REGA BRIO MK7 amplifier

The REGA Brio integrated amplifier is a legend in the world of High Fidelity. All generations have received unprecedented success for over 40 years. This new version, the 7th generation of this highly anticipated amplifier, returns with many innovations.

Rega BRIO MK7: Chassis

Even if its dimensions have not changed much, its look has completely changed. It uses the aluminum case of more high-end products (TTPSU 10).

The old rounded shapes have given way to angular edges and edges.

Despite its attractive price, this Brio is entirely produced and assembled by hand, in the United Kingdom, in the REGA factory. The brand has never succumbed to the temptation of producing its products in Asia, unlike the majority of its competitors.

Its cast aluminum housing gives it perfect rigidity in addition to serving as a heat sink for the power transistor. 

Its front panel features a large rotary volume button and a small pusher allowing you to select one of the 6 inputs. In the center is the “Rega” logo backlit in red when powered on via the switch on the left. Next to this, we find the headphone output in 3.5mm jack format. This headphone amplification has been completely designed to meet the demands of owners of high-end Hi-Fi headphones.

Rega BRIO: Electronic

Its innards hide a circuit based around Sanken transistors and an oversized Toroidal transformer. Note that this part has been greatly improved compared to the previous version. The Brio MK7 now delivers a power of 50 W per channel at 8Ω and 72 W per channel at 6Ω, which provides sufficient power to power the majority of speakers for which it is intended.

The Brio MK7 has an integrated circuit to drive standard hi-fi headphones from the internal amplifier. The headphone circuitry has been intelligently designed to reduce its impact on the audio signal path, so it does not disrupt the overall sound quality of the amplifier. Particular attention has been paid to the quality of the switch which deactivates the speakers when the socket on the front panel is used.

It should be noted that a power supply has been added to specifically deal with the phono stage. This receives rectification, filtering and specific dedicated regulation.

Significant improvements have been made to the entire circuit. The layout of the printed circuit has been completely revised to meet a much tighter tolerance.

Rega BRIO MK7: Connections

On the rear panel, there are 4 pairs of RCA jacks. But the big news are the two digital inputs! A coaxial S/PDIF input and a Toslink optical input.

Input #1 is equipped with a moving magnet (MM) cartridge phono preamp. Rega is not one of the world's main players in vinyl turntables for nothing! This entry has been particularly careful so that you can get the most out of your turntable and your vinyl records.

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

Of course, the Rega Brio MK7 integrated amplifier, like its predecessors, only allows you to connect a pair of Hi-Fi speakers. A new all-metal HP terminal block allows connection to the speakers via the HP cable equipped with banana plugs or forks.

Rega BRIO MK7: Testing and listening

How can you improve a device that already approached perfection? Well as surprising as it may seem… Rega did it! 

We find all the dynamics and spontaneity of the manufacturer's electronics! The restitution is lively, dynamic and full of enthusiasm! It nevertheless remains very precise and transparent and much more neutral than on the previous model. The quality of the bass and its articulation should be cited as an example. But make no mistake, the Rega Brio MK7 knows how to be nuanced and very subtle when necessary.

The voices are present and perfectly defined. The Brio MK7 offers remarkable tone quality for a product in this range.

The phono section is as always excellent, perfectly balanced, with great accuracy and perfect fluidity.

Special mention also to the headphone output which does better than all the competition in this price range.

This integrated amplifier is a benchmark for us in terms of musicality and reproduction. It is a superbly constructed, simple and effective product... which reproduces music with disconcerting ease. Its internal DAC is of excellent quality and will be useful for using small network CD drive players.

So, musically it may have one or two competitors, but they don't offer an excellent phono input, a superb headphone output and an equally excellent DAC.

The Brio MK7 is the most feature-rich and technically advanced Brio integrated amplifier offered to date by the manufacturer.

A sure value… a reference! 

Recommended!