
The ideal stand should be stable, level and appropriately sized for the Kyte and its optional adaptor.
Stand height should place the high-frequency units reasonably close to seated ear level in the main listening position.
The stand base must also be suitable for the flooring. Spikes are often used on carpet, while protective cups or isolation feet may be preferable on hard floors.
Audio T can help confirm stand compatibility and demonstrate the difference that proper support can make.
Speaker Cable and Polarity
The Kytes require one equal-length speaker cable run for each channel.
Connect the red positive terminal on the amplifier to the red terminal on the corresponding speaker. Connect the black negative amplifier terminal to the black speaker terminal.
Reversing the polarity of one speaker can reduce bass response and weaken the central stereo image.
Always switch off the amplifier before fitting, removing or changing speaker cable.
Rega recommends good-quality speaker cable and equal lengths for the left and right channels.
Avoid Short Circuits
Ensure that no loose copper strands can touch the neighbouring terminal or the amplifier case.
A short circuit may activate the amplifier's protection system and could damage equipment if the amplifier does not provide suitable protection.
Amplifier Matching
The Kyte has a nominal impedance of 6 O and a sensitivity of 89 dB.
These figures make it a sensible partner for a range of appropriately designed stereo amplifiers, but room size, listening distance and preferred volume remain important.
Rega gives an 80 W-per-channel power-handling figure as a guide rather than as a strict requirement or guarantee.
An amplifier with a lower published output can work well when used within its limits, while an excessively driven amplifier can produce distortion that may damage a loudspeaker even when its stated power appears modest.
Rega io
The
Rega io
delivers 30 W per channel into 8 O and was specifically chosen by Rega for use with the Kytes within the System One package.
It is best suited to sensible listening distances and smaller or medium-sized rooms.
Rega Brio MK7
The
Rega Brio MK7
provides 50 W per channel into 8 O and 72 W into 4 O.
Its additional power can provide greater headroom and control while retaining Rega's compact half-width format.
Rega Elex MK4
The
Rega Elex MK4
delivers 72 W per channel into 8 O and offers greater power for more spacious rooms or higher listening levels.
Care should still be taken with volume, particularly if the amplifier begins to sound strained or the bass driver movement becomes excessive.
The Rega System One
The Kytes are included within the
Rega System One Complete Turntable System
.
This package combines:
- Rega Planar 1 turntable
- Factory-fitted Rega Carbon cartridge
- Rega io integrated amplifier
- Pair of Rega Kyte loudspeakers
- Mini system remote control
- Two 3-metre lengths of Rega speaker cable
System One is worth considering when the turntable, amplifier, speakers and cable are all required together.
Purchasing the Kytes separately may be preferable when you already own an amplifier or want to build a system around different source components.
Using the Kytes with a Turntable
A turntable cannot connect directly to the Kytes because the speakers do not contain an amplifier or phono stage.
A typical vinyl system requires:
- A turntable and cartridge
- A compatible moving magnet or moving coil phono stage
- A stereo amplifier
- A pair of Kyte speakers
- Speaker cable
An amplifier such as the Rega io, Brio MK7 or Elex MK4 includes a moving magnet phono input, allowing a compatible Rega turntable to connect without a separate moving magnet phono stage.
Using the Kytes with Streaming
The Kytes do not contain network-streaming technology.
Streaming can be added using either a streaming amplifier or a separate streamer connected to a conventional integrated amplifier.
The streamer selects and plays the music, the amplifier controls the volume and drives the speakers, and the Kytes convert the amplified electrical signal into sound.
Using the Kytes with a Television
A television cannot normally connect directly to the Kytes.
The television must connect to a compatible amplifier, DAC or streamer that provides the required amplification and speaker outputs.
The exact connection will depend on whether the television provides HDMI ARC, optical digital or analogue audio output and which inputs are available on the amplifier.
Small and Medium-Sized Rooms
The compact Kyte is particularly well suited to small and medium-sized rooms where a large floorstanding speaker may be difficult to position.
Its rear port means it can use some assistance from the room boundaries, although it should not be pushed into a position where the port is completely obstructed.
Listening distance and volume are just as important as the physical size of the room. An extended demonstration is recommended when the speakers will be used across a large room or at consistently high levels.
