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Rega Mira 3 AmplifierThe amplifier Rega Mira 3 was made on the basis of Mira 2000 in 2002, but it didn't hit the market immediately, only two years later. This is traditionally for the company - to announce something and then to postpone the release of the novelty. There is talk that Roy Gandhi, the chief ideologist and the engineer of Rega Research, takes such time-out in order to test at first the techniques at his home, and to make sure that it sounds exactly as intended. And you know, this is close to the truth. Each product of this brand surprises by its originality, simplicity and conceptual completeness. All filling of Mira 3 is placed in standard for Riga components, molded case, which is easily recognized by typical cylindrical recess on the top panel. The equipment is available in both black and silver finish. You won't say Mira 3 is a functionally advanced amplifier in appearance, but nevertheless it's true. The amplifier has quite developed microprocessor control system (including the possibility to adjust the sensitivity of inputs), and the only regulator on the front panel serves not only as volume control but also as the encoder and the ring of red LEDs around it can display the operating modes. By the way, the remote control is not included, but you can buy it separately. Mira 3 has everything you need for work with tape recorder, vinyl (built-in MM/MC is provided) and in the set of expanded amplifier system (there are the output from pre-amp and the input to power amp). However, the volume control system causes the greatest interest. The same microprocessor system Rega Alpha-Encoder Type 3 is responsible for it, but the adjustmentis made not in the digital form, but in discrete - by switching of the signal through resistive matrix (80 steps). How does Mira 3 sound? I'll start with the formalities. The first impression - it has power and differs by dynamic temper. The range down is very wide and controls well both shelf and floor speaker systems. Sound quality by the input for vinyl is above all praise. There is only one claim to sound stage: the instruments with high specter are not localized as intensely as they ought to be, an imaginary source as if reaches out for the tweeters of speaker systems. Other images in the sound stage focus exceptionally clearly, the space has a proper scale. Bass instruments are somatic, MID's - textured, even depicted on the contour. I liked that this British amplifier doesn't lower to sweetness. Lower middle is elaborated in details. Working bass is amazingly clear - not fat but not dry. The device transfers decks of wooden instruments and lower voice formants better than any other amplifiers. It possesses an exemplary "diction", doesn't show intermodulation of LF and MF. Only upper vocal band is a bit revealed. The device seems to be afraid to frighten the listener by too bright or sharp sound. The "British" is dynamic in the area of HF, but ... doesn't treat with expressed detail. Misstep? - No. Listen how Mira 3 sounds with Rega equipment and you will understand that Roy Gandhi is not only talented, but also cunning. |