Rega Brio Integrated Amplifier is definitely the musical therapeutant I have always been looking for. The way the bass just sinks with strength, depth and precision just exhilarates me.
I have often been seriously disappointed every time I tried out a new sound system. My interest in particular has always been on the depth of the bass. You know that desire we usually want to arrest that makes us listen to our favorite music? To get lost in deep moments of perfect musical experience. The bass from this Rega Brio Integrated does it for me. It sorts me completely. It has proved a perfect complementary partner to my Rega P3. I love how the headphone provision especially, lets me wake up and do my thing without interrupting the rest of my family. You may want to learn more about Rega Brio Integrated Amplifier if quality sound is your priority. Here is a review that I wrote after using it for three weeks.
Table of Contents
Rega Brio Integrated Amplifier Review and Breakdown
The Rega Brio is in class A/B fully analogue integrated amplifier. It has five analog inputs, the first one being perfect phono stage setup for moving magnet cartridges. The remaining inputs can be used for tuners, music streamer, or even a CD player. Brio has a headphone jack that is intended to allow the headphone users to use their amplifier while also empowering the headphones to produce some good sound. They included a special switching circuit to deactivate speaker jacks while headphones are in use to avoid degradation to the speaker output signal. This is such a technical masterpiece!
The brio was also equipped with an aluminum case design that gives it a better heat sinking capability.
The sound is very dynamic and big with well-defined left to right soundstage. It has the ability to differentiate between the different devices and produce sound according to the source to which it is connected. This is the function of an amplifier as the name suggests.
It comes with a remote that helps you control the equipment from your listening position. The 50 watts per channel is capable of driving most speakers to great levels. It delivers great refinement levels when tried with different speakers.
- It has a wide soundstage
- Has good sound dynamic with agile bass and super clean middle and high ranges
- Takes limited space due to its size. It almost portable
- It has a specialized design and build
- Offers convenient compatibility
- Has a buzzing sound
- Has lower power output as compared to other amplifiers
Rega Brio Integrated Amplifier Specifications
| Model | Rega Brio |
| Power Output | 50 W into 8 ohms |
| Power Consumption | 195 W |
| Outputs | Record out |
| Inputs | 1× Phono input, 4× Line inputs |
| Dimensions | 216× 78 ×345 mm |
| Availability | Check Price Here |
Rega Brio Integrated Amplifier Features
Design and build
Rega Brio Integrated Amplifier features a standard moving magnet phono input that allows you to use the amplifier with any turntable sporting a moving magnet phono cartridge. Brio, like all other Rega products have great phono sections.
Unlike the other former versions, Brio comes with a headphone section with great versatility, dynamic and powerful sound. So, if you don’t have speakers yet you can still use it.
Sound
This is a great amplifier with remarkable sound quality. Its price is reasonable given that it is an amplifier of high-end audio. It produces a lot of sound thanks to its high soundstage even though it appears so small a unit. All you have to do is to make sure that your front is a good match as well. They perfectly drive 8 ohms speakers and produce deep and strong bass that soothes the soul as well as clean medium and high frequencies. The Rega Brio integrated amplifier gives space for clarity and distinction of the vocals and the instruments.
Input options, circuitry
The rear panel has provision for various input options. Its earthing is done via the phono socket ground for Rega turntables. The Phono input is useable with moving magnet or high output moving coil cartridges. There is a Compact disk output that is suitable for use with most CD player types.
There also is a tape output/input for tape machines like reel to reel, DCC and DAT. Tape output monitors any of the inputs that the input sector has selected. There also is a tuner input that is compatible with most of the tuners. The Rega Brio integrated circuit is capable of driving HI-FI loudspeakers with an impedance of 8 ohms.
Who is it best suited for?
It is best suited for those who are looking to enhance their sound system at home, its wide soundstage means it produces a lot of volume for your personal entertainment. It is accompanied with a remote control with which you can control the amp from your comfortable listening position. Also, if you want something you can use with your Rega turntable then Rega Brio Integrated Amplifier is the perfect complement that you’re looking for.
It produces an excellent sound with clear musical detail that would allow you get lost into a sweet world of musical experience through its high depth bass and super clean middle and high ranges.
This also suites one who wants to listen to music, but yet not cause any disturbance to others. The provision for use with headphone allows you to wake up in the middle of the night and do your thing without telling anyone.
Are there any alternatives to the Rega Brio Integrated Amplifier?
Yes, there are alternatives to the Rega Brio integrated Amplifier that you can also consider that are also capable of meeting your sound needs. They also have a lot of input options and are capable of giving instruments and vocals the high definition. The alternatives include: BT2OA Stereo Audio 2-channel amplifier, Audiolab 6000a, Cambridge Audio CXA81 Amplifier.
Features of alternative amplifier models
| Model | BT2OA Stereo Audio 2-channel | Audiolab 6000a | Cambridge Audio CXA81 |
| Output | 200W | 100W | 80W |
| Circuitry | Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Advanced |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Features | Built in phono stage, Low signal delay for Bluetooth connection, Home integrated digital amplifier | Offers integrated power amp and pre-amp configurations, Built in phono stage and DAC, Dynamic sound output | Compatibility, Digital source flexibility, Oversized toroidal transformer |
| Availability | Check Price Here | Check Price Here | Check Price Here |
Verdict: So, should you buy the Rega Brio Integrated Amplifier?
Yes, if you desire a high performance on a tight budget and has a thing for the slender factor, Rega Brio Integrated Amplifiers is one of the best you can bless your dear self with. In my personal experience, I admire the physical look, it has all the wires tucked in from behind and the front surface remains looking all beautiful and decent. It offers convenient compatibility, has an advanced circuitry, gives a provision for the use of Bluetooth. I connect it with my laptop or phone and amplify any sound I want like, even YouTube videos or Netflix from the laptop. Its specialized headphone port will let you listen for yourself when you don’t want to interrupt anyone.
The Rega Brio integrated Amplifier has MM phono stage and with its wide soundstage, offers enhanced sound quality.
Its specialized design and build give it a decent look as well as enough input options that can satisfy your wide range of needs.
FAQs
How can I get rid of the buzz/hum?
Add a 2-prong adapter to remove the ground from the power cord. The buzz/hum is probably from the ground and the amplifier is picking it up and turning it into sound.
Does Rega Brio Integrated Amplifier have Bluetooth?
YES, it has Bluetooth but no phono stage.
