Rega Solis Reference Power Amplifier

The Solis is Rega's reference power amplifier — 168 watts per channel delivered through fully symmetrical discrete circuitry, designed specifically to partner the Mercury pre-amplifier in Rega's most advanced electronics system. It accepts balanced XLR and unbalanced connections, includes audio-detect standby with one-hour automatic switching, and is built with the same commitment to circuit simplicity and component quality that runs through the Rega amplifier range from the io to the Osiris.

The Solis is also compatible with the Aethos integrated amplifier, which can drive it from its pre-amplifier output — a configuration that gives Aethos owners a path to greater power without changing their pre-amplification. The primary partnership is Mercury and Solis, and that combination represents the summit of Rega's current electronics range.

Where the Solis Sits in the Rega Range

The Solis is the power amplifier component of Rega's reference separates system, sitting above the Osiris integrated amplifier in the Rega range when used with the Mercury.

The choice between the Osiris and the Mercury/Solis combination is not simply about power — 162 watts versus 168 watts is not a meaningful real-world difference. The choice is about topology and chassis separation. The Osiris's passive pre-amplifier is already an extremely simple signal path; the Mercury/Solis combination separates the pre-amplification entirely from the power amplification, eliminating the mutual interference that is the fundamental limitation of single-chassis design.

In a separate chassis, the Solis's power supply — with its current demands and the magnetic field of its transformer — does not affect the Mercury's sensitive input and gain stages. The two enclosures vibrate independently. And the Solis's power amplifier circuits can be optimised entirely for current delivery without any consideration of the pre-amplifier stages that occupy the same PCB in an integrated design.

Sound and Performance

The fully symmetrical circuitry of the Solis is the central engineering decision. Symmetrical topology — where positive and negative signal halves are amplified by mirror-image circuits — offers inherently lower distortion and excellent rejection of common-mode noise. Any interference that couples equally into both halves of the signal is cancelled when the two halves are recombined, rather than amplified. The balanced XLR input extends this symmetry from the Solis's own circuitry back to the source — when the Mercury drives the Solis via balanced connections, the fully symmetrical signal path runs from the Mercury's pre-amplifier output to the Solis's speaker terminals without interruption.

At 168 watts per channel, the Solis delivers the current reserve that makes the difference between an amplifier that sounds controlled at realistic listening levels and one that sounds relaxed. Speaker dynamics — the instantaneous current demands of percussion, orchestral attacks, and bass transients — are met from a power supply designed to deliver them rather than just the sustained output figures. The short-circuit, thermal, and DC protection circuits ensure the Solis will handle speaker faults and difficult loads without damage.

The audio-detect standby function reduces power consumption when no signal is present for one hour, then switches the amplifier to standby automatically. This allows the Solis to be left ready for use without the full power consumption of active operation.

Build Quality and Design

The Solis is designed and manufactured at Rega's Southend-on-Sea facility. The reference mains power lead is included — consistent with the Mercury's specification and Rega's view that the mains connection is part of the component. The fully symmetrical discrete circuitry is built to the same component standards as the Mercury: selected devices, careful layout, and the elimination of unnecessary circuit elements.

The protection systems — short-circuit output protection, thermal cut-out, and DC protection — are comprehensive. DC protection in particular is important in a power amplifier: a DC fault at the speaker terminals can damage drive units, and the Solis's protection circuit disconnects the output before that can happen.

Dimensional and weight specifications should be confirmed at point of purchase via Martin's Hi-Fi, as the Solis is a new product and full published details were not available at the time of writing. Lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects applies.

Connectivity and System Matching

The Solis accepts balanced XLR inputs and unbalanced RCA connections. When used with the Mercury pre-amplifier via balanced connections, the fully symmetrical signal path from pre to power is maintained. When used with the Aethos — whose pre-amplifier output is an unbalanced RCA connection — the Solis operates in unbalanced mode.

The primary partner is the Mercury pre-amplifier. For analogue sources, the Mercury connects to a reference phono stage — the Rega AOS MC Phono Stage is the appropriate companion — and turntables at the level of the Planar 10 or Naia are the natural vinyl sources.

Speaker matching at 168 watts is unrestricted — the Solis will drive any passive loudspeaker to the limit of the Mercury's control and the listener's taste. At this level, speaker choice should be based on character and room matching rather than sensitivity, since sensitivity is not a constraint at 168 watts from a reference amplifier. Dave or Chris at Martin's can advise on speaker pairings that match the Solis and Mercury's capabilities.

Technical Specifications

Note: Full dimensional and weight specifications to be confirmed — verify with Rega or Martin's Hi-Fi at point of purchase.

Who Is It For?

The Solis is for the listener building Rega's reference separates system alongside the Mercury pre-amplifier, or for those who want to add a reference power amplifier to an existing Aethos. At 168 watts from fully symmetrical circuitry via a balanced connection from the Mercury, it is the most capable power amplifier Rega makes. Those who prefer a single-chassis reference solution should consider the Osiris; the choice between the two is a question of topology preference as much as performance.

Buying from Martin's Hi-Fi

Martin's Hi-Fi has been in Norwich since 1968, and the Rega range has been part of what we do for years. We are still family-run — Elizabeth Gould runs the business today — and we stock only brands we have heard properly and stand behind.

The Solis is a new product; call Dave or Chris to discuss availability and to arrange a listening session with the Mercury as the matched pre-amplifier. When you get in touch, you will be speaking to experienced hi-fi specialists who can advise on the complete Mercury and Solis system, speaker matching, and how it compares to the Osiris for your specific situation.

Reach them at [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], call on 01603 627010, or WhatsApp Dave or Chris directly on 07554 687137 for a quick answer after your purchase. You can read more about who we are and how we work on our Why Martin's page. We are at 85–91 Ber Street, Norwich, NR1 3EY, open six days a week.

Contact: [email protected] | 01603 627010 | WhatsApp: 07554 687137 | 85–91 Ber Street, Norwich, NR1 3EY