Rega Brio - Review

I must say, this is very exciting amplifier indeed. Can there be better value from an amplifier priced at this level, I doubt it to be honest?

This is a review of Rega’s brilliant Rega Brio, a baby amplifier of outstanding class.  With 50W (8 Ohms) per channel of power this is revelatory listen.  The Elicit-R, two models up from this, was fantastic a while back but I’m just left asking myself, how can Rega come up with such a dominant and powerful sound from such a small box?

Design

I am not really familiar with the previous incarnations of Rega’s Brio (this is the 6th generation Rega Brio), but I do know enough to understand the respect it demanded from previous listeners. The Rega Brio redesign includes a case re-design and full upgrade to the PCB design, there is a new separate amplifier power supply for the MM input to improve isolation and therefore reduce noise.   The new model now features a headphone output that was previously not available on other Brios.

The Rega Brio, then, is a no frills analogue integrated amplifier, there is no hint of anything digital at all. It features an excellent Phono MM input and 4 line level RCA inputs.  There is not much more to say other than the box is slimmer than most, the sort of half width chassis style.  The chassis itself has the soft touch metal finish with a plastic fachia and a slightly disappointing volume control on the front.  There is no display output at all, save for five illuminated numbers indicating the input source, with 1 being the MM Phono input, and a mute indicator. There is an anonymous input selector next to the indicators and next to this is the headphone output, a proper 6.5mm ouput to make me happy, this automatically switches the speaker output off.  The power button is to the left.  There is also the familiar red glow of the Rega logo, front and center that gives you a sense of satisfaction when you are happy and listening to music.

The rear of the Rega Brio is actually quite cramped with the speaker terminals stacked above each other.  The RCA inputs are spaced nicely, though quite snugly.  To the right there is a record out for those who have a tape machine, I may dig mine out at some point too.  There is no subwoofer option.

There is a functional remote control that I have barely used but it does the volume so I suppose that is good.  I’m guessing it controls other Rega sources.

The Spec from Rega’s site is below.

Specifications
Input sensitivities for rated output level:
Input 1 (phono) input sensitivity = 2.1mV at 47KΩ in parallel with 220pF.
Maximum Input 1 (phono) input level = 100mV
Input 2-5 (line) input sensitivity = 210mV at 47kΩ
Maximum input 2-5 (line) input level = 10.25V

Power outputs at 230/115V supply voltage:
50 Watts RMS both channels driven into the rated load of 8Ω
73 Watts RMS both channels driven into the rated load of 4Ω

Headphone output:
No load = 8V
32Ω = 1.8V
54Ω = 2.6V
300Ω = 5.9V
Source impedance = 109Ω

Power consumption:
195 Watts at 230V/220V/115V/100V into the rated load of 8Ω

Record output level:Record output level (with rated input levels) = 210Mv.
Record output impedance = 470Ω

Frequency response:
Phono 15Hz to 40KHz (-3dB Points) / 27Hz to 20.5KHz (-1dB Points)
RIAA accuracy (100Hz to 10KHz) ± 0.4dB typically better than ± 0.3dB
Line 12Hz (-1dB points) to 43KHz (-3dB points)
Remote control batteries included – 2 x AAA Alkaline.

Dimensions:
345mm (D) -inc volume control x 216mm (W) x 78mm (H)

Weight:
5.1kg

Performance

I could listen to ‘Everything’s Not Lost’ every day of my life and not get tired of it, particularly through this Rega Brio

This really is an exceptional piece of equipment, all of the excitement that I couldn’t find in A29 last week is here but I cannot for the life of me understand why or how this happens, but it just does.   How can a bunch of electronics be so different?

Rega P3 into Rega Brio

First thing to do was put a record on.  My Rega P3 should be an ideal match with the Elys 2 cartridge digging out the deepest sounds.   Input straight into the MM Line 1 input this set-up could no be simpler. And sure enough the sound is enveloping and beautiful.  I’m listening to the thundering ‘Telegraph Road’ for its dynamic range, changes in pace and wonderful rhythm.  The sound is truly dominant, exciting and wide.  With my trusty and well worn B&W CM7s there is a sense of pure enjoyment.  Before I know it I am digging out my favourite piece of vinyl,  The War on Drugs’ “Lost in a Dream” and it is just that, a dream.  I feel this system is nicely balanced in respect of both price point and compatibility and the result, whilst dominant and powerful, is really easy on the ear, soft, controlled and that wonderful thing, effortless.

CD (Line level) Input

Next, I hooked up a T+A CD player to the Brio.  Again the detail is very good indeed and the warmth and power are evident again.  I’m finding the vocals to be particularly lively with the CDs I’m listening to, Coldplay’s Parachutes comes across perfectly, pianos are really nice from this Brio too. I could listen to ‘Everything’s Not Lost’ every day of my life and not get tired of it, particularly through this Rega Brio.

Bluesound Node into DAC to Brio

Finally, it was time to hook up the Bluesound Node to my DAC, a Musical Fidelity M1 DAC.   My first listen to the new Brio was at the Bristol HiFi Show earlier this year where it was paired with Auralic’s fabulous Aries Mini and a pair of Spendor A2s.  It was the outstanding room in my opinion and it is clear now that the Brio was the star of the room.  And here too, the Bluesound Node presents a beautiful signal to the Brio which amply passes the detail through with ease.  I must say, this is very exciting amplifier indeed.  Can there be better value from an amplifier priced at this level, I doubt it to be honest?

Auralic Altair streaming DAC into the Brio

As I was concluding my review I have just been left with a superb Auralic Altair streaming DAC.  Again with the Brio this is an absolutely brilliant set-up with a bright energetic and rhythmic sound.  With hi res music flying via Qobuz to the streamer and into the CM7s from the Brio this is  a fantastic set-up and the CM7s have not sounded better.  I’ll be looking at the Altair in the coming weeks but it does recreate the brilliant electronics I referred to at the Bristol HiFi Show which featured the Auralic Aries Mini with the Brio.

Headphone Output

The headphone output is really very good, I was using a pair of Focal Spirit Classic’s which are nicely detailed and easy on the ear.  The headphone jack is the larger 6.5mm jack that I much prefer, it is a very satisfying sound and there is plenty of detail.  I can’t see Rega selling too many ‘Ear’ headphone amps, this is so good.

Control

The remote control is nice enough and has a mute button that illuminates a little light on the front.

Overall

The Brio is a very impressive piece of equipment, particularly at this price.  I just can’t really understand how they have done this at Rega but they have and this is special.  In particular, to recreate such a dominant sound in such a small box with a Phono stage built in as well is remarkable.

More information is on the Rega site here.  The Brio is retailing near £600.