REDGUM Audio - Testimonials

They were delighted to give REDGUM Audio Pty. Ltd. permission to place their comments on our website.

"Please feel free to quote me at any time and in any company. It does me a power of good to think that my enthusiasm might encourage others to taste the fruit of the hi-fi tree (as you are no doubt aware, one morsel from the tree of knowledge and there's no way back)." Anthony M.

Sent: Tuesday, November 28, 2006 9:40 PM
Subject: Re: RGi35 - ordered earlier today

Thanks for rushing the despatch of my RGi35 amp through so speedily. It truly is a gem....I'm getting sounds from my speakers I never thought possible! I'll write more when I've lived with it for a week or so.

Boy am I glad I ditched my surround setup! Having lived with RGi35 for a couple of weeks now, I'm pleased to report that not one album has failed to impress me with its "new" sound.

Whilst I won't bore you with talk of Steely Dan CDs (I like them, but why do hi-fi nerds always use them for reference CDs?), the sound stage from the Redgum paints pictures of artists wrestling sounds from their instruments. Yet, its authority over electronic music is where the RGi35 really shines. The sound is so goddam tight and energised! If you can picture tall pillars of sounding leaning into the room, then you'll have some idea of what I'm currently experiencing.

I guess it will be no surprise to you that I get bass frequencies from my Krix KDXs that I would have previously required a subwoofer with the old amp. This is most noticeable when watching movies. :-D

David Byrne (I think) once said that writing about music is like trying to dance to architecture. He might be right.

Thanks once again for such a great product at such a great price.

.....of course you may use my comments for your site/testimonials. It might be worth mentioning that I had a Cambridge Azur 540R before the Redgum and that I bought the RGi35 on impulse! Ha!

:-)

John D. - Zetland Australia

Sent: Tuesday, November 21, 2006 10:45 PM
Subject: Re: REDGUM on its way

Thanks Lindy. Delighted with the amp (REDGUM RGi120) - makes a huge difference to my system, like having new speakers as well...

Many thanks

Mark W. - Ashgrove Australia

Sent: Wednesday, October 25, 2006 10:28 AM
Subject:

Dear Redgum

A few months ago I bought, unaudtioned, a Redgum 120 amp (RGi120), purely on the basis of your reputation and some reviews read. To say I'm mightily impressed with it is a considerable understatement. Not unexpectedly, it makes DDD and well-produced, well-remastered analogue CDs sound stunning, but I have yet to see any of your fans comment on what it does for mono discs. My taste includes jazz from 1923 to the present, classical music of all genres, and good-quality pop from Bing Crosby to Cassandra Wilson. Anything recorded before 1957 is obviously mono, but the well-recorded ones -- 1940s-1950s Columbia, Capitol, Mercury (and sometimes Verve) in particular -- simply come alive in a way I've never heard before, with a palpable soundstage that reveals previously unheard sounds like acoustic guitar flourishes and soft cymbal work, plus always immaculate bass. The downside (!) is that audio atrocities previously inaudible have also been revealed by the Redgum amp: cutting-lathe rumble on some 1920s recordings, low-frequency electronic hum, presumably in the recording equipment, in some later ones, and some very strange stereo separation set-ups in small-label jazz recordings of the 1950s and 1960s. But that's a small price to pay for the joy of listening to the other 99.9 per cent of my CD collection in glorious, natural musical sound.

Redgum is now automatically top of my list for my next replacement purchase, a CD player.

later ...

By all means put my comments on your website, and if they help to convert a few to your excellent products, I'll be very gratified. One point though: I was talking about mono CDs, not vinyl. I haven't touched vinyl in 15 years. Those who say the sound of vinyl is warmer or better must have better ears than mine. I prefer not only the convenience of CDs but that fact I don't have to put up with surface noise or pops, crackles, and snaps, not to mention short playing times, static electricity, and the friction noise of stylus in groove.

I particularly had in mind some Benny Goodman trios from the 1940s and early 1950s. Fortunately they were recorded for Capitol, which always had high standards. I've owned them for years on vinyl but was delighted with what Capitol has done by way of remastering for CD. When I fired up my Redgum 120, I was staggered at how good the sound was spatially -- depth as well as width, real in-the-room presence. No doubt Capitol's remastering engineers can take some credit, but I wouldn't have expected or got that kind of spatiality through my old Phase Linear gear.

Redgum's less-is-more or less-is-better philosophy works for me. .......

later ...

I think what I was trying to say earlier, bearing in mind that I'm not in any way technically inclined, is that your duo mono amplifiers admirably suit mono CDs. They create almost a quasi-stereo effect, only with two mono channels. With mono recordings, that seems to create a sort of mono soundstage with a previously unheard spatiality that lets you hear them afresh -- almost in the flesh, in fact. Given how much important music -- jazz, classical, and popular -- was recorded pre-1957 (and so pre-stereo), I think that's a very important feature. For instance, Yehudi Menhuin's 1932 recording of Elgar's Violin Concerto, conducted by the composer, has never been out of print, and there are others.

Cheers,

Robert C. - Hobart Australia

Sent: Monday, June 19, 2006 10:56 AM
Subject: RE: Lovely AMP

(REDGUM) RGi120 playing away in the background right now - its like being in a hotel with the band playing in the next bar - very real. Its got the musicality of the Sugden and added more hi fi to that. The bonus is the extra hi fi bit is also letting more music and emotion come through. Great at low levels too.
Looooovely! :-)

........ Thought you'd enjoy this story.

Got round to trying the (REDGUM RGASil) cables .......

I thought I heard a difference vs my van den huls, but $400 worth?? Wasn't sure about that.

So I sat Rita my wife down and did an A/B test.

She was blown away. She said one sounded like a real piano and one sounded like a recording of a piano behind a glass screen.

She said she never thought cables could make that sort of difference. (She must have been humouring me all these years whilst I swapped cables around!).

.......

..... I would like to say that I am still discovering aural delights that have escaped me for years. Thank you for your informative emails and thanks again for the wonderful rejuvenation of my music collection. The CD (REDGUM RGCD2) and amplifier (REDGUM RGi35s) are getting a daily workout.

The set up sounds terrific. ...... The tuner sounds fantastic by the way. An unexpected bonus.

...... There are sounds, textures, attacks, bass notes with clarity and rhythmic pulse that have been hidden away for years. The limited time I have had to listen carefully have been a revelation.

Well after hour of listening I must ay that I am hearing details on familiar CD’s that I have not heard before. From Stravinky’s Rite of Spring to Monteverdi’s Orfeo, to Jackie Orzaczky, to Lindsay Pollack and Tunji Bier to the Cuban Allstars there new details to hear everywhere.

(Karl has just retired his Radford transistor amplifier (HD 250) in favour of a REDGUM RGi35 and REDGUM RGCD2 - Ed.)

