Rega BRIO R NEW integrated amplifier

REGA's Brio R integrated amplifier is a legend in the Hi-Fi world. It has been met with unprecedented success for more than 30 years. This new version is the fifth generation and replaces the iconic BRIO R!

Rega BRIO R : Chassis

Despite being similar in size, its design is completely different.

The sharp angles and edges have been replaced by more rounded lines.

Despite its attractive price, this Brio R is entirely hand-assembled in the UK, in REGA's production site. Unlike most of its competitors, the brand never gave in to the temptation of transferring production to China.

The cast aluminium housing exhibits perfect rigidity, in addition to being a good heat insulator for the power transistors. They have actually been dramatically improved compared with the previous version.

The rounded glossy black front panel is unique and very understated. It features a large stainless steel volume control and a small push button to select one of the five inputs.

The 'Rega' logo sits in the middle. It has a red back-lighting when the device is turned on via the left-hand switch (also chrome-plated).

Next to it is a 6.35 mm headphone socket. The headphone amplification had been totally redesigned and improved to meet the requirements of owners of high-end Hi-Fi headphones.

Rega BRIO R : Electronics

The circuitry of the headphone amplifier has been optimised to prevent interference with the power audio circuits when they are not in use.

Inside is a circuit based on Sanken transistors and an oversized toroidal transformer. It delivers 50W per channel with Hi-Fi speakers of 8 ohms, and 73W with a pair of speakers of 4 ohms.

Rega BRIO R : Connection

The rear panel has 6 pairs of RCA connectors.

Input 1 features a phono preamplifier for moving magnet cartridge types (MM). Rega is one of the world leaders on the vinyl turntable market for a good reason! This input has been meticulously designed to optimise your experience with your turntable and records.

The other four inputs are dedicated to Hi-Fi sources (CD player, tuner, DAC, etc.).

The 6th RCA pair is dedicated to the input signal for a recording.

Don't look for the ground plug, it is under the chassis (of all places!). It is most inconvenient...but what can you do? However, owners of Rega turntables will not be affected because the ground is not separate from the audio!

Also, a power supply has been added for the phono stage. It has a special stabilisation, filtering and regulation.

Naturally, the Rega Brio R integrated amplifier, like its elder siblings, is only compatible with a pair of Hi-Fi speakers. A new gold-plated loudspeaker terminal was retained for this new Brio R.

It comes with a remote control with access to all the features! The logic circuit is fully separate from the audio stage so as not to create any interference.

Rega BRIO R : Listening and test review

The new Rega Brio is a killer!

It exhibits the dynamics and spontaneity of the manufacturer's electronic products! Reproduction is vibrant and very precise. You can hear absolutely everything! The vocals have amazing presence and definition for a product in this range.

The subtleness is also there when required! The bass quality and its articulation are a benchmark.

The phono stage is amazing: perfectly balanced, precise and perfectly smooth. We were especially amazed by the headphone output that beats all competitors in this price range, and even above!

This integrated amplifier is a benchmark in terms of musicality and reproduction. It is beautifully built, simple and efficient. It reproduces music with great ease and does a great job!

A safe buy...a benchmark! Would recommend!

AWARDS:
What Hi-Fi
The-Ear.net - Best Buy