Audio T Verdict
The Rega AYA is a distinctive British-made floorstanding speaker built around an equally distinctive glass-reinforced cement cabinet. The result is a rigid, sculptural enclosure that avoids the conventional rectangular wooden-box approach followed by most loudspeaker designs.
Rega combines the cabinet with its own ZRR high-frequency unit, handmade MX-125 bass-mid driver and larger RR7.8 bass driver in a front-ported 2.5-way band-pass arrangement.
With 89.5 dB sensitivity and a nominal 6 O impedance, the AYA can work with a sensible range of amplifiers, although products such as the Rega Elex MK4, Elicit MK5 and Aethos provide particularly natural system matches.
The optional magnetic grilles are sold separately. Take care to select the correct option, as the grille set does not include the speakers and the standard speaker pair does not include the grilles.
Rega AYA Floorstanding Speakers
The Rega AYA is a medium-sized floorstanding loudspeaker developed over approximately ten years by a Rega design team led by company founder Roy Gandy.
Each speaker uses a UK-manufactured glass-reinforced cement cabinet together with drive units and crossover components designed specifically for the complete loudspeaker.
The sculpted enclosure and integrated base give the AYA a distinctive floating appearance while the front-facing reflex port provides greater positioning flexibility than many rear-ported floorstanding speakers.
The AYA is supplied in Steel Grey, combining a Steel Grey front panel with a darker grey GRC cabinet.
Choose the Correct AYA Option
This product page contains separate options for the complete AYA loudspeaker pair and the optional grille set.
Rega AYA Speakers in Steel Grey
This option supplies a stereo pair of Rega AYA floorstanding loudspeakers.
- One left speaker
- One right speaker
- Steel Grey front panels
- Dark grey GRC cabinets
- Integrated sculpted bases
- User documentation
The optional magnetic grilles are not included with the speaker pair.
Rega AYA Speaker Grilles
This option supplies the optional magnetic grille set for an existing pair of AYA loudspeakers.
- Lightweight grille construction
- Quality acoustically transparent cloth
- Magnetic attachment
- Designed specifically for the Rega AYA
- Helps protect the exposed drive units
The grille option does not include any loudspeakers.
Please Check Your Selected Option
Select the Steel Grey speaker option when purchasing the complete stereo pair.
Select the grille option only when purchasing the removable grille set for AYA speakers you already own or are ordering separately.
Developed Over Ten Years
Rega spent approximately a decade developing the AYA enclosure, drive-unit arrangement and crossover.
The project was created as an alternative to the increasingly expensive veneered MDF cabinets used by many traditional loudspeaker manufacturers.
Rather than moving cabinet production overseas or increasing the price of a conventional wooden enclosure, Rega worked with a specialist UK company to develop the glass-reinforced cement moulding process.
This allowed Rega to create a rigid cabinet with a complex sculpted profile while retaining UK production.
Glass-Reinforced Cement Cabinet
The AYA cabinet is moulded from glass-reinforced cement, often shortened to GRC.
Fine glass fibres are incorporated into the cement material to increase structural integrity while reducing the weight that would normally be associated with a solid concrete enclosure.
The rigidity of the cabinet is intended to provide a stable mounting platform for the drive units and reduce the amount of unwanted cabinet movement contributing to the sound.
- Custom moulded GRC construction
- Manufactured in the UK
- Glass-fibre reinforcement
- Rigid and structurally stable enclosure
- Sculpted non-rectangular profile
- Integrated floorstanding base
- Distinctive natural surface texture
Every GRC Cabinet Is Unique
Glass-reinforced cement has natural visual characteristics in much the same way as wood, stone and other individually formed materials.
Small changes in colour, pinholes, swirls, patterns and casting marks may be visible on the cabinet surface.
These variations are an expected result of the moulding and finishing process and mean that no two cabinets will appear completely identical.
Natural Surface Variations
Small pinholes, shade changes, swirls and patterns within the GRC surface are normal characteristics of the material.
They are not normally considered manufacturing defects and form part of the individual appearance of each AYA cabinet.
2.5-Way Loudspeaker System
The AYA uses a 2.5-way drive-unit arrangement.
The MX-125 driver handles the midrange and bass frequencies, while the larger RR7.8 driver reinforces the lower-frequency region.
The ZRR high-frequency unit reproduces the treble and upper harmonics.