...... the (REDGUM RGCD2) player is a great sounding unit and i do love the design considerations given to the unit. i get a kick out of my audio head buds that are surprised at seeing a computer cdrom installed. but the sound quickly makes their jaws drop. anyway love it and thanks

........ Its a day of sunshine here in the west but for reasons best known to my subconcious Ive esconsed myself indoors and am listening to rainfall. I possess two rainfall CD's and thought I'd better give them both a hearing as Ive just about worn out the rest of my cd collection - but I can tell you that its been a auric delight to actually hear everything for what seems like the first time.

Its quite rare that a product (RGi60) can be better that its advertised hype - in fact its so good that today I fear I may inadvertently find myself reaching for my umbrella and mac if Im not careful.

I had reservations about buying the 50 (RGi60 - Ed.) watter and not the 120 (RGi120) beast but those doubts all but fizzled within nano seconds of ignition and Ive been like a pea on a hot shovel since. In fact Ive been so engrossed in relistening to everything that I'd almost forgotten that Im still single again .........

Again Ive diverted - this was meant to be a simple missive to say thanks in several languages ..........

Sent: Wednesday, March 15, 2006 5:49 AM
Subject: RGi120

Hi Lindy, I wanted to follow up with you now that I have had an opportunity to spend more time with the RGi120. The short answer is: it is a wonderful amp! Lovely, smooth, transparent and ultimately musical - it is a constant pleasure to listen to. I am most impressed, as are all of my audiophile chums that hear it. And I have the only one on my block....LOL!

So thank you once again for information and thoughts. I will keep my eye on your website and strongly consider another of your amps when I next in the market. I will also recommend your products highly to anyone I know in the market.

Best regards,

Dean M. - USA

I totally agree with your statement that the "effect stays fresh." I have been listening to the RGi120 almost exclusively now since I received it (in place of some much more expensive gear) and I have not tired of it one bit!

Thanks again and I will keep in touch.

Regards,

Dean

Sent: Thursday, March 02, 2006 4:33 PM
Subject: Re: Headphone amp

Dear Ian,
What a lovely surprise it was to receive my Amp (REDGUM RGHF) this morning, thank you so much for your excellent service. I would have e-mailed you earlier to say thanks but I've only just been able to tear myself away from re-discovering my CD collection. The combination of the RGHF, silver cables (REDGUM RGASil) and my Meridian 506 is providing me with the most accurate and detailed sound I have heard in almost 50 years of listening to classical music. I've yet to try it with my SACD's and have extremely positive expectations.

The other nice surprise was the 'T' shirt - happy 10th birthday!!

Thanks again Ian (& the REDGUM Audio team). Please accept my best wishes and congratulations on creating a truly remarkable product.

Yours sincerely,
Ron S. - Australia

I've now tried a few SACDs (played from a Pioneer DV-S969Avi) - what more can I say - like being there when the recording was made.

Sent: Monday, October 24, 2005 10:07 PM
Subject: Re: Which RGi Amplifier?

Hi Lindy,

Well, I'm really enjoying the whole cake! ;) The amplifier (REDGUM RGi120) is amazing! I can hear everything! Too much even in a sense....I can hear edits where vocal takes are swapped mid phrase, etc. It shows any/all audio engineering mistakes in a recorded performance. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if REDGUM amplifiers are used in recording studios. If not, then perhaps there's another market for you.

Thanks again,
Patrick. B - Australia

Sent: Wednesday, November 02, 2005 8:44 PM
Subject: My new amp is fantastic

Hi Lindy and Ian,

Thankyou both for providing excellent after sales service with the minor problems I had with my amp (REDGUM RGH900p & RGH900-1). It has now had a few weeks of use with almost three days non stop after the second fix. It is just great, there is nothing more I can add. Looking forward to purchasing your great speakers some time down the track. Actually a few years down the track.

Thanks once again for a great product and after sales service . I have not experienced this standard of service anywhere else.

Interestingly I do not have the volume up anywhere near the levels that I previously used. I don't need the volume to get the full dynamic range and feel of the music, it comes through superbly even on low volumes.

Cheers

Sent: Tuesday, October 04, 2005 2:42 PM
Subject: Re: REDGUM

Hello Lindy!

Guess what...I bought a Redgum 175 three pack! (REDGUM RGM175) Knew I would at some stage...

Have been running the Bryston for 6 months now as you know...however never really been happy. Move the little (REDGUM RGi35) RG35 in occasionally to get a better sound from the VAF’s. A little while ago I picked up some 300B monoblocks and have enjoyed the sound very much also...they just don’t have the same bass control and strength of the Big Bad Bryston and the little 35.......

Sound is familiar to me...certainly better than the BBB.

Chiz,
m@

Sent: Monday, August 08, 2005 10:49 PM
Subject: REDGUM Warranty Registration via Website

Hi Guys (Lindy, Ian etc),

I have just recently purchased a REDGUM Product (RGi35ENR), and would like to register my warranty details (and make a few comments as well).

I don't really know where to start, so...

Several years ago I was told about a guy in Taylors Lake s who built amazing subwoofers and, going on a recommendation, I contacted Greg Osborn and arranged to buy a T-15 sight unseen.

As I approached his house it sounded like he had a Huey parked idling inside. I thought he must be thrashing his Twinultimate sub, but no, he showed me inside and there was the T-15 punching out the soundtrack to the Matrix. Sold, no question!! A quick listen to Rickie Lee Jones for the music side of the sub, a tour of his home theatre, an introduction to the family, and I was on my way back to East Gippsland with a bootload of Osborn sub.

I loved it immediately, still do. and then I re-read the reviews, specs etc and wondered about the amp: a REDGUM, recently designed, I believe, for Greg's range of subs.

So, I went to the internet and had a good look through your site, intrigued and curious. I liked the philosophy, the local design (I'm originally from Blackburn and used to record demos for bands at Lighting Lab), the "always-on" nature and the amazing drive, reserve, quietness, reliability, accuracy and all the rest about the amp in Greg's sub (added of course to his attention to detail and quality design).

I've wanted to buy one of your home amplifiers for some time, despite never having heard one, but I have listened to many other amps in stores and occasionally in homes when I come across someone with good gear.

I have slowly upgraded my system over many years, but it has never been 'complete'. I was stuck on vinyl for years and have a Rega 3 with a Garrott MM, and a pair of Trevor Lees speakers. In between I was using a Dynaco tube amp but this is now dedicated to my Stax earspeakers (old electrets, but they are still very nice), and my main amp is a Denon Prologic, which is pretty good for line level inputs but sucks at the phono stage (low level input, flat, noisy).

This is where I revisited your site, read the reviews (and I fully understand, and agree with, your philosophy on what might appear to be 'bass boost' where a flat response at the final stage - the speakers - is preferable to 'flat' components feeding an unrealistic expectation from the speakers).

The other week, I needed a new T-shirt, so used this as an excuse to buy a REDGUM T-shirt and also have another look at your products. I couldn't choose between the phono stage (important) or a 2-channel amp (also important: alas, the dilemma of getting caught up in the sporadic compulsion to upgrade yet again).

