I’m really curious about the entry level Rega integrateds (IO and Brio MK7.) Doing some online research, I come across the fact that they both use the same phono stage, with the Brio having a bit more power, a few more inputs, and a DAC. The consensus is that they’re both extremely good VFM with the Brio having a bit more low-end control and flexibility given more inputs and DAC.
Has anyone listened to these side-by-side, or picked one up recently? I’d love to know how they compare SQ-wise. Power, inputs, and DAC all make sense in the Brio’s price-up but wondering if you strip all that away they sound reasonably similar?
The little IO is fantastic value for money…..Not the most transparent or detailed sound, if you don’t need much power, have easy driven loudspeakers, smaller room, and don’t want VU metre.
I found IO a bit more involving than recent Brio’s, despite above reservations, I can’t really think of any better choice at double price - that is if you are fine with two line inputs and one phono.
I’ve listened to them side by side a year ago. These were the setups:
Rega IO / Rega Planar 1 / Q-Acoustics 3020 C
Rega Brio MK7 / Rega Planar 3 / Q-Acoustics 5040
I think they were fantastic value for the money. These little systems basically capture the essence of a good / engaging listening experience and this is what really matters in my opinion.
However I agree with @PerF, not the most transparent or detailed sound but this is not the point of these amps. Surely you need to use them wisely with efficient speakers as they don’t have much power. Personally I’d be glad to have a second system like those I mentioned despite their clear limitations.
The Brio has the advantage of having an internal DAC, this can make the deal. If I’m not mistaken the Brio was indeed slightly more refined, clearer and had better grip on bass. The overall differene wasn’t night and day. Keep in mind it’s been a while ago, however I might say the IO brings to the table 8-9 out of 10 of what the Brio can do.
I still have a Rega IO and to me it’s a great vfm amp.
I agree with PerF that it’s not the most transparent. For the money though that’s easy to forgive. It was a really good match with the very affordable Dali Oberon 1’s but it‘s also good enough to “grew” when hooked up to a set of Proac Tablette 10 sig’s.
Haven’t heard the Brio mk7. I did have a Brio-r in the past, but prefer the IO.
(the Brio-r was a bit too smooth/rolled-off in for my liking)
Compared to my NN50 the IO doesn’t have the same level of transparency and clarity, but hey… it would be quite a shock if it did, considering the huge price difference.
I’d try my Klipsch Heresy IIIs on the end of either one, so no issues with power I would think. Moving up to the LS50 Metas would definitely need the extra power in the Brio
That sounds pretty interesting, let me know if you try it! However the Brio is easily the best choice in my view, both because it has a slightly better sound and because of the internal DAC (only if you care about a digital source of course).
Indeed @Alco, I would be shocked too! And this is the main difference with my current Naim setup if put in very simple words.
It’s what I’m pondering actually. I bough a WiiM mini last year because I was bored, and I actually like the UI/UX when I do use it (streamer for my 1969 Pioneer SX-TW1000.)
Would make a good transport into the Brio DAC I think.
Number 1. seem to have a center speaker only…? hardly ideal.
They are very effective speakers, noise could be an issue on some amps.
Definitely try first before buy, my guess IO will be fantastic on them, if you accept its input limitations.
Many would probably suggest tube amps for these Klipsch - I’d say try Rega IO if you want a pleasing, coherent sound without loss of timing and tight basnotes.
I can’t comment how well the IO and Brio deal with different sources; they were amazing with Rega’s turntables, you could really feel the brand synergy.
Personally I would go for the Brio unless you want the spend less. It could get along well with the WiiM mini and you’d have a very complete setup for a small amount of money. The Brio is slightly more versatile in general I guess.
Trying in advance is always the way to go, if possibile.
One of my many audio mistakes (I think) was buying a Fono MM MK5 a few weeks back; for an extra £200 I would have had the same phono stage and the amplifier to go with it in the IO.
As long as you learn from your mistakes, that’s fine! I try to be very cautious when buying audio gear and test it multiple times in order to see if my perception/idea changes. Also I try to go for a real upgrade without unbalancing my system as that would lead to big expenses. Luckily in your case the amount of money isnt’t a lot. You can still sell what you bought though.
I’ve actually wondered the exact same thing. Can you just listen to them both and compare? Would be easy at a dealer.
I have had two io’s, what cool little amp. I gave one to my brother in law, and traded in the 2nd like Lecht for an N50 (that was on full markdown). The io is just so fun and great, I ran it with a P6 and RS3s, wonderful balanced system. The N50 is a couple leagues better, as it should, but that’s not what you’re asking about.
I actually have a great big pelican case for my A/D/S 200s, io, and Mojo as a vacation system for beach cottages we rent. Pretty fab. I have a Creek 4330 I’m going to try to fit in there this summer. But the Creek isn’t as good as an io, and that all has me thinking…time for a 3rd io???
My very first full-analog amp was a Brio 2017. Had a few demo on Youtube and decided to get it. I loved its sound, went very well with my then Rega P3. Warm, cosy with prat and engaging, if not a bit flat for my taste. As entry level product it’s one very capable amp imo. I’m sure IO would be great as well but personally can’t go anything less than a Brio.
Well, not technically a ‘mistake’ but I got some of the upgrade planning / system sequencing wrong I think. I’m spending my days chopping and changing stuff I have in use or in storage, this is kind of an appendix at the moment.
The MM was supposed to go onto my 200/202 where I was going to move the P3 over to it. But I don’t think it’s for the long-term.
Where I screwed up is not realising that I’m much more interested in comparing the IO/Brio with the P3 to my 60s Pioneer.
This hobby really requires some thinking and planning!
A bit out of topic: I just noticed you have the 202/200 DR as well. Why not upgrading its source or getting a Hi-Cap DR? Especially now that the NDX2 can be found at very reasonable prices.
