I just got the Brio-R in for a demo and want to chime in here. This is unusual amp, and the comments about a certain part of the frequency range being annoying are right on the mark.
I would not say it is bright.... but there is an unatural coloration, almost a fuziness on certain parts of the frequency range.
It is a shame, because this amp, for it's price, has some amazing qualities. It has a propulsive PRAT to the rhythm, it's 50 watts drive harder than other integrated amps with twice the rated power, and it can seperate the layers of congestion very well. It has a musical presence and very different sound to all the other integrated amps i have had.
I was hoping with break in, the coloration would clear up, but it seems this is not the case.
The amplifier output stage in the Brio-R is apparently new and never used before in the industry, let alone in a Rega amp, so perhaps this is just a first try and they will sort this issue out in another model.
I would not say it is bright.... but there is an unatural coloration, almost a fuziness on certain parts of the frequency range.
It is a shame, because this amp, for it's price, has some amazing qualities. It has a propulsive PRAT to the rhythm, it's 50 watts drive harder than other integrated amps with twice the rated power, and it can seperate the layers of congestion very well. It has a musical presence and very different sound to all the other integrated amps i have had.
I was hoping with break in, the coloration would clear up, but it seems this is not the case.
The amplifier output stage in the Brio-R is apparently new and never used before in the industry, let alone in a Rega amp, so perhaps this is just a first try and they will sort this issue out in another model.