The tax return came in and wasn't much, but it was enough for me to purchase the REDGUM phono stage (REDGUM RGPH2).

Well... here I get to the bit where I say THANK YOU, for your service, prompt response, delivery, fine product etc etc.

Thank you so much for the plug pack. I would have been happy enough to purchase one separately, but greatly appreciate your generousity and for me knowing I'm not going to ruin the gizmo with a flash and puff of smoke when I first fire it up. And also, thank you for the interconnects, another item much needed (I have bought some van den Huls off ebay, but they haven't arrived as yet, and I will need them for other things anyway).

Now I know I need a new amplifier. I've been running the phono stage for several hours, and with music through it for another few hours, and thoroughly enjoying the extra detail I'm getting from my vinyl. I have a nice collection of MFSL lp's and I'm now hearing the limitations of the average amp. I know there's more to be heard, I can hear the detail, but the amp isn't up to reproducing the soundstage as well as it could be done. I'm saving my pennies now for a 2-channel amp and am set on the RGi35ENR (or 60 if I can afford it) in the near future. It might sound premature to desire an amp I haven't yet heard, but my experience with the Osborn sub, and so many varied reports about other manufacturers' products leads me to believe that my best choice is still your products. I'm currently listening to a standard and second-hand lp of Graceland and it's entrancing, just what I've been wanting from my records.

So..

A big thank you to you all, and for the plug pack and interconnect and swift delivery and service and an awesome product.

Thanks again,

Great work and you can be sure I will be back,

Regards, Dave R. - Bruthen Australia

Sent: Monday, September 19, 2005 9:04 PM
Subject: Re Redgum Amp

Hi Lindy,

I dropped in to see Ian last week, and heard the gorgeous (REDGUM RGS) Mannas (I'm saving my pennies again I think). Ian was a wealth of knowledge and common sense, and my conversation with him just confirmed I had made the right choice in buying the 35ENR!! While in Melbourne, I also managed to get the bits I needed to repair my turntable, so I am now enjoying all my old vinyl, and even more than before now that I have the phono preamp. I have no doubt the phono pre will last forever, and the only way I will get rid of the 35 is to go up to a higher output amplifier. I'm no audiophile and I can't describe all the differences this amp makes compared to my old system, but my ears tell me there is a huge increase in detail, soundstage separation and positioning of the sounds, and fine sounds are tight and accurate and everything has come alive, and the amp itself is deathly quiet.

Regards,

Dave.

Sent: Tuesday, May 31, 2005 5:32 PM
Subject: Great Subwoofer Amp

Have used the subwoofer plate amp on my Peeless XLS 10" subwoofer and I concur about the great control of the woofer due to the high damping factor. There is no bass overhang, what is fed out the amp reflects what is coming into of the amp - very clean, tight bass with slam.

Hi Lindy

I connected up my DAC (REDGUM RGDAC2) last night to my old Rega Planet CD Player, after changing all the RCA connections around in order to incorporate the new Redgum RCA's that were delivered with the DAC (thank you!!!), then came the defining moment, but first of all, I got nothing! No sound, nothing happening ??? Is it my Rega? But then I found I had the reset switch on at the back of the DAC! As soon as I switched it off, I suddenly heard music, and how sweet it was! The Burr/Brown DAC is far more superior than the DAC in my modest Rega Planet and it has changed music reproduction in the following ways:

* The sound is smoother and all the terribly high frequencies have been eliminated. My DAC almost has intellisense - as if it knows what is coming, but this is an illusion- it is just processing the music better! It sounds like an excellent Record Player, a Linn Sondek LP12!
* Hiss during quiet passages has been dramatically reduced and on newer CD's, virtually eliminated!
* There is a much more substantial stereo image and greater channel separation. Musical instruments develop a life of their own, and there is air around them- the "holistic" experience.
* Excellent bass response, and drums carry well.
* There is excellent timing and control of the music signal and cymbals don't sound like paper, they sustain until they finish "vibrating".

I really put the DAC through some challenging music last night. First with rock- King Crimson, Canadian power trio "Rush" (Neil Pearts drumming on "Moving Pictures" was carried beautifully with all the panache and brilliance he has), Leonard Cohens "10 New Songs", Yes ("Heart of the Sunrise"), Radiohead, Talking Heads, Pink Floyd.

And classical - Georgy Ligeti's extraordinary "Mechanical Music", recorded with 20 bit technology by Sony. 20 bits make all the difference! Also played Beethoven's Emperor Piano Concerto, Mozarts 40th symphony, and Pachelbel's Canon and Gigue. All of it sounded lovely.

And finally jazz - Miles Davis' Kind of Blue, Sketches of Spain, Autumn,
Keith Jarret's "Changes" and "Standards", Chick Coreas "My Spanish Heart", Thelonius Monk "Live", and Michel Petrucianni live in Japan with the legendary Steve Gadd on drums. Jazz through your DAC sounds phenomenal!

If you want a description, I would say it is getting very close to sounding like a Naim CD player, it has a Naim quality, like the new CDSII, as I have auditioned that player recently. It must be those superior Burr/Browns doing all this magic, plus your immaculate assembly and silver wiring!
If I had the money, I would have bought the more expensive DAC you're selling for around $3000, but money is always the barrier to intense experiences with Hi-Fi!

Still, there will come a time. I am a bit interested in your amps! Will Ian ever build a 70+70 power amp? I don't need a big amp because I have a small room to play everything in. I love power amps around the 50-70 watt range that are made to absolute perfection. That is the perfect range for my sound space!

Thanks for the box and the RCA's. I am absolutely thrilled!

Regards

Matthew B. - Australia

I would like to say how happy I am with my recent upgrades from REDGUM, the RGCD2, which is used as a DAC for my Rotel CD player, has noticeably improved to sound of my RGi60 Amp while the (REDGUM RGAEL) Expressive Line speaker cables have brought even more life to my Sonique speakers - obvious improvements have been in the crispness and clarity of drums and percussion and the tightness in bass - so much for bi-wiring!

Hi Ian,

Finally got a chance to write a testimonial! I'll keep it short and sweet.

I purchased the REDGUM amp and speakers blind over the internet after an obsessive listening/ researching period.
Initially I was put off by the wood fascia - all I can say it's grown on me and it looks better in real life.
Now that my RGi60 and speakers are run in and on heavy stands they put out an impressive sound no matter what the sonic material, super neutral, balanced and musical in a nutshell, the tweeter never gets harsh and the sound retains its balance at high volumes whilst full sounding at low volumes.
It's also kind to less than great recordings. Vocals are accurately rendered in space; they sound 'right' , there's an ample sound stage and enough bass to rock the neighbours if you want too:) You get a transparent window onto the musical stage without feeling like a sound engineer, Because I haven't heard them separately I can't comment on their individual merits; but I can say I've auditioned and heard an awful lot of gear, nothing comes close to this level of musicality at this price unless your willing to spend at least twice the money - you get it all and more with the REDGUM....this will be staying for a long, long time...
Hope things are going well!

