The revamped Rega Brio sounds better than ever
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This sixth generation of Brio (the original launched in 1991), is now five years old and still going strong. For those familiar with its predecessors, this 2018 version will feel both familiar and completely new.
It’s been redesigned, but in a way that harks back to the retro style of the older Brios. It remains an analogue-only amplifier, but it now, finally, has a headphone socket. And it sounds terrific. It has been revamped throughout, from an updated circuit-board layout to the scooped front-panel design that is reminiscent of early ’90s Brios. Every tweak to the circuits and power supply has been made to help isolation and keep the main signal path as clear as possible, leading to better overall sound quality.
There are two separate power supplies: the bigger for the power amplifier section, the smaller for the phono stage and preamplifier. The half-width design’s return is welcome – it looks smart and is ideal for those with limited space.
The chassis is made of a two-part fully aluminium case that helps its heat-sinking and reliability. At 5kg, it is so reassuringly robust you almost get your money’s worth in heft alone. The curved, glossy front panel is minimalist and elegant. The power button and input selector click satisfyingly, while its volume dial changes the level responsively with a smooth action that is lovely to use.
Keeping things simple
Rega continues to keep things simple and analogue-only with the Brio, including an MM phono stage that is designed to work harmoniously with the company’s own Planar turntables. Around the back are four line-level inputs, the phono-stage inputs, and a pair of outputs for recording. A single pair of speaker terminals is also present.
The 6.3mm headphone output has been carefully integrated to make sure it doesn’t interfere with the main speaker signal. It still takes its signal from the output amp, but there is a separate relay switch that keeps speakers and headphones separate when not in use. Rega says its engineers have tested headphones from 24 ohms to 300 ohms – so the Brio should comfortably be able to drive whatever pair you have.
Everything we loved about the Brio’s predecessor, the Brio-R, is here: its incredible sense of rhythm, the punchy dynamics; the agility, detail and fun. This Brio takes all of those prime qualities and hones them even more finely. As a result the sound it produces is clearer, more detailed and more muscular.
If we had one issue with the old Brio-R, it’s t
