KING OF THE MIDS! Rega Brio Mk7 Amplifier Review

The Brio is the most successful selling amplifier in Rega's history. Discontinued in 2024, but a new version just been released. What has changed and how good is it?

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Time stamps:
0:00 Intro
1:16 Design & features
2:58 Technical insights
4:44 Sound quality
8:32 Setup & partnering equipment
11:49 Conclusion

[stephenhall]

Tarun's thorough and very British approach reminds me of BBC people I had the privilege to work alongside as a young man.
My career was actually in cognitive psychology but my passion was 'classical' music during what turned out to be a golden age, combining the greatest of standard repertoire with avant garde developments from the late '60s to around the mid 1990s.
The BBC engineers and production staff broadcast and recorded music from some very unlikely venues all over the UK in convoys of light grey trucks of various sizes on a scale of activity and expertise most probably gone forever. I am now 76!
The job was to convey the best sound straight to broadcast or to recording for later transmission.
Equipment used varied a lot and crews sometimes modified gear aimed at the domestic market but modified for rigours of the work. Too often, so-called 'pro' items duplicated functions and required fixed studio conditions and engineers were not impressed, pointing out that most music was performed by real people, to real audiences and that venues had their own acoustic and electrical challenges, especially in wet weather. Hall humidity always mattered but especially when genuine period instruments were used. Steady current was often a problem where music had electronic elements and some instrument amplification as composed.
Nothing could be left to chance, ever, but tape back up also had to use the exact same mics cabled often some distance to the recording trucks.
The ethos was enough to do the job plus wriggle room. This is how Tarun approaches audio reviews and he always comes clean about occasional extravagance, which has been his choice but he knows enough to come down the ladder a bit too. Recommendations a few times a year are seldom the most expensive things.
I wonder if Tarun even realises that he keeps a standard he is far too young to have known in person.

[dmcd]

I have just got this Rega Brio MK7 - Dali Menuet SE & Eversolo Master G2.

In a small loft room so no need for a sub.

Incredible sound

[mikecampbell]

I'm always happy to see a British Audiophile video in my notifications. Thanks Tarun!

[starla_]

Dear Mr British Audiophile, The paintbrush of words you choose to articulate a descriptive picture within the audio canvas space are as much a work of art (form) as they are extremely informative, top class and ever more resolving with every video. The audio experience seems to become a clearer picture as you improve the way you prescribe the experience. My favourite parts these days are when you talk about the capacitor values and how the electronics stack up to value for money, the words and way you compare the characteristics with amplifiers and the synergy with speakers.
It's also great to see a review of a British designed and British built amplifier at what seems to be good value. It sounds like a fun little amp and one I can recommend friends in that price category. Thankyou again for a wonderful review, looking forward to more ! Keep up the wonderful work and poetical prose. Much appreciated, have a great weekend :)

[adrianconti]

“Great review, Tarun — you summed up the Brio perfectly. I decided to go with the Rega Elex-R MK3 instead. The extra power gives me more flexibility when it comes to speaker choices. Plus, when it comes to DACs, there are better options out there for the money than the one built into the Rega. An external DAC was always the way to go!”

[kevinnewstead]

Nice to see you reviewing Rega Amps, I have an Aethos and it is a very fine Amp

[picachewable]

Many were thrilled with the sound of Mk6. Thanks for the review.

[PanamaHiFi]

Thanks for your review Tarun! soon they'll be available in all Central America!

[CButti-xs]

Another excellent review Tarun. Thanks for all the great work you do.

[mohammedalomari]

Great, as always, Tarun.

Kind regards and best wishes

[dre]

I've used Rega ear for years, I'm still using it listening to this show

[rotaks]

Thanks for the album recommendation! In love the bass guitar on this track too. Well recorded.

[shaunroberts]

Thanks Tarun! 👍🏻 Another top review! Rega is one of my favourite brands. The inclusion of the DAC is good for market segment positioning. I am sure this very capable halfling from Essex-shire will sell very, very well...

[s.daniel]

Thanks Tarun. Your chill vibe and warm articulation of hifi gear is very soothing. I’m in the states and our leader is causing chaos and disorder every day. It’s nice turning on yt and hearing your reviews for a break in our dysfunctional politics.

[EnricoAnsaloni]

Excellent review as always. I bought the IO a few years ago, replacing my old and dead Creek 4140S. and I was really surprised by the price/performance ratio... also it gave my system something that was missing and I never realized until hearing the new Rega: bass! The bass compared to the old Creek was immediately more present and deeper, without being too much or losing clarity and precision. I was very impressed.

[ChickenPopGames]

Rega make some of the best amplifiers I’ve heard! Ok I’m biased as I have an Atheos 😅

Brilliant review!

[markcarrington]

Hi Tarun, great review as always. It’s turning into a vintage year already for reviews. Speaking of vintage, as you know, I don’t wait around for manufacturers to re-invent old models, I just do it myself. 😅

[fletchermunson]

Thanks Tarun. Another insightful review.

[joestarkie]

There have been a good number of review of this product recently. Tarun your review really stands out.

[johncallaghan]

Love to see an updated version of the Nytech CTA252 receiver -- my first experience of something approaching real hi-fi!