Cheers
Murray - Australia

No allusion to valves here. I've played a bit with valves. I always liked the sound with female vocals. However, I was never able to find enough power (you know how I like my power :))) for other kinds of music.

REDGUM has a way of making a certain boogie in the bass and the music. It's very accurate, yet it has such a non-irritating and non-sterile sound to it. Hard to put into words.
Mcintosh was very muddy sounding...missed a lot of the actual music.
Jolida was lacking power and at times detail.
Magnum Dynalab too sterile and boring.
REDGUM manages to do it just right. However, seeing the man is a genius with building amps...I think Ian should one day play with valves just to see what he could come up with. A REDGUM signature tube amp.

In recent days, I have had visitors including the Montreal Orchestra, singers Kirsten Flagstad and Christine Schafer, and pianists Lazar Berman and Claudio Arrau in my music room via my new RGi60 amp and the well run in CD2 DAC (REDGUM RGDAC2), playing CDs using a TEAC VRDS 10 as transport and new Tannoy Dual Concentric floorstanders.

Superb sound, the best I have 'owned'. My previous amp was a dual channel top of the range Denon which had tons of power but, as I discovered over time, insufficient subtlety. I have had so many amps and speakers etc. over the years that I cannot remember them all. Before the Denon I had an expensive Class A Magnum amp but quickly became disillusioned with its performance. There have been English, Japanese and American amps galore but not one touches the new combination for genuine high fidelity. Singers appear as if floating, between the speakers. The absolute amp silence means every nuance (breaths, page turning etc) is there.

Orchestral music has great power with controlled bass and every strand is clear. A piano is "in the room" and some previously disappointing discs are now listenable. Of course, if a recording is poor (bad microphone placement, distortion) the REDGUM tells the unfortunate truth. Of course, I then think that if this setup is so good what would it be like with your top of the range pre and power amps? I shall probably treat myself to them later on. In the meantime, congratulations on producing a magnificent product at such an affordable price.

So far, only one friend has heard the RGi60 and he too was mightly impressed. Before buying the amp I had a hearing test which showed that my right ear was not hearing as well as it should. However, the dual pot control fixes this problem, as the sound can be adjusted to perfection. I have found that an ordinary balance control only shifts the sound from one speaker to the other giving very poor results. This is a good selling point for the twin system.

I recently purchased a RGi120 ENR amplifier as an upgrade for my 1 year old RGi60s which I was very, very happy with. The new amplifier I now have is even more incredible, much improved dynamics and even better overall then I had wished for.

Since discovering REDGUM amplifiers a little over a year ago, thanks to J at Brl. Audio, I no longer consider competing products, there is no need. REDGUM amplifiers for my use are by far the best I could possibly hope to find!!

My original search for a new amp started when I decided my (Mission) Cyrus II with external PSX power supply, as good as they are, was no longer at the level I wanted for my 2 channel system. I started researching available products and set out to audition 4 different 50 -100 watt integrated amps. Those amps were;

Those amps all fit my budget and all are quite highly regarded. Out of the 4 I liked the Bryston the best with the Atoll and Creek a very close 2nd, The Audio Refinement, although very good, unfortunately didn't have enough reserve power. I came very close to buying the Bryston, then I talked to J. He suggested the REDGUM line and sent out the RGi60s for me to audition. Well after only 1 hour of use I called him back and bought it, there was no way it was being shipped back to him! I absolutely loved that amp and was completely happy with it for the entire time I had it.

Over the next year I replaced my speakers, from Kef C-75 to Harbeth Monitor 30's and my CD player from the Audio Refinement CD Complete to the Copland CD822 (all purchased from J at Brl Audio). At this point the RGi60s started to show its limitations with the Harbeths and I once again called Jody, we worked out a deal for an RGi120 ENR and a trade in on my RGi60s. As I said the RGi120 ENR is much more incredible, much improved dynamics and flat out better in all areas then I had hoped/wished for.

Anyone considering a new amplifier for their system should audition the REDGUM product line, my heartfelt thanks for designing and manufacturing such incredible products.

(Please do not post my e-mail address on your site but you may give it out if a customer, potential or otherwise, would like to talk to me directly)

My new cable arrived this morning and I have been listening to "it" ("The Beast" = REDGUM RGCD2 !! - Ed.) for an hour or two. Without the facility to conduct a direct A/B test and not knowing what period to allow for "burn-in", I can say it does what I hoped it would do and probably a bit more. Firstly, the bass is less woolly and more controlled/focussed and so is the rest of the audio spectrum. The music also seems to have more punch, bite or attack (highly technical terms!!) in addition to more detail. Provides a more lively sound stage. Sounds great! Without listening to the CD-ROM drive of the Beast again (which I will do), I would say it presents the same "WOW" factor as my initial listen to the Beast. I had noted that the DVD transport/Neotech cable did not produce as clean a sound as The Beast as delivered, but I accepted this as a price to pay for a bit more convenience. Of course all this means is I am now able to conveniently extract more of the (latent) potential of The Beast by feeding it bigger, better, brighter and faster bits! The Beast deserves the best diet of enhanced electrons you can afford!!

Dear Lindy, Ian, James, Peter, John, Hunt, Elitza, Michelle and anybody else whom I may have missed,

I have obviously received my RGi120, (RGDAC2) DAC, (RGS38i) Floorstanders and (RGASil) cables and (RGAEL) leads and have been listening for a few weeks now, and I'm blown away every time I turn them on.

The best part is that there are still improvements to be had. I made some spikes up for the speakers, but they are compromised a little in positioning in the rental house we're in at the moment. They need to be a 1/2 metre or so further apart and further out from the back wall, I am sure this will help to widen up the soundstage and tighten up the bottom end.

This is about the only issue I have at the moment and it is my problem not yours and will be fixed in a few months when we move. I have a dedicated 5 x 5 m lounge room that will house the stereo and a tv and that's all, so this will help.

That's about all, sorry about the length of this email, but I'm sure that you all will appreciate the positive feedback.

Thanks again for your prompt, friendly and efficient service. I will drop in and meet you all in person next time I'm in Melbourne, though I'm not sure when that will be.

As far as the testimonial page is concerned, I would be honoured, ............. This wasn't the reason I sent my comments, but I feel a part of the REDGUM Team now so feel free to use any parts you want.

The comments where born from my need to tell someone / everyone how happy I am with the system. I researched and planned this purchase for over 6 months and it truly is one of those rare decisions I have made that I can find no negatives with and am looking forward to a lifetime of glorious music.

"Thankyou so much for your email. My amplifier (REDGUM RGi35) does sound absolutely stunning, and highlights my need for better speakers.

I decided about 6 months ago that home theater was no longer for me, as I had 6 speakers in my lounge room, and was using only 2 of them 90% of the time, my listening was almost entirely music. I had a Yamaha RXV-3000 and DVD player, driving Aaron speakers, (the mains I still have - the model P3, but not for long...). This, coupled with the fact I was moving to a smaller house, meant that I decided to cut my losses and buy a quality 2 channel setup. The difference in going from a "bells and whistles" 100 watt home theater receiver to a "mere" 35 watt integrated is continually astounding my visitors, and I don't miss my surround for movies much at all. That said, when dollars and space permit, a six channel REDGUM pair will do very nicely...

