Gramophone (UK)

Jan 2001, p122-23

"The Redgum System is anything but wooden"

Review by Andrew Everard

Summary

Andrew Everard reviewed the REDGUM integrated 60 Watt amplifier with its recommended matching Bookshelf speakers, (RGS28i) and combined these with the REDGUM RGCD5 DAC/CD player as its source. All units were tested separately in other systems and still found to be able to firmly stand alone on their sonic merits. However, once brought together as a REDGUM system, he found an extra something special seemed to be added to the equation.

Though one of the smaller amplifiers in the range, the 60W amplifier was content when driving even larger speakers of the reviewer’s choice. All the same, he felt that the performance of the REDGUM bookshelf speakers would satisfy those who would normally need to consider a floorstanding model for such a level of performance.

The sound quality of the DAC was highly praised even when compared against a Maraantz CD63 MkII KI-Signature player. Whether using the RGCD5 as a DAC or a CD player, the interpretation by each performer was deemed to lose none of its great clarity and translucence.

Everard was quickly convinced of the extreme flexibility gained from REDGUM’s use of dual mono volume controls instead of the conventional separate volume and balance controls.

The detail and spaciousness of the soundstage were always found to be most engrossing and offering the full excitement captured by the recording, and this was regardless of whether for orchestral or solo performances. From the highest to the lowest frequencies for voice or instrument, the naturalness of the sound was always apparent and without any loss of authority or intensity whatever.

LLG