Kyte or Rega AYA?
Rega Kyte
- Compact two-way speaker
- Rear-ported design
- Phenolic resin cabinet
- Suitable for shelves or speaker stands
- 3.73 kg per speaker
- Natural partner for the io and Brio MK7
- Well suited to smaller rooms
Rega AYA
The
Rega AYA
is a larger 2.5-way floorstanding loudspeaker.
- Glass-reinforced cement cabinet
- Dedicated bass driver
- MX-125 mid and bass driver
- ZRR high-frequency unit
- Greater cabinet volume
- Designed for larger-scale systems
- No separate speaker stands required
The Kyte may be the better choice where space is limited or a compact standmount design is preferred. The AYA should be considered where greater scale, bass extension and room-filling ability are required.
Care and Maintenance
Disconnect the amplifier before cleaning or moving the speakers.
Use a soft, dry cloth to remove dust from the cabinet. Avoid abrasive cleaners, solvents and excessive moisture.
Do not press the drive-unit cones or high-frequency diaphragms.
Keep liquids, candles and heat sources away from the speakers and ensure the cabinets remain stable where children or pets may be present.
Drive-unit replacement should be carried out through an authorised Rega retailer because the front fascia label must be removed to access the fixing screws.
What the Rega Kytes Do Not Include
No Built-In Amplification
- Passive speakers
- Require a stereo amplifier
- Cannot connect directly to a source
- No internal volume control
No Wireless Streaming
- No Wi-Fi
- No Bluetooth
- No AirPlay
- No Chromecast
- No streaming applications
No Digital Inputs
- No optical input
- No coaxial digital input
- No USB input
- No HDMI ARC or eARC
- No internal DAC
No Speaker Stands
- Rear support feet are included
- Speaker stands are sold separately
- Kyte Stand Adaptors are optional
- A PZ2 screwdriver is required for assembly
No Speaker Cable
- Speaker cable is not listed as a standard accessory
- Equal lengths are required for both channels
- Cable can be supplied and prepared by Audio T
- Speaker cable is included only with the System One package
No Dedicated Subwoofer Connection
- Subwoofer connectivity is determined by the amplifier
- No RCA sockets on the speakers
- No crossover controls
- No wireless subwoofer connection
Who Are the Rega Kytes For?
A Good Choice If You:
- Want compact passive stereo speakers
- Have a small or medium-sized listening room
- Own a Rega io or Brio MK7 amplifier
- Want the speakers used in the Rega System One
- Prefer a UK-designed and manufactured loudspeaker
- Want a stiff non-wood cabinet construction
- Need speakers suitable for a shelf or stand
- Want optional stand-mount adaptors
- Prefer conventional wired speaker connections
- Want to build a component system that can be upgraded gradually
Consider Another Option If You:
- Need active speakers with built-in amplification
- Want Wi-Fi or Bluetooth built into the speakers
- Need HDMI, optical or USB inputs
- Want very deep bass without adding a subwoofer
- Regularly listen at very high levels in a large room
- Require floorstanding speakers
- Need speaker stands included
- Want a speaker with a front-firing port for very restricted placement
- Cannot position the speakers on stable supports
Key Features
- Supplied as a stereo pair
- Compact two-way passive loudspeaker
- Designed and manufactured in the UK
- Custom thermoset phenolic resin cabinets
- Internal ceramic reinforcing plates
- Complex internal cross-brace structure
- Rega handmade MX-125 mid and bass drivers
- Four-layer MX-125 voice coil
- Rega-designed ZRR high-frequency units
- Rega-manufactured crossover components
- Rear-ported bass-reflex design
- Nominal 6 O impedance
- 89 dB sensitivity
- 80 W-per-channel power-handling guide
- Rear support feet supplied
- Optional Rega Kyte Stand Adaptors available
- Compatible with suitable third-party speaker stands
- Compact 325 mm cabinet height
- Black finish
- Lifetime limited warranty against confirmed manufacturing defects
Included Accessories
- Pair of Rega Kyte loudspeakers
- Two rear support feet
- Four Pozi 2 fixing screws
- User documentation
A stereo amplifier, equal lengths of speaker cable, speaker stands and Kyte Stand Adaptors are not included unless supplied as part of a separate system package.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Rega Kyte speakers sold as a pair?