I do sometimes miss my remote control, especially as the amp is so deceptively loud. I think I've set it at a soft, background level, then I try to speak to the person next to me and end up shouting!"

and later.........

"Thankyou so much for taking the time, I was hooked from the moment I first heard the amp, but the extra service steps you've taken is yet another drawcard."

Just a quick email to let you know how the sub amp is going.

The amp and sub is now housed in a 38mm thick MDF box with a Focal 10” driver and it sounds fantastic! The REDGUM just has so much control it’s making my Yamaha main amp sound sloppy. All in all, I’m very impressed with the amp. One minor gripe which you may wish to look at. The plastic switch on the circuit breaker has a nasty rattle in it. I’ve packed a small amount of grease in the side of it which has stopped it rattling but you may want to look at another breaker or consider doing the same before shipping. (production modified to address. Ed) As I said, this is a very minor gripe in an otherwise fantastic package.

Cheers

Dale W - Australia

Hello!

I bought a new Redgum RGi60 Integrated amp from Laura K. in Arizona. I do not is she is a dealer or not of your company. Anyway, I received the unit Friday and I connected it today.

First the Redgum wood front panel is just gorgeous. Second this little amp sound is excellent. It is very dynamic, that is, goes up when the music passage demand so without showing sign of strain. Very natural sounding. Voices, wind instruments and guitars sound real. But in the area this integrated amp is a killer is in the detail and imaging extracted from the recording. I thought my Roksan Kandy was excellent. Not any more, it is good. You elevate the bar much higher. You guys have design an excellent sounding product in Australia.

I wonder now, how much better your REDGUM RGi120ENR "Signature Series" must be.

A new Redgum fan from Bethlehem, PA USA.

Good day Ian,
I finally purchased the Redgum RGi60 Amplifier after talking to you months ago about the RGi35 from HiFi Junction. The difference between the Redgum and our old panasonic amp was amazing!(We have Richter floor standing speakers) But, the RGi60 amplifier's true potential wasn't realized until we fitted a pair of Cable Talk professional interconnects - the dramatic improvement in sound stage depth, bass and overall musical quality was a wonderful surprise.
I am now thinking of purchasing the Redgum RGCD2 DAC without the cd player,.......

G'day! I just wanted to say THANKS for creating such a great amplifier... I got mine from you when you were on Riversdale Rd in 1997. I installed it in my Mobile Recording Studio and then hit the road. 40 Albums later and 6 years of travelling across Australia - through flooded creeks and across paddocks in every possible climate - it still sounds GREAT and has NEVER missed a beat or let me down in any way. I've now moved it into a fixed studio in Noosa Heads so it has an easier life ahead of it. I thought I would write to say - It passed the most Arduous of Tests!!

I love my Redgum!!!

Charlie

Thanks for your reply.
I purchased the RGDAC5 yesterday and installed it into me system. Words cannot explain how the sound quality has improved.

Thanks for all your support.

Darryl - Australia

Right out of the box, the RGi120 offered a very good, clear, clean and musical sound.
I would say after 15 minutes (warming up) the sound was even more transparent, warm and precise.

We have tried it on the:

1. Linn Classic + B&W Matrix 805 + VdenHull 102MkII Interconnect + Kimber 8TC (split for bi-wiring). Very good.
2. Meridian 508.20 + Audio Quest Diamond III in-conn + A-Quest Argent on S-Faber Guarneri's. Excellent.
My wife told me, «finally we can get rid off mono blocks», but of course m-block's (goldmund's+Audible Illusion 3a) is better and far more expensive.
Any way, in my home setup was really excellent, the amp with everything what an amp should have. Power, more than sufficient.
3.In my office set-up Linn Classic+ B&W Nautilus 805 + a.m. VdHull + Kimber 4TC, + very good solid stands sand filled.
I'm very pleased with RGi 120, it plays music just as it should. Hope that it will be even better after 15 days burn-in period. It will play 24 hours per day.
Thank you for all help you provide me in this (blind) purchase.

All the best,

Love it love love it!.....................
I have only had your RGi35 for eight hours, went through part of my cd collection to break it in and I liked nearly everything, but dont play eastern youths last album loud as you will definately overheat the amp!
Love it! just plain fantastic, the more information conveyed the better it is.
love it.....

(and when we asked Marcus if we could add his comments to this site....)

yes go for it, when something is fantastic - it is!

I finally purchased the Redgum RGi60 Amplifier from HiFi Junction, many months after talking to you about the RGi35. The difference between the Redgum and our old panasonic amp was amazing!
(We have Richter floor standing speakers plus a simple panasonic CD/DVD player)
But, the RGi60 amplifier's true potential wasn't realized until we fitted a pair of Cable Talk professional 'interconnects' - the dramatic improvement in sound stage depth, bass and overall musical quality was our 'second' wonderful surprise! That's why I am now really looking forward to getting as close to musical perfection as I can, for the best buck on planet earth, with the Redgum RGCD2 DAC.

We love our AMP so much, that in the evenings now, we generally we turn off the TV, put away all of the horrible remote controls, and simply listen to our REDGUM all night long, reading or talking - quality of life has returned to the living room!

But finally, and more generally, the REDGUM philosophy of excellent quality, amazing personalised customer service and great value for money really convinces me more than ever that large corporations (since their rise during the 20th Century) have steadily reduced our quality of life by selling us junk, that is really only designed to last a few short years, no wonder so many young people feel empty today. Thank God for the honesty and creativity of small business!

It has been about 1 month with the RGCD2 in my system and I was giving it a really good listen yesterday. It has taken a while for it too break in but it seems to be their now. I was using it as a dac for a while but it sounds better on its own. To be fair, the transport was a cheap pioneer dvd player.

It is detailed without being edgy, and matches well with my YBA Integre. I think you have done a great job for a player at this price point. It represents a huge bang for the buck. I auditioned two much more expensive players last year and they did not have the performance of this one.

You asked me to drop you a line after having my (REDGUM) RGH900 for a while, so here goes..... a bit of a rave...... First up, I cannot talk highly enough about my amp......... Anyway, something that may tickle your fancy a little. I have just had the chance of trying out a Parasound 140W 5.1 - its pricing is just about bang-on with yours..... don't think I am about to change! as this is not the case. The Parasound just isn't in the hunt, it appears to have slightly more detail- 10%??- but depth, air, soundstage - just forget it. Very two dimensional and slightly brighter. All in all, this has surprised me greatly. .......this little amp of yours I will always keep.
I've purchased a set of Martin Logan Odyssey speakers, and while they work fine with one channel a piece driving them, they sing when two aside are hooked up. In fact you get the feeling they like lots of power, come to think of it one US reviewer was driving them with 700 per side, I think they were Krell Monoblocks...............
Martin Logan with REDGUM is almost a religious experience. Stunning. If you get the chance just do it!!!!!!!!........ Thank you for a lot of musical pleasure, Don't ever stop this good work.

