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Rega Brio or...?

I have a 3-year old Pro-Ject Debut Carbon (which has an Ortofon 2M Red cartridge) and a set of Tannoy Revolution R3 floor standing speakers (6-Ohm, 89dB). Currently, I am using a cheap Behringer phono amp and a Sonos Connect:Amp. I wish to upgrade to an analogue integrated amp so that I have an analogue signal path. I listen to a variety of different types of music and the room has a vaulted ceiling and has glass at either end. I do not need high volumes for extended periods of time. My budget is under $1,000 including a phono stage. Finally, I’m partial to a British manufacturer to “keep it in the family” so to speak (though I realize that only my speakers are British :) )

I’m leaning towards the Rega Brio (2017 version). I’ve considered the Creek Evolution 50A, but this will break my budget especially when I add a phono amp, unless I can find a used example.

Thanks for any thoughts!
128x128gromitinwa
gromitinwa's avatar
gromitinwa OP
11 posts
 
Thanks smrex13. Yes the reviews are disturbing. Perhaps a case of “if you get a good one it’s great, if not...”

Samac - thanks for th Arcam suggestion. I did not realize that the Arcam A19 has been discontinued. It still shows on their website and retailers are pricing it at $995.

Any thoughts on the Creek 50A? I’d need to add a Phono amp or their module but I’ve found a mint used one for around $550.
samac's avatar
samac
493 posts
 
gromitinwa,

I read that on WHAT HI-FI and various forums around the first of this year. The fact they are still available and on their website may mean they are still in production. I hope so.

Wish I could help you with the Creek but I have never had the opportunity to hear one.

Cheers,

Scott
gromitinwa's avatar
gromitinwa OP
11 posts
 
Thanks Scott, much appreciated!
ethos123
83 posts
 
I haven’t heard the Creek Evo 50, but it’s big brother, the 100a, powers my bedroom system and I love it. Totally different amp technology (the 100 uses class G), but as much as I enjoy my Creek, I think you should try to give one a listen if you’re considering it an option. For $550, I’d expect it would be very tough to beat. 

Their modules make them extremely flexible and you’re not paying for the expensive power supplies and housings of stand-alone units. The modules have been well regarded in reviews. If you are getting a used Evo50 for $550, you can add a new phono module for $250 and still have $200 left over for vinyl. Sounds like a win to me. 
gromitinwa's avatar
gromitinwa OP
11 posts
 
Thanks ethos123.

I'm leaning back towards the Brio. Found a local source at a decent price, so I can easily get support if needed. I really like the look of the Creek but the used one I was looking at is in Canada, not the US and I have learned that they are made in China. I would really like to buy a designed in the UK, built in the UK unit, which leaves Rega in my price range. There's no particularly good reason for this desire but oh well...
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