This configuration allows the larger bass unit to extend the low-frequency performance without requiring a separate dedicated midrange driver and a more complicated three-way crossover.
Band-Pass Enclosure Design
Rega describes the AYA as a 2.5-way band-pass enclosure.
The cabinet, internal acoustic loading, drive units and front port work together to control the bass response produced by the two larger drivers.
The enclosure has been designed as part of the complete loudspeaker rather than as a generic cabinet into which unrelated drive units have been installed.
Rega ZRR High-Frequency Unit
High frequencies are reproduced by Regas own ZRR high-frequency unit.
The tweeter is designed to work with the electrical and acoustic characteristics of the AYA crossover, front panel and mid-bass driver.
The unit is mounted at the top of the drive-unit arrangement to help provide a clear stereo image when the speakers are positioned and angled correctly.
Handmade Rega MX-125 Bass-Mid Driver
The 5-inch MX-125 handles the middle of the frequency range together with part of the bass region.
It is designed and handmade by Rega, allowing the company to control the driver construction and match it to the cabinet and crossover.
The same basic MX-125 platform is used within the compact Rega Kyte, although the AYA combines it with a different enclosure and an additional dedicated bass driver.
Rega RR7.8 Bass Driver
A larger 7-inch RR7.8 driver provides additional low-frequency output.
The extra cone area allows the AYA to move more air than the smaller Kyte and produce the greater bass scale expected from a floorstanding loudspeaker.
The driver operates with the MX-125 and band-pass cabinet rather than functioning as a separately powered subwoofer.
Rega-Designed Crossover
A dedicated crossover divides the incoming amplifier signal between the ZRR, MX-125 and RR7.8 drive units.
The crossover was developed alongside the drivers and GRC cabinet so that the complete loudspeaker could be tuned as one system.
The AYA provides a single pair of speaker terminals rather than separate bi-wire connections, keeping the signal path and installation straightforward.
Front-Facing Reflex Port
The reflex port is positioned on the front of the cabinet.
A front port can make the AYA more accommodating than many rear-ported speakers when it needs to be positioned reasonably close to a wall.
It does not remove the influence of the room, however. Bass balance and stereo imaging will still change as the speakers are moved towards or away from rear and side walls.
Closer to a Rear Wall
Moving the AYA closer to a solid wall will generally increase the amount of bass heard at the listening position.
This can be useful in a lightly furnished room, but too much boundary reinforcement may make the bass sound heavy or less clearly defined.
Further into the Room
Increasing the distance from the wall may reduce bass quantity while improving definition, depth and stereo imaging.
Small adjustments are often more useful than moving the speakers by a large distance in one step.
Optional Magnetic Grilles
The AYA drive units are normally left exposed and the grilles are not included as standard.
Rega chose to make them optional because many customers prefer to listen and display the speakers without covers.
The lightweight grilles attach magnetically to the fixings on the front panel, avoiding visible plastic mounting sockets.
They are covered in quality speaker cloth selected to minimise its influence on performance while helping protect the cones and tweeters from accidental contact.
Listening Without Grilles
- Shows the complete sculpted front panel
- Leaves all drive units visible
- No grille material in front of the drivers
- Requires greater care around children, pets and cleaning
Listening with Grilles
- Provides additional physical protection
- Attaches magnetically
- Can be fitted or removed without tools
- Uses acoustically transparent cloth
Passive Floorstanding Speakers
The AYA is a passive loudspeaker and requires a separate stereo amplifier.
It does not contain internal amplification, volume control, network streaming, Bluetooth or digital inputs.
The turntable, CD player, streamer or other source connects to the amplifier. Speaker cable then carries the amplified left and right signals to the AYA pair.
An Amplifier and Speaker Cable Are Required
The AYA cannot be connected directly to a turntable, streamer, television, computer or phone.
A suitable stereo amplifier and two equal lengths of correctly connected speaker cable are required.
Amplifier Matching
Rega specifies a nominal impedance of 6 O and sensitivity of 89.5 dB.
These figures make the AYA reasonably amplifier friendly for a floorstanding speaker, although amplifier quality, room dimensions, listening distance and preferred volume remain important.
The quoted 110 W-per-channel power-handling figure is a guide and depends on the quality and behaviour of the connected amplifier.