Very interesting to hear from you. Your personal interest in your customers is something special -- definitely not what one would receive from most other manufacturers, mid-fi or high end!
I am very pleased with my RGi120s.
Its sound has seemed to become fuller, smoother, and more natural as the unit has broken in. I assume this is normal here, as is often the case with other audio equipment, tube or solid state.
Having used a Conrad Johnson MV-50 amp and PV-5 preamp (tube, or course) for the past 15 or so years, and being used to the full, rich sound of tubes, I had some hesitation about returning to solid state. However, I find the RGi120s to not be disappionting at all. In fact, if anything, there is greater transperency with the RG than there was with the CJ. And there is definitely much better bass control with the RG -- more authority and tightness. The woofers in my Vandersteen 2Ci's really benefit from this fact.
My switch to solid state (after much research and consideration) was largely because (1) I felt that well engineered solid state amplifiers were now competitive with tubes in the sound department, and (2) I became weary of the tube "hassle," i.e., waiting for relays to engage upon turning peramp on, waiting for tubes to warm up, waiting for tubes to sweeten up during the first hour of listening, and needing to regularly check the bias of output tubes, plus knowing that their sound was always deteriorating with use and they would sooner or later need replacing at some cost (if one didn't blow out first!). It is so nice to be able to walk over, turn everything on, and listen immediately.

Needless to say, so far I am very pleased with my purchase. Keep up the good work of developing and manufacturing great sounding audio equipment which is not stratospherically priced and is affordable by those of us who can only READ about so much of the stuff they review in Stereophile, Absolute Sound, etc.

In my list of "problems" with tubes I failed to mention a biggy -- HEAT! We recently moved into a condo with limited space. So my audio equipment had to go neatly into a wife-approved wooden cabinet in the living room. Needless to say, four EL34's produce a lot of heat, hence the need for a fan and keeping the front door of the cabinet open whenever the amp was on (I was always terribly afraid I would accidently close the door without turning the amp off, with disasterous results!). Thanks for your kind and very informative response. I enjoyed reading it very much!

.................I was very impressed with the sound of the 120 (REDGUM RGi120) that I received and I had compared it to a Linn Majik , Arcam Alpha 9 , Myryad MI120 , Plinius 8200 , Primare A20 and A30.1 as well as others and I found it to be the most musical of the lot. .................

(Joe just upgraded his REDGUM RGCD5 to the RGCD5ENR)

........cd upgrade is noticeably different. There is definitely a wider and deeper sound-stage with greater detail audible in the tracks but a somewhat more sterile and analytical sound. The trade off is some loss of richness and musicality. I am not sure yet which I prefer. I still need to do more listening.
I hope I have not taken too much of your time. In light of my thoughts and feelings, I would like to ask, what are your return or exchange policies if I decide I am not happy with the choices I have made.

Regards Joe.

and a few days later.....

Dear Ian,
I am writing because I think I suffer from premature rejection!
My last message sounds a bit sad and scathing on reflection and I wish to apologize.
In my previous message I said that I had not decided on the CD player upgrade versus the original. Well, with A BIT MORE LISTENING and run in time I found that the musicality and richness returned to the music as well as a heap more detail and the loss of some edginess in the music. I find myself listening at several decibels louder now with the sound system holding everything together better, even tracks I have not listened to in ages because I had believed them to be recorded badly were far more clear. This is a real winner and I will most definitely be keeping the upgrade. In regard to the DVD player (REDGUM RGDVD1) it to is a winner. Compared to some friends and relatives systems, the rgdvd was miles ahead in terms of music and sound quality. Where everything else sounded thin insipid and irritatingly bright, the redgum sounded rich, warm and musical with heaps of bass that was really tight, impressive and clear. Bugger the fact it does not have DTS, the redgum playing DTS tracts in prologic mode is probably better than any DTS decoder on the market.
Congratulations on yet more winners, you are indeed a genius. I will one day tell my children how I once knew the great Ian Robinson...

Joe C - Hoppers Crossing Australia

I purchased the RGi60 amp and the RGCD5 ENR about a month ago thru HI Fi Junction. I have it connected to a pair of VAF DCX's.
The amp is superb. It is crisp, but not sharp and delivers buckets and buckets of bass at very low listening levels. My old mosfet amp has retired from active duty.

................. everyone who has heard my system is astounded by the sound and I just point to the amp.

Thankyou thankyou thankyou.
Music, Music already I hear music it is clear and so expansive.
Already after one night. I can't get the smile off of my face.
Me and my redgum (RGi60).
It doesnt get any better than this.
When I am ready to act on the DAC, I will contact you again.
10 weeks I think, this time it has to be the kitchen floor coverings.

Thanks for your occasional bulletins telling us of your latest achievements!
We are not surprised. We continue to be delighted with our REDGUM equipment. (REDGUM RGi60 amplifier, RGPH2 Phonostage, RGS38i Floorstanders - Ed )
The remarkable clarity and separation of instruments and voices, the accuracy of reproduction, and the wonderful balance make for endless pleasure. And all with such simple controls. I've never felt the need for tone controls!
Any faults are due to the other components- the CD player has a minor, intermittent one which I'll have to have fixed. The old vinyls have gained a new life, although I have culled some and others will be be replaced by CD's. However some I can't bear to replace!
So, thanks again for your great achievement in developing such great equipment!

I just read my old email from you. We were displaced from our building 9/11. We are back three months later, but are the nearest building to Ground Zero! Only two tenents stayed!
I have no use for a DVD player, in my hifi, but, how much for the RGCD5 for me, and, is it that much better than my"2"? I love the RGCD2 it sounds, so F***in good. I have a Sony SACD1 and it's cd reproduction, is not as smooth as the "2"!

I can't begin to tell you how much I enjoy this amplifier (REDGUM RGi120s). For the first time through my many audio system variations, I feel as though I am enjoying the music and not constantly critiqing the system.

A couple of months ago I bought a subwoofer amplifier (REDGUM RGSW2) from you, since then the amplifier has been installed in to a subwoofer box containing a Adire Shiva subwoofer driver. This thing sounds awesome, the amplifier is working perfectly.

hello,
I,m a valve hi fi fan in the u.k, recently I purchased a second hand integrated redgum amp off your u.k representative mark p.
up till this point I have been using various single ended valve amps and of late a very expensive airtight valve set up. I would like to say how great I found your amp, I never expected to hear solid state equip. sound so pure and valve like but also to have such a deep powerful but controlled bass. one thing puzzles me however, why is there only one tape output but two tape inputs, this seems strange. mark has told me of a phono stage you also make, I look forward to hearing this soon. well I wish you great success here in the u.k, I,m sure if more people hear your stuff it wont be long before you gain a strong foothold.

