As Denco Audio celebrates 50 years at the heart of New Zealand’s hi-fi landscape, the Christchurch-based company is proud to announce a fitting new chapter: its appointment as the exclusive New Zealand distributor for Rega Research Ltd, the legendary British maker of high-fidelity turntables, audio electronics and loudspeakers. Founded in 1975 by Frank Denson, Denco’s roots lie in the same spirit that launched Rega just a few years earlier - a passion for music, a belief in substance over spin, and a hands-on commitment to doing things properly. When import restrictions made it difficult to source gear locally, Frank and his brother Bob began assembling kits by hand in Christchurch - chasing great sound, not just a business. It’s a story that echoes Rega’s beginnings, where Roy Gandy built his first turntables in 1973 with the goal of reproducing music honestly and beautifully. That shared DNA makes this partnership feel more like a
continuation than a fresh start.
“We’ve always admired Rega’s integrity,” says Denco Director Mike Thomson. “They’ve stayed true to their principles - engineering-led, music-first, and proudly independent. Their products have soul. They sound better than they should for the price, they last forever, and they make you want to play more records. It’s an approach we understand - and one we share.” Still designing and building everything in-house at their UK factory, Rega continues to win acclaim with its turntables, tonearms, amplifiers, cartridges and loudspeakers. In 2024, the company became employee owned, a move that secured its future as an independent British manufacturer and reinforced its sustainable, long-term outlook. Denco’s appointment signals a renewed commitment to the New Zealand market. “Rega already has deep goodwill here - among audiophiles, retailers, and record lovers,” Thomson says. “Our job is to honour that legacy and help share it with a new generation who are discovering - or rediscovering - vinyl and two channel Hi-Fi. These listeners value the same principles: quality, performance, and products that are made to be enjoyed for generations.” He adds: “It’s a special thing to be trusted with a brand like this. At a time when more people are turning away from disposable tech and reconnecting with physical media, it feels like a genuinely positive step back in time. There’s real momentum behind this shift - and Rega is right at the heart of it.”