A lower-powered amplifier operating cleanly may be safer than a more powerful amplifier or receiver being driven into audible distortion.
Rega Elex MK4
The
Rega Elex MK4
is a natural starting point for an AYA system.
It combines useful output power with a moving magnet phono input, analogue line inputs, optical and coaxial digital inputs and a headphone socket.
This pairing is well suited to medium-sized rooms and systems combining vinyl with a separate streamer or digital transport.
Rega Elicit MK5
The
Rega Elicit MK5
provides greater power and current delivery for larger rooms, longer listening distances or customers who want more headroom.
Its moving magnet phono stage and digital inputs allow several sources to be integrated without adding unnecessary boxes.
Rega Aethos
The
Rega Aethos
is a higher-performance analogue integrated amplifier for systems using suitably matched external source components.
Its stronger amplification and more ambitious pre-amplifier circuit allow the AYA to reveal the benefits of higher-level turntables, phono stages, CD players and streamers.
The most appropriate amplifier cannot be selected from wattage alone. We recommend hearing the AYA with your intended amplifier or comparing suitable alternatives at your local Audio T store.
Building a Complete Rega System
The AYA can form part of a complete Rega separates system using a Rega turntable, phono stage and amplifier.
Planar 3 and Elex MK4
The
Rega Planar 3
with a suitable Nd moving magnet cartridge can connect directly to the Elex MK4 phono input.
This creates a straightforward system with the option to add a Neo Mk2 power supply and separate streamer later.
Planar 6 and Elicit MK5
The
Rega Planar 6
can be used with an Nd cartridge through the Elicit phono input or with a moving-coil cartridge and suitable external phono stage.
The Elicit provides useful power and control for the AYA while accommodating both analogue and digital sources.
Planar 8 and Aethos
The
Rega Planar 8
with an appropriate phono stage and the Aethos forms a more ambitious analogue system.
The AYA is sufficiently revealing to benefit from higher-performance sources while remaining comparatively easy to accommodate in a domestic room.
Adding Music Streaming
The AYA does not include network streaming, so a suitable streamer must connect to the partnering amplifier or external DAC.
The choice of streamer should be appropriate to the overall system. An Elex MK4 or Elicit MK5 can accept a compatible optical or coaxial digital connection through its internal DAC, or an analogue output from a streamer.
The Aethos is an analogue amplifier and therefore requires a streamer with its own analogue output or a separate DAC.
Using the AYA with a Turntable
A turntable cannot connect directly to the AYA speakers.
A complete vinyl system requires:
- A turntable and cartridge
- A compatible moving magnet or moving coil phono stage
- A stereo amplifier
- A pair of Rega AYA speakers
- Two equal lengths of speaker cable
Some Rega amplifiers include a moving magnet phono stage. A low-output moving-coil cartridge requires a suitable external moving-coil stage connected to one of the amplifiers line inputs.
Speaker Positioning
Begin with both speakers the same distance from the main listening position and positioned symmetrically within the room where possible.
Rega recommends experimenting with the distance from the rear and side walls because the final bass response and stereo image depend on the room size, flooring and furniture.
Useful adjustments include:
- Distance between the speakers
- Distance from the rear wall
- Distance from side walls
- Angle towards the listening position
- Distance between the speakers and listener
- Position relative to corners and large furniture
Change only one element at a time and listen again before making another adjustment.
Toe-In and Listening Angle
Toe-in describes turning the speakers inwards towards the listening position.
A greater inward angle may sharpen the central image and increase the amount of high-frequency energy reaching the listener.
Pointing the speakers more nearly straight ahead may produce a broader presentation and slightly softer treble balance.
The best result depends on the room and listening distance, so there is no single correct angle for every installation.
Floor Positioning and Stability
Each AYA weighs 14.1 kg and should be placed on a stable, reasonably level section of floor.
Check that each cabinet is secure and cannot rock or tip, particularly where children or pets may be present.
Take care when moving the speakers because the GRC cabinet is heavy and the exposed drive units can be damaged by fingers or contact with furniture.
Lift the speaker carefully rather than dragging the base across a hard floor.
Speaker Cable and Polarity
Rega recommends good-quality speaker cable, such as Rega SC1, and equal cable lengths for the left and right channels.
Connect the red positive amplifier terminal 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 weaken bass response and reduce the stability of the central stereo image.
