Rega Brio R bright???

10-05-11: 4hannons
I was recently at a dealer in Eureka, Ca. listening to the Brio R powering Maggie 1.7. It sounded fairly neutral with tremedous detail, and a good value for what it is. I wouldn't characterize the sound as bright.

I'm little surprised the Brio R can drive the 1.7s successfully. A friend just got a Bryston 4B-SST to drive the 1.7s since his power amps and monoblocks could not drive them to optimal levels.

Would the rega or the NAD be a better match for the RDAC/Excite X12?

@Ryder. The Rega sounded good at what I consider a comfortably high level. Maybe it was the right amp for the right speaker? Or maybe it was the room? Which was only about 14x10, not much acoustic treatment and no back wall as it opened up to the showroom behind the listening position. I really can't say if I'd prefer more power, it sounded good for what it is. The Bryston is in a different league, I can only imagine how much better the 1.7 must sound with Bryston. However, if my budget was limited (which it always is) I'd would not hesitate to drive the 1.7 with the Rega until I could afford Bryston or Pass or something in that realm.

@laudio I would encourage you to also audition the NAD 326. As the owner of the similar 325, I enjoy what I am hearing for such a modestly priced amp -- very full and powerfull sound. I'd have to spend 5x as much to better it, IMHO.

You need to take a look at other models if it sounds bright to you.
I look forward for the review.

Yes, I agree with you, it is bright. Not in the entire frequency spectrum though. I found many parts pretty smooth except for the lower treble and upper midrange. Here it took on a sharp edge. This part of the spectrum reminded me of a 1980's Yamaha receiver.

I noticed it on voices in the T's and S's sounds and on certain instruments. It did get marginally better after a 100 hours break in time. I also tried to use Cardas interconnects and that also helped tame that edge.

It was exciting to listen to and had good rhythm, I will give it that, but ultimately though I had to sell mine. I could not live with the unnatural brightness. It distracted me from just relaxing and enjoying the music.

Anyways, trust your own ears. Everyone hears different and everyones systems are different. If it sounds bright to you then it is bright. Some others may not even notice it.