Rega Valve ISIS - Black

Description

Rega’s flagship valve CD player
The Valve Isis is Rega’s innovative take on their reference Isis CD player, incorporating valves in the analogue output stage. Developed over ten years by Rega’s legendary head electronics engineer Terry Bateman, this player combines the warmth and dynamics of industrial-grade valves with state-of-the-art digital processing. It shares the same digital and USB sections as the solid-state Isis while delivering the distinctive tonal qualities of a valve-based analogue stage.

Valve-based analogue stage
The Valve Isis uses two military-specification triple mica 5814A (ECC82/12AU7) triodes in a differential amplifier configuration, driven by twin Wolfson WM8741 DACs. A low-anode-resistance ECC88 (6DJ8/6922) triode buffers the output, followed by a passive second-order Butterworth LC filter and a balancing transformer for fully isolated XLR output. The analogue section provides controlled valve harmonics (typical THD ~0.06%, predominately even-order) to complement the precision digital stage.

Advanced digital and USB sections
The Valve Isis maintains the same high-performance digital architecture as the solid-state Isis, including ten separate voltage regulators, a dedicated 50 VA transformer for galvanic isolation, and optimised servo, PLL, and optical amplifier systems. A fully isolated, double-clocked USB interface allows direct playback from laptops or PCs, supporting streaming of MP3, WMA, or internet radio, while preserving signal purity.

Disc analysis and error correction
Each disc is individually analysed during initialisation, optimising laser positioning and servo parameters to ensure reliable reading. Enhanced error correction and a super-stable Rega-designed PLL provide precise data recovery for exceptional sonic accuracy.

Design philosophy
Every component in the Valve Isis—digital and analogue signal paths, power supplies, and PCB layout—has been carefully selected to ensure integrity, low noise, and reliable operation. The design maximises the expressive qualities of valves without compromising the precision and performance of the digital stage, making it a perfect partner for the Rega Osiris amplifier.

What’s in the box
Rega Valve Isis CD player
CNC reference remote control
Mains power cord