PLUS Few days later: One question? The interconnect cables that you sent me improved the liveliness of the sound. I am astonished as I have never been a believer in cables. Would the same apply if speaker cables were replaced? (Ed. REDGUM Speaker cables - coming soon!)

The Hifi bug recently bit me yet again. It was time to upgrade. After weeks listening to amplifiers by Musical Fidelity, Rotel, Arcam, Krell, Myriad, Electrocompaniet and Rega I was ready to tear my hair out. They all had their strengths and weaknesses (as does every product). Nothing, however, really had the total package. And by total package, I mean sound (obviously), performance, aesthetics, design, durability and value. Almost by chance, a friend mentioned Redgum. A phone call and visit to Ian Robinson (the proprietor) and a subsequent demonstration of his products had me sold. It was a case of deciding on which model. In the end, I opted for the RGM175 dual monobloc and passive preamp combination. What an amp!!! Since that purchase, I have not looked back.
In my opinion, no other product out there offers so much performance at the price points these amplifiers are placed. The sound can be described as airy, pure, dynamic and completely neutral. Soundstage is wide, focussed and three dimensional. No tizz, no boom, just real life musicians seemingly crammed into my listening room. Ian's design philosophy is to keep things simple. I couldn't agree more with him. After so many years in the business, repairing other manufacturers' amplifiers and correcting so many problems, Ian has capitalised on his experiences to create a product that does the job beautifully and with minimum fuss. Quite simply, Redgum amplifiers deliver the goods - effortlessly and reliably.
Further to this, Ian Robinson is great to deal with. No, I am not a close relative or anything like that!!! He is always a gentleman, promptly deals with all of my queries in a professional manner, and is always keen to assist where he can to ensure that I derive maximum enjoyment from my Redgum amplifier. When you have that level of service, direct from the manufacturer, it makes everything so much easier.
I urge everybody considering the purchase of serious hi-fi equipment to give Redgum products a try. Sure you can spend three times as much but the law of diminishing returns will be well and truly passed. I know where I would rather spend the difference. It would buy quite a number of CDs and listening pleasure through my Redgum amps...
The Hifi bug will bite me no more...

I purchased a McIntosh MA6500 integrated amp....................... ($2130). Not cheap by my standards. However, I more did it knowing that I could re-sell the McIntosh without much hassle. Truth was however, I wanted to compare it to the RGi120 in an all out head to head contest. They have relatively the same specs: both have 120 wpc into 8 ohms...although I know the REDGUM is actually pumping out quite a lot more than that...but I'm just going by the written specs. Here's my thoughts on the head to head. The McIntosh in no doubt a stunning looking amp, with the big blue meters and weighing in at right around 50 solid pounds. It lights up and surely does look beautiful. So how does it compare to the REDGUM in sound? It doesn't. It was slow and sluggish and missing a level of detail that the REDGUM provides. Whether I was playing with my tuner (I truly love that tuner...Sansui TU9900 from 1974), or with the Philips SACD player...the REDGUM absolutely made the McIntosh look bad. It almost made me feel some remorse that I'd stumbled onto the REDGUM so early in my audiophile career...just in that I'm not sure I'll come across another amp even remotely in this price range that even compares to the REDGUM. So my solution at this point is to quit trying. I feel satisfied that the REDGUM is the only amplifier for me. ........................ I've been spoiled in being able to listen to the RGi 120...and I'm afraid there's no going back. ............................ By the way, the REDGUM also just destroyed the McIntosh with imaging and the soundstage.

K.S. Minnesota, USA - 20th January 2003

Sandy G from Philadelphia on his RGi60

About a year and a half ago, I was in the market for a new amp and speakers as a house warming present to myself. I had just moved into a beautiful house in Philadelphia, and decided to dedicate a room to 2-channel audio. I was not going to slouch on my new system... I wanted the best sound for 2-channel, and I wanted my system to be minimal and accurate. Those were my goals. There's a great small audio shop near my new home called community audio. They have a nice selection of gear and are set-up like a small house with comfortable listening rooms, like living rooms, where they'll setup systems for audition. I walked in one day and said, "I have this $ for a budget, I listen to indie rock, jazz, electronica; I want a minimal system that will give me the most accurate and engaging sound possible." They setup a few systems for me in a few rooms. I listened to amps from Linn, Jolida, Electrocompaniet, Rogue Audio and Redgum. I listened to speakers from Linn to Totem to Nova. The best sounding amp, period! was the Redgum. It didn't have the most sparkle, it wasn't the most liquid (like tubes) but it had the most accurate sound, full of pace and proper pitch. The Redgum had the best bass. The Redgum was the most even, transparent amp of the group. It let you hear what the musicians were trying to do with their compositions and their recordings. It let you hear the subtle differences between many CD players that I auditioned. It had no problem driving any of the speaker to realistic levels. I have now lived with my Redgum rgi60 for a year and a half and it still amazes me every day... it is the best purchase I have ever made in audio. It's a strange thing, but the Redgum amp gives me comfort and confidence (strange how a piece of electronics can do this) in knowing that I am hearing the most from every recording I buy and never have to think twice about it. Can't say enough nice things about Ian either. He always returns my emails promptly with very helpful information and keeps me in the know of upgrades and enhancements to his products. Sandy G USA

...........I found you to be good humored, low-key fellows who didn't badger me with how you had repealed the laws of physics, and all was going along pleasantly until I realized that your mild- mannered, casual approach had resulted in one of the most realistic presentations at the show.
...................... I also mentioned that your prices seemed low. Although this might be attributed to the Asian currencies problem, I attributed low prices to designers who care more for music than fortune.

Subject: excellent work!

Dear Ian,
John K. dropped by yesterday with the ugly DACling (RGCD5) and a dual mono integrated (RGi120). So far, I've hooked the DACling into the main system, where I'm getting terrific results. Initially, I used a power cord allegedly designed specifically for low-power components; the unit sounded pretty good, but a little pinched and nasal in the upper midrange. I substituted an Apex general-purpose cord, and the thing took off: great dynamics, smooth overall sound, intelligent musical performance. I'm delighted. I put the amp into my office system, where it will work 45 hours a week drowning out the stupidity -- er, exchange of ideas. I tried it in my study on a 4-ohm speaker and was very impressed with the easy way it communicated. It left an English integrated far behind. I would guess the Redgum unit is fair competition for the Bryston (the general favorite for solid state integrated amps under US $2,000), which I would characterize as failing due to its overly analytic character. Oh, and the Bryston is about US $400 more money.
I'm going to ask my friends at Salon One to have a listen. John K. is in touch with them.

Warmest regards -- and my compliments,
Rich W (Chicago, reviewer)

And following up with:

Subject: congratulations

Gentlemen, Forgive me for combining this message, but I have only a minute to send praise. I set up the DACling (RGDAC2), 120 amp (RGi120) and (Ambience) 1400 speakers in my study, an L-shaped measuring about 24X17; and I want to say that I am impressed.

