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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
 
Yes I will definitely post an update and I really appreciate the insights that you’ve all provided, especially to a new member of this forum. It might take me a little while - have to actually make the purchase, arrange everything and head to CES as well... I’ll try to restrain myself whilst there :)
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smrex13
645 posts
 
So, curiosity got the best of me, and I ordered a Brio.  I have had it for a couple of days, and I have to say I'm very impressed.  It's got an engaging sound that really doesn't do anything wrong.  Perhaps the best thing that I can say about it is that I started pulling out records and CDs that I hadn't listened to in a long time because I was enjoying the music so much.  

I have it paired with some speakers that are also breaking in, so there will probably be some subtle changes, but definitely a thumbs up from me at this point!
 
reubent
6,944 posts
 
@smrex13 - congratulations on the new Rega Brio and speakers. I have not heard the new Brio myself, but people I trust have told me it is a very enjoyable unit. I have the Rega Elicit-R integrated amp and the Rega Saturn-R CD Player/Transport/DC and I find them to be very good products. I've owned more expensive separates and more a couple of other similarly priced integrated amps and CD players and I've found that I prefer the Rega Sound. Driving my vintage Infinity RS 1.5 speakers, I don't think I've ever enjoyed music listening more than I do through this setup.

Enjoy your new setup and reply back to the thread in a couple of weeks once your feel break-in is complete.
smrex13
645 posts
 
@reubent - Thanks.  I've wondered how the Elicit-R and Elex-R sound.  A couple of reviews called them 'bright' and suggested pairing them carefully with speakers.  However, another review suggested the Elicit-R was warm.  My guess is they are transparent and the reviewers are hearing the rest of their system.

I'm actually auditioning the Brio along with two different sets of speakers - the Wharfedale Reva 2 and the B&W CM5 (used), so there are a lot of moving parts in the evaluation process.  However, it's pretty clear that the Brio sounds great and drives either pair of speakers well.  As you said - it's just enjoyable to listen to music through the Rega.  

Will post my thoughts in a couple of weeks.  Best, Scott  
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