


Rega's latest incarnation of the Brio amplifier offers substantial gains - even as it occupies a much smaller footprint.The design of the Brio–R encompasses all the requirements for a great amplifier: A substantial toroidal transformer, generous power supply components, rugged output stage, film capacitors in the signal path as well as all critical positions within the phono amplifier.
The Brio-R utilizes the highest quality components and our engineers' experience to achieve the best sonic performance, ensuring it is the most advanced and feature packed Brio to date. The new output stage, improved power supplies and a re-vamped phono stage. Developed by Rega engineers, the output amplifier is based around a matched pair of 150w Sanken Darlington output transistors. This combination closely emulates Class A conditions with good thermal stability and lower standing currents in the driver stage.
Rega also reviewed the circuit and improved the low and high current power supplies, coupling and bypass capacitors. The phono stage has also been altered to reflect the current improvements in the Rega Planar turntables. The input sensitivity has been increased, along with a revision of the sub-100Hz phono frequency response.
Brio RemoteA remote control has been added to the Brio-R without compromising the sonic design of the amplifier. By keeping the remote circuit separate to the audio circuit with it's own dedicated power supply, there is no direct contact between the micro-controller and the signal path. The micro-controller controls the relays whilst the volume control motor uses DC control voltages. Housed in a brand new custom case, the Brio-R draws on the pedigree of the previous three incarnations of this model. The front-panel controls are as simple as it gets: power on the left, volume on the right, and a button that toggles the five inputs. This ease of control, minimalist design, and jaw-dropping sound is the sonic recipe for the Brio-R. It embodies the best in traditional audio circuits with excellent engineering practice.
User Manual
TAS Review
What Hifi Review w/ DAC System
What Hifi ReviewThis Rega is a clear level better than the best of the budget amplifiers, and good enough to worry the likes of Roksan's Kandy K2 and Naim's Nait 5i in some respects. That makes it a terrific buy.
Tone Audio ReviewThe Rega Brio-R sets the benchmark for an $1000 integrated amplifier and then some. While it’s easy for those that regularly hear the world’s best (and often most expensive) gear to get excited about great sound, it’s truly thrilling to hear this level of sound quality from an amplifier with an $895 price tag. Music lovers on a budget no longer have to sacrifice quality. This one could make a crazed audiophile out of you where you least expect it.
Digital Audio ReviewRega just made it that bit harder to justify spending more than a grand on integrated amplifier. Twin the Brio-R with its Rega DAC brother and you'd struggle to best that pairing for under $2k. A new gold standard in the budget sector and - as printed on the PCB within - "a nice drop of old school audio mojo". Yes siree.
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