Forget all the derivative business about control, extension, focus, &c. The far end of the room has entirely realistic musicians in it, performing live music.
Rich W (Chicago, reviewer)

Finally:

.....Recently I've put a $3,500 amp in place of the Redgum integrated. While it's powerful, casts a deep and wide soundstage, and does all those other audiophile tricks, I recall the Redgum as being light, easy to listen to, and just about transparent. When you consider it's about 30 per cent as expensive and has volume and mode selection, I think it's a hell of a deal. I don't think the Bryston, which everyone uses as the benchmark in $1,500 integrateds, is anywhere close. The guys at Salon One agree.
I think you've got some winners on your hands. Now I need to get off my butt and write about these products.
Rich W (Chicago, reviewer)

I recently had the opportunity to put a US$3,500 power amp in the circuit where the Redgum integrated resided for months. While the other unit had more bass weight (perhaps too much), and may have thrown a deeper soundstage (again, perhaps), I found it heavy in comparison with your amp. It also did not sound as open at the top, or as nimble in the midrange. When you consider the price differential, that's telling. There's also the intangible quality I call 'fun factor.' I suppose this corresponds to 'listener fatigue' other people write about, but put in a positive perspective: is the product likely to entertain hour after hour? The Redgum amp was fun. I wasn't listening to the product; I could sit back and listen to the music.
.........My impression is that I'm not the only one hearing good things from your gear.
Rich W (Chicago, reviewer)

John W (USA) Owner of REDGUM RGM175 Monoblocks

I must say that I am enthralled with your units.

Have you ever played Indian music with your amps (sitar and tabla, Ravi Shankar type of music.)

Sounds great. John W

Anthony M (Australia) - after recent purchase of REDGUM RGi60 Amplifier:

I am so loving having your amp in my house. It produces a rich and detailed sound that fills my apartment with sweet music. It actually does electronic music very very nicely thank you, and I will forward some more detailed observations on that topic to you in the future.

Big smiles all around would be the best summary.

I want to tell you a story - I was able to set-up in my parent's place for a while. In a big room so I could place the speakers better and WOW for the first time I heard a soundstage. Not only width but depth as well. I sat there, absolutely astonished, and listened and listened and listened... You have created a truly first class piece of equipment Ian. Congratulations to you for creating a product which has really enhanced the enjoyment I get from my music collection, and brought me a great deal of pleasure. Anthony M

...... Selecting first a Bach cantata with organ and orchestra. This record is in good condition. It is also recorded and pressed at lowish levels. The musical content is absolutely delightful and is one of those very rare gems.....
...... (I) concluded that (the REDGUM RGPH2) was one hell of a quiet device! Just for fun, I went back to the (Brand x) phono stage, same record. There was heaps more gain, (but) less involvement, more noise and loads more hum at higher levels. .... there was just, NO comparison.......... the quality of the signal, as it is now, is really something. There is a track on an old Marianne Faithful album I bought at St. Vinnies for 50 cents, called < Morning Comes> that immediately had tears pouring down my face. The inner detailing and emotional transfer were ever so good.

Recording directly off record is fantastic. No noise and lovely drive and clarity. The compressed MP3 versions of the very large wave files came out sounding so good.

Loving it! John P

And a day or so later....

I was really surprised at just how good everything sounded. Low bass was powerful and controlled. A combination of smoothness and clarity was the first impression. Unlike many fairly average phono stages I have heard, it has real poise and a certain charm and is ever so quiet! No hum or odd noises of any kind. I noticed also, that like many very expensive units I have used in the past, it has the ability to present record noise, clicks and pops and the like in a divided away space in the soundstage. Clicks and pops sound very clean and there is absolutely no trace of extra ringing or harmonic irregularities in the source material due to them. This is a wonderful result! The subjective outcome is the listener’s ability to get on with the music without having the inevitable surface noise getting in the way. On complex multi-voiced choral works, both the scale of the recorded space and natural ambience were delivered very well. Rhythm and timing was very good, considering the limitations of the turntable. I will set up my Well Tempered unit tomorrow.....

The really nice thing about the phono amp was its lack of (what I call) IC haze, so common in most. It sounds natural and non electronic and does not display problems when confronted with off the record distortion.

So far, all in all I am very impressed Ian. It not only looks the part for the asking price, but has the sonic credentials far more common to the 8 to 900 dollar units and upwards. John P

Joe C (Australia) - after recent upgrade of early model REDGUM RGi60 Amplifier to current model:

The upgraded amps Kickass!!! I realised that I just was not cranking them up enough. When the amps are driving the speakers to the point where the speakers are just about to melt it is fantastic. Everything gets exciting again while maintaining the same level of clarity and transparency that the amp has at lower volumes. Definately an improvement I get eager to listen to more music. Joe C

Micheal K (Australia) - after Demo at local retailer:

The 35 watt amp was amazing The (RGi60 & RGi120) amps were compared to Rotel equipment and the sound was totally different. The bottom end from the Redgums is superb and there is a distinct lack of harshness (as expected).

I must say it is fantastic to see someone has taken the philosophy that less is more and built it with mosfets. Micheal K

Ken L (Canada) - Owner of RGM175 monoblocks

I purchased a rgm175 several months ago. It sounds great.

Darryl L (Australia) - Owner of RGi120ENR

I love my Redgum RGi120 ENR amp that powers my HiFi system. It has been nothing but sheer pleasure to my ears since the day I purchased it. Needless to say, I would recommend anyone considering buying an amplifier (at any price range) to auditioning a Redgum before purchasing. Darryl L

(Darryl unloaded his Krell and Duntechs to get REDGUM -Ed.)

Herman Y (Singapore) - Comments on REDGUM RGSW2 subwoofer amp plate:

I have hooked up the amp and it sounded great ! I am very please with it. Herman Y

Mark P (London) - comments on REDGUM RGi60
(Mark has since become our U.K. Distributor)

Ian, I've been listening to the REDGUM amp's I got s/hand a year ago.
I'm still amazed by the sound, any source I use, it sound's real, the band is in the room with you.
I've been digging out old favourite's and been hearing thing's I've never heard till now. Mark P

These comments are from real, live REDGUM owners who were kind enough to email their thoughts!

"Please feel free to quote me at any time and in any company. It does me a power of good to think that my enthusiasm might encourage others to taste the fruit of the hi-fi tree (as you are no doubt aware, one morsel from the tree of knowledge and there's no way back)." Anthony M.

Please use 'Control F' to search this page - ( So many now!! - and they keep coming!)

Index of brands mentioned by way of comparison:

Arcam (2)	B&W	Bryston (2)	Cambridge	Classé
Conrad Johnson	Creek	Duntech	Electrocompaniet (2)	Jolida
Kimber	Krell (2) (3)	Linn (2) (3)	Marantz	Martin Logan
McIntosh	Meridian	Musical Fidelity (2) (3)	Myriad (2)	Naim
NAD	Panasonic	Parasound	Pioneer	Plinius
Primare	Rega (2)	Richter	Rotel	Roxsan
Sony SACD	VAF	Van Den Hull	Vandersteen	YBA