Yes. The Kytes are supplied as a matched stereo pair.
Are the Kytes active or passive?
They are passive loudspeakers and require a separate stereo amplifier.
Do they have Bluetooth or Wi-Fi?
No. Wireless streaming must be provided by a separate streamer or streaming amplifier.
Can I connect a turntable directly?
No. A turntable must connect through a suitable phono stage and amplifier before the amplified signal reaches the Kytes.
Can I connect a streamer directly?
No. A conventional streamer must connect to an amplifier that provides suitable speaker outputs.
Can I connect a television directly?
No. The television must connect through a compatible amplifier, streamer or DAC that can drive passive speakers.
Which Rega amplifier is the natural partner?
The Rega io was selected for use with the Kytes in the System One package. The Brio MK7 provides additional power and headroom, while the Elex MK4 may suit larger rooms or higher listening levels.
Will the Rega io drive the Kytes?
Yes. Rega designed the System One around the io amplifier and Kyte speakers. Room size, listening distance and preferred volume should still be considered.
What is the speaker impedance?
Rega specifies a nominal impedance of 6 O.
What is the sensitivity?
The specified sensitivity is 89 dB.
What amplifier power is recommended?
Rega gives an 80 W-per-channel power-handling figure as a guide. Amplifier quality, room size and listening level are more important than choosing solely by the published wattage.
Are the Kytes rear ported?
Yes. Moving them closer to a solid wall will generally increase bass output, while moving them further into the room may improve definition.
Can they be placed on a bookshelf?
Yes, provided the shelf is strong, stable and gives the rear port enough space to operate. Avoid lightweight furniture that vibrates noticeably.
Can they be used on speaker stands?
Yes. The optional Rega Kyte Stand Adaptors improve compatibility and stability when the speakers are used with suitable third-party stands.
Are speaker stands included?
No. The standard rear support feet are included, but speaker stands and Kyte Stand Adaptors are sold separately.
Are the rear feet included?
Yes. Two rear feet and four fixing screws are supplied.
Do I need any tools?
A PZ2 or Pozi 2 screwdriver is required to attach the supplied rear feet.
Can I lay the speakers face down while fitting the feet?
No. Rega specifically advises against placing the Kytes face down because this may damage the exposed drive units.
Is speaker cable included?
Speaker cable is not listed as a standard Kyte accessory. It is included when the speakers form part of the Rega System One package.
Should both speaker cables be the same length?
Yes. Rega recommends using equal lengths of good-quality speaker cable for the left and right speakers.
Which terminal is positive?
The red terminal is positive and the black terminal is negative. Maintain the same polarity at the amplifier and both speakers.
Can I add a subwoofer?
This depends on the amplifier and the subwoofer connection method. The Kytes do not include a dedicated subwoofer output.
Are the Kytes suitable for a large room?
They are primarily compact speakers for small and medium-sized rooms. A demonstration is recommended for larger spaces or consistently high listening levels.
What is the upgrade from the Kyte?
The Rega AYA is the larger floorstanding model in Rega's speaker range and should be considered where greater scale and bass capability are required.
Are the drive units made by Rega?
Yes. Rega designs and manufactures the MX-125 mid and bass driver and ZRR high-frequency unit.
What finish is available?
The Rega Kytes are available in black.
Can Audio T help with positioning?
Yes. Our store teams can demonstrate the speakers, advise on stands and cable, and help establish a sensible starting position for your room.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Specialist advice from experienced in-store teams
- Demonstrations with Rega io, Brio MK7 and Elex MK4 amplifiers
- Help comparing the Kytes with alternative compact speakers
- Rega System One demonstrations and setup advice
- Speaker stand and Kyte Stand Adaptor guidance
- Speaker cable selection, preparation and termination
- Advice on positioning, toe-in and distance from room boundaries
- Help integrating turntables, streamers and televisions
- Home demonstrations may be available depending on location and system requirements
- Part exchange available on suitable equipment
- Ongoing support from the UK's oldest independent specialist Hi-Fi retailer
Contact your local Audio T store
to arrange a demonstration or discuss whether the Rega Kytes are right for your room and amplifier.