Switch Off Before Changing Speaker Cable
Always switch off the amplifier before connecting, removing or altering speaker cable.
Ensure that no loose copper strands can touch the neighbouring terminal or create a short circuit.
AYA or Rega Kyte?
Rega Kyte
The
Rega Kyte
is a compact two-way speaker using a phenolic resin cabinet.
- Compact bookshelf and standmount design
- Rear-ported enclosure
- One MX-125 bass-mid driver
- ZRR high-frequency unit
- 89 dB sensitivity
- 6 O nominal impedance
- Suitable for smaller rooms
- Requires stands or a stable shelf
Rega AYA
- Medium-sized floorstanding design
- Front-ported band-pass enclosure
- Glass-reinforced cement cabinet
- MX-125 bass-mid driver
- Additional RR7.8 bass driver
- 89.5 dB sensitivity
- 6 O nominal impedance
- Greater bass scale and room-filling ability
The Kyte may be the better choice where space is limited or a compact standmount is preferred. The AYA offers greater scale, bass capability and visual presence without requiring separate speaker stands.
Care and Cleaning
Switch off the amplifier before cleaning or moving the speakers.
Use a clean microfibre cloth to remove dust. The cloth may be lightly dampened where necessary, but excessive moisture, solvents and abrasive cleaning products should be avoided.
Do not press the drive-unit cones or the high-frequency diaphragm.
Optional grilles can provide additional protection where accidental contact is a concern.
Retain the original packaging because it should be used if the speakers ever need to be returned for inspection or repair.
What the Rega AYA Does Not Include
No Built-In Amplifier
- Passive loudspeakers
- Require a separate stereo amplifier
- No internal volume control
- Cannot connect directly to a source
No Network Streaming
- No Wi-Fi
- No Ethernet connection
- No music-service applications
- No wireless multiroom platform
No Wireless Audio
- No Bluetooth
- No AirPlay
- No Chromecast
- No wireless speaker link
No Digital Inputs
- No optical input
- No coaxial digital input
- No USB input
- No HDMI ARC or eARC
- No internal DAC
No Speaker Cable
- Speaker cable is not listed as a standard accessory
- Two equal lengths are required
- Audio T can supply and prepare suitable cable
- Check the required length before ordering
No Grilles with the Speaker Pair
- AYA grilles are optional
- They are sold separately
- The grille option does not include speakers
- Select the correct product option before ordering
Who Are the Rega AYA Speakers For?
A Good Choice If You:
- Want medium-sized passive floorstanding speakers
- Prefer a distinctive non-wood cabinet
- Want a UK-manufactured GRC enclosure
- Need a front-ported speaker with useful positioning flexibility
- Own a Rega Elex MK4, Elicit MK5 or Aethos
- Want greater bass scale than the Rega Kyte
- Use vinyl, CD or high-quality streaming sources
- Have a small, medium or reasonably spacious listening room
- Want optional removable grilles
- Value a speaker designed as part of a complete Rega system
Consider Another Option If You:
- Need active speakers with amplification built in
- Want Bluetooth or Wi-Fi within the speakers
- Need HDMI, optical or USB inputs
- Require very small bookshelf speakers
- Need a centre speaker or complete surround package
- Want a conventional wood-veneered cabinet
- Cannot accommodate two 14.1 kg floorstanding cabinets
- Need grilles included as standard
- Cannot position the speakers on a stable floor
Key Features
- Supplied as a stereo pair when the speaker option is selected
- Medium-sized floorstanding loudspeaker
- Developed over approximately ten years
- Designed and manufactured in the UK
- Custom glass-reinforced cement cabinet
- Individual natural GRC surface characteristics
- 2.5-way drive-unit configuration
- Band-pass enclosure design
- Front-facing reflex port
- Rega ZRR high-frequency unit
- Handmade 5-inch Rega MX-125 bass-mid driver
- Handmade 7-inch Rega RR7.8 bass driver
- Rega-designed crossover
- Single-wire speaker connections
- 6 O nominal impedance
- 89.5 dB sensitivity
- 110 W-per-channel power-handling guide
- Integrated sculpted floorstanding base
- Steel Grey front panel
- Dark grey GRC cabinet
- Optional magnetic grille set available separately
- Lifetime limited warranty against confirmed manufacturing defects
Included with the AYA Speaker Option
- Pair of Rega AYA floorstanding loudspeakers
- Integrated floorstanding bases
- User documentation
Speaker cable and optional magnetic grilles are not included with the standard AYA speaker pair.
