Rega Brio Integrated Stereo Amplifier

Rega Brio Stereo Amplifier

The Rega Brio amplifier is the latest version of this highly reviewed amp, now in its 6th generation. It has undergone a minor facelift and has been refined once again. To start there are now two separate power supplies, the larger is for the power amplifier section and the smaller is for the pre-amp and the unit-integrated phono stage. Tweaks to the power supply and circuits have helped in isolation and in keeping the signal clean which in turn leads to better sound quality. The Brio's chassis has also been redesigned, it’s now made up of a two-part fully aluminium case, which helps in its heat-sinking and reliability. This amp is also robust, feeling incredibly solid and well-built. Rega keeps the design simple and minimalist, with a machined metal ring for the volume dial, a power button, an input select button and a 6.35mm headphone output, this is all you will find on the front of the Brio, not including the red-lit Rega Logo. 

Key Features

• 50-watt output into 8ohms
• Built-in phono stage
• 6.35mm Headphone socket
• Compact design
• A Matching CD player in the Apollo CDP (Apollo Link)
• A perfect combo with either the Rega Planar 2 or Rega Planar 3
• Lifetime Warranty against manufacturer defects

The Brio continues to keep things simple on the rear with 4 analogue-only inputs (line level), a record out and an integrated phono stage, that unsurprisingly works brilliantly with Rega's range of Planar turntables as well as any other moving magnet turntable set-up you may have. Finally, a single pair of speaker output posts allows connection to your selected speakers. 

The amplifier outputs 50 Watts per channel into 8 ohms which thanks to the tweaks stated earlier makes the Brio very easy to pair with a massive variety of speakers. The sound offered is full-bodied, with crisp details, an agile midrange and deep, solid bass. The Brio does not offer what I would call an overly analytical sound but does offer one of the most musical and engaging sounds you can find for the money. The headphone output is just as engaging as well and designed to work with even the most demanding headphones, it's also designed to not interfere with the main speaker signal.

Hifi Gear thinks...

At Hifi Gear we have had great results with several different systems based on the Rega Brio. Below we have listed a couple of our favourite combinations 

Rega Planar 3 with Elys fitted - When it comes to the synergy between an amplifier and turntable you would be hard-pressed to find a better combination. No matter your musical taste the Planar 3 & brio offer superbly open, subtle and engaging sound, that will have you relistening to your music collection again and again.

iFi Audio Zen Blue V2 - If you are looking for an easy way to get music from your phone, tablet or computer then look no further than this. Allowing Bluetooth connection between devices, you can easily play from you're streaming service of choices such as Spotify, Tidal, Amazon Music or Apple Music to name a few. 

Dali Opticon 1 MKII - These bookshelf speakers match well with the Brio, both are compact in design, surprisingly heavy for their size and offer a sound much bigger than you'd expect. As with all Dali speakers, the sound is very easy to listen to and doesn't need to be listened to loudly to enjoy it. What the Opticon 1 offers over the Spektor and Oberon series is a level of detail, precision and dynamics the others can't match. When paired with the Brio I find the sound to be rhythmic & agile, whether I'm listening to something heavy like Soundgarden's "Burden in My Hands" or Daft Punks' "Giorgio by Moroder" 

Who is Rega?

Rega is a specialist hifi manufacturer based in Essex, UK and is renowned for developing and constructing some of the most highly regarded turntables (as well as cartridges and tonearms), electronics and loudspeakers available on the hifi market today. Rega was founded in 1973 and has honed its craft over many years

While Rega is renowned for building some of the best turntable models on the market, the company have also developed an extensive and highly acclaimed reputation in the design and engineering of quality hifi separates. Rega's range of hifi amplifiers and CD players are designed and engineered around their different turntable, phono stage and loudspeaker models to form a complete family, staying true to the Rega sound signature and quality of the build. Rega components will work with systems and separate from other bands, but perform at their best when accompanied by other Rega products.