Rega Brio-R

This is a perfect example of why sharing your experience is a help to others. I would never have even thought about trying a Brio-R because I'd expected it to be really plasticky and insubstantial. I've only seen pics and they have clearly given a false impression. Next time I find myself in York, I will check one out in the flesh.

Sorry I can't give any impressions of how later Rega amps would fare against other stuff, but I did like my mk1 Elicit. Dave has said they tend to suffer long term due to having so much packed into a small and hot case. Mine might've been only lightly used, but it sounded fresh and looked like new inside.

It was far more capable than you'd expect and had a real weight and poise too. I used it with a Planet mk1 and Elas and I think that probably wasn't it's best home. All 3 components have similar qualities and it was like putting double cream in your coffee rather than single. Just a bit too much of a good thing. Would I have another one? Definitely, but after Dave's cautionary words, I'd want to see the inside and hear it first,

They look a bit more "regular" and better thought out, but the clincher for me would be which one is the better built. Have you seen both in the flesh, Shane?

Here I go again - bloody know-all!!!!!

I remember the Onyx back in the mid 80's as very good indeed and a class above the Nait's of the period (Naits are breathless crap really in my opinion with no power and little perceived bass extension, but are silly money collectors items now - Old Naim is now a cachet laden 'name' now).

The Brio R isn't anywhere near as good as an NVA in *musical* terms (sorry to get that in, but I feel it's true), but it's better than I remember Arcams and Rotels being and an absolutely safe as houses low cost choice, will blow fuses if wiring-abused which the smaller NVA's won't tolerate for long (the big ones not at all) and has remote and a phono stage of pretty reasonable quality. The sound is rather 'flat' and 2-D though, even when well warmed up and you don't notice it until comparison with genuinely better amps. Current spec ones to me don't seem as 'scrappy' sounding when cold, but the circuit boards don't look hugely different if at all, so I could be imagining it.

The good thing with Rega amps (and NVA too) is that the sound doesn't change as you go up the range to more powerful versions. They just get more powerful and expansive (I've spent a few hours with an Osiris too as well as the Elex R and Elicit R). You know what you're getting so no nasty surprises in my view and the Elex R is worth the extra if you favour vinyl in my opinion.

The trouble for me is that at under a grand for an amp, I've had my ears opened to what can be done away from dealerships and in recent years and I've needed to re-evaluate what's possible on the new-amp market. If you can do without the (Naim style) bullshit, a remote option and fancy looks, and can take the need for recommendation of speaker cables at least, my choice is down to mainly one amp maker at this price now - sorry, I don't mean to shill. Of the others, Rega is a solid alternative with remote control, built in phono stage and cheeky looks as well as great after sales care - they always seem to put the customer first, in the UK anyway...

Shane, the Sugden in your pic is one of the models I thought sounded like you'd put a blanket over the tweeter. Cymbals do sparkle and ring you know and on the other hand, gentle drummers with brushed cymbals (the late Alan Ganley was a master at this) can almost play tunes on a couple of cymbals and it's things like this that the Sidcup made products do so well and I have to say, also Croft too at a slightly higher price than an Elex R!

Sorry if I'm ruffling feathers here. if you're not really into the 'gear' and want something a bit more musical than the ubiquitous Yamaha amp (great build and looks but boring musically, at least the AS 701), a Brio R is a good all round choice. But it ain't the best you can get for the money I now feel...

I still get thoughts, of returning back to a Brio-R and calling it a day. Not a bad little amp, the Brio. Never sounds crude as the volume increases. Even when the damn thing is running out of steam.

Yeah sure, you can buy much better amps, But the Brio is a much fun amp to have around.

The wondering continues...

S.

Was thinking about getting an Elex-R at one time. Gut feeling of diminishing returns quickly settled in though.

S.

The latest designs are 'free-er flowing' I think. the clamshell Elicit was good, but had a quietly refined and almost 'muted' kind of quality that doesn't hit you immediately. I believe surviving ones may need too much doing to them now, depending on use - a lot of amp in such a slimline case...

On the current range, ALL of them basically sound the same - it just get louder as you go up the range, and you can never have too much power!

I knew them only briefly, but the clamshell pre and power were good too (Cursa/Maia?)

In defense, I can shout out for the build quality! Yes, they do look a tad sporty. But I understand your point, Andrew.

S.

I don’t doubt their build or value. Maybe I’m just getting old, but everything these days seems to be heading down the “sporty” route. I still love the Isobarik style build quality.

I know people knock NVA for being made of plastic but I think it looks really classy and I also know first hand that the acrylic cased amps sound better than the metal ones. Same goes for Cyrus one and two. The metalmcased ones are nowhere near as good.

I still think in 1987 prices. To me, a budget amp is £150 and a mid price one is £300

When you think of it, the fact you can get reasonable amps new for under £200 and small speakers fir under £100 means budget kit today is better value than ever. So much great 80s gear at chea prices too. I love this hobby.

In your experience Dave. Does the Brio-R soft clip at higher levels?

S.