Included with the AYA Grille Option
- Rega AYA magnetic loudspeaker grille set
The grille option does not include the AYA loudspeakers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Rega AYA speakers supplied as a pair?
Yes. Select the Steel Grey speaker option to purchase the complete stereo pair.
Does the grille option include the speakers?
No. The grille option supplies the removable magnetic grille set only.
Are grilles included with the AYA speakers?
No. Rega supplies the AYA speakers without grilles as standard. The magnetic grille set is available separately.
How do the optional grilles attach?
They attach magnetically to the fixings on the front panel and can be fitted or removed without tools.
Do the grilles affect sound quality?
Rega uses lightweight construction and quality speaker cloth intended to minimise the influence of the fitted grilles.
What is the AYA cabinet made from?
It is moulded from glass-reinforced cement, commonly abbreviated to GRC.
Are marks or pinholes in the cabinet normal?
Yes. Small pinholes, shade variations, swirls and casting patterns are normal characteristics of the GRC manufacturing process.
Are the AYA speakers active or passive?
They are passive loudspeakers and require a suitable stereo amplifier.
Do they include Bluetooth or Wi-Fi?
No. Streaming and wireless connectivity must be provided by the amplifier or a separate source component.
Can I connect a turntable directly?
No. The turntable must connect through a suitable phono stage and amplifier before the amplified signal reaches the speakers.
Can I connect a streamer directly?
No. A conventional streamer must connect to a stereo amplifier that can drive the passive AYA speakers.
Can I connect a television directly?
No. The television must connect to a compatible amplifier, DAC or streamer that provides amplification and speaker outputs.
What is the nominal impedance?
Rega specifies a nominal impedance of 6 O.
What is the sensitivity?
The specified sensitivity is 89.5 dB.
What amplifier power is suitable?
Rega gives a power-handling guide of 110 W per channel, dependent on the quality of the amplifier. Room size, listening distance and preferred volume should also be considered.
Which Rega amplifiers are suitable?
The Elex MK4, Elicit MK5 and Aethos are natural partners. The best choice depends on the room, source components and listening level.
Are the AYA speakers front ported?
Yes. The reflex port is positioned on the front of the cabinet.
Can they be positioned close to a wall?
Their front port provides useful flexibility, but the distance from rear and side walls will still affect bass balance and stereo imaging.
Should the speakers be angled towards the listener?
Begin with a modest amount of toe-in and experiment. More toe-in may sharpen central imaging, while less may produce a broader presentation.
Should both speaker cables be the same length?
Yes. Rega recommends equal lengths of good-quality speaker cable for the left and right channels.
Is speaker cable included?
Speaker cable is not listed as a standard accessory. Audio T can supply and prepare suitable lengths for your room.
Can the AYA be bi-wired?
The AYA uses a single pair of speaker terminals and is intended for conventional single-wire connection.
How heavy is each speaker?
Each AYA weighs 14.1 kg.
What finish is available?
The AYA is supplied with a Steel Grey front panel and dark grey GRC cabinet.
What is the difference between the Kyte and AYA?
The Kyte is a compact two-way bookshelf or standmount speaker. The AYA is a larger 2.5-way floorstander with an additional bass driver, front port and greater low-frequency scale.
Can Audio T help with positioning?
Yes. Our store teams can demonstrate the AYA, advise on amplifier and cable matching and help establish an appropriate starting position for your room.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Specialist advice from experienced in-store teams
- Demonstrations with Rega Elex MK4, Elicit MK5 and Aethos amplifiers
- Clear guidance on the speaker and grille product options
- Help comparing the AYA with alternative floorstanding speakers
- Complete Rega turntable, phono stage and amplifier system advice
- Speaker cable selection, preparation and termination
- Advice on positioning, toe-in and distance from room boundaries
- Help protecting hard floors and installing the speakers safely
- Home demonstrations may be available depending on location and system requirements
- Part exchange available on suitable equipment
- Ongoing support from the UKs oldest independent specialist Hi-Fi retailer
Contact your local Audio T store
to arrange a demonstration or discuss whether the Rega AYA is right for your amplifier, room and listening requirements.