I think the Brio will be my next amp. I got to hear some different rega amps including the Brio and I was just shocked at the dynamics and sound. So beautifully musical and just effortless.

Fantastic video it's helped explain wattage to a friend better than I ever could! I bought the Brio last year with a P2 turntable and a pair B&W 706 S2 and I haven't gone past the 12 o'clock position volume wise. I sort of obsessed about wattage when looking last year right up until I demoed it and it blew me away! If I upgrade it'll be to the elicit-r I think. Thank you again.

@bighands69

2 жыл бұрын

Spec sheets mean nothing really as most are just manufacturers marketing. The best way to judge is to hear the systems for yourself. What makes Rega unique is that they are offering analogue amplification to the lower and middle market place. And their focus is on sound rather than how many gadgets they can squeeze in.

Great video..I have just bought a system that includes the Brio. Definitely agree on the clarity of sound at low volumes.

Thanks for an informative video. I enjoyed your clear explanations.

I personally do not have anything about integrating DACs with analog units but, with that said, I'd like to point out that Rega used to be really famous for providing pure analog solutions. Knowing that the things would soon change, and apparently they have already, I grabbed the classic Elex-R recently and to all the purist out there I suggest you do the same while you still can cause these babies will soon be available second hand only, if at all.

Thanks for showing us the last part of the video where you show us the amplifiers being powered On. We can see the logo glowing Red. That is a nice touch. But the selector knob on elex-R is better than the tiny ' invisible" push button srpection switch on Brio. Many reviewers talk a long time but did not show how the amps look like when power " On". A real let down. A big Thumbs up to you!.

Thank you for talking about low level listening (due to auditory challenges, I listen here exclusively)!!! I’ve struggled finding successful amp pairings for my relative difficult speakers. Can confirm that both something like the Exposure 2510 and Rega Aethos, sound full and awake from the first turn of the volume dial ❤️

@cheshireaudio

2 жыл бұрын

It depends on the speakers... but the Aethos is particularly good in that respect... The 2510 is good and better than most, but the Rega wins

@thepickyaudiophile

2 жыл бұрын

@@cheshireaudio Agree, the Aethos takes the prize 😊 Would you say the Elex-R and Elicit are equally good a low volume? I unfortunately do need to “ride the volume” to get it just right, so the coarseness of the steps using the Aethos remote is bit of an issue.

Fantastic review! And your tangents are very informative and enjoyable :)

@cheshireaudio

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you :-)

@astroporpoise7802

2 жыл бұрын

@@cheshireaudio​ Subbed. Your content is great as it is, but since you asked for suggestions... If you want to take things to the next level, first set up some three-point lighting (or use reflectors as a backlight and fill light to complement your windows' natural light) and use a lavalier mic. And if you have an audio store, more video comparisons on gear of different price brackets would be very helpful. For example, bookshelf speakers under $2K, setting them up in a row and you going into your normal detail describing the differences and what you think is a good value. You could also do a video series called "Tangent Tuesdays" where you can freely talk about your interesting side notes or observations that would be helpful to audio lovers. Hope this helps and all the best from Seattle. :)

@cheshireaudio

2 жыл бұрын

@@astroporpoise7802 Some good ideas here ..... I agree the lighting is not good on some of my videos. The problem I have is that I run my store on my own and will do a quick video if thing go quiet for a while, I suspect that if I needed to do too much setting up it wouldn't happen. Like the speaker suggestion .. and Tangent Tuesdays :-) though as I don't script the tangents just seem to happen... many thanks

I recently took a punt on a (barely) used example of this version Brio for £300 despite not having heard it and I'm very pleased with it. From watching this I now know why! Partnered with my Planar 2 and MA Silver 200 6G it's a system that's a touch lean unless the source production is hyped but it's very pacey and detailed. Certainly heftier and smoother than the Cyrus 2 + PSX it replaced, although not as deep a soundstage I found. Great channel - I discovered it looking for a solution to my Planar running slow. A tiny dab of PVA on the pulley spindle and all sorted, so thanks for that :)

Thankyou for a very simple explanation I can see you chomping at the bit to share your knowledge

I have a late 90's brio 2, (I think it's the 2) and wouldn't swap it for anything, I've enjoyed it for 20+ years. it's so musical. It's only 38w per channel though I have never taken it to more than a third of the way of the volume dial, anything more and you have to seriously shout to be heard. It's built like a tank and your so right when you said it was a giant killer.

@jeffbigbear1766

2 жыл бұрын

nice tip. thank you. i will be looking out for one on the used market.

BRIO R will be my next amp. Nice discussion thanks.

Great review with lots of information that is enlightening. Tested the Elicit MK5 last weekend but budget won’t stretch that far so will test the Brio this weekend.. must say I can’t wait!

just found your channel. brillant very engaging cheers

Thanks for this great video. Not only did you bring out the differences between the two Rega models, but more importantly you explained the true function of an amplifier without superfluous features. Not many people in the hobby know this, and most amps in the market are laden with features. Very few like Rega put their attention on sound quality. Your videos are always informative and so natural. The sudden ring of the phone even provided a loud climax.

@cheshireaudio

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you again Eric for your kind words :-)

@darranthompson8202

2 жыл бұрын

@@cheshireaudio hi sorry for a stupid question am new to all this lol if I wanted a streamer would I first need a dac to connect to the amp thanks.

A fine review - thinking of going for the Elex-R. Also good to see Thomas Dolby's 'The Flat Earth' there - a great album...

Very informative. Been on the lookout for new amp and the Cambridge As and Audiolabs are more full featured but somehow getting a Rega is kind of hanging over always for their sound. If not getting blindsided by an entry level Hegel, would get Rega asap.

Thank you for the great video. I am using the Rega Brio-R amplifier myself, and I am planning to upgrade a pair of B&W 706S2 recently. I want to ask your opinion. Thank you very much

I have purchased Rega Elex-R few months ago - with few lows - I am super happy with it. The truth is: I have nothing to compare with but... maybe it is better this way. It drove first B&W 607 and then I change them to Monitor Audio Silver 300 - the system sounds amazing! I only use DAC with them - no turntable - but still: I am happy with this system. One big plus: lifetime warranty - what else to ask for ;-) You are super right about the volume: my usual setting is around 9 o clock, very rarely more. And NEVER above 12 o clock ;-)

@neetop1557

2 жыл бұрын

what are the lows/issues you experience with your Elex-r?

@zyghom

2 жыл бұрын

@@neetop1557 when 1st channel RCA (phono) is not used, 2nd channel is unusable as the signal is interfering with 1st one - maybe I should ground 1st channel? the remote is ... not this level of the price. Remote/and amp have no standby mode. When I turn on/off the power it makes noise in the speakers. Small minor things but I don't expect them in the device for 1k$

@neetop1557

2 жыл бұрын

@@zyghom I read about these issues, especially the first one. Someone suggested grounding it properly because that's the root cause, some suggest avoiding using 2nd input when phono is in use. At this price you could say it's ridiculous. But since it's a British made product some quirks are to be expected. At least it sounds good, right?

@zyghom

2 жыл бұрын

@@neetop1557 considering I don't use phono and I cannot use 2nd, I am left with 3 out of 4. I will not cry as I use only one input (from DAC) and 1 output (for my VU meter) but... the separation between 1st and 2nd input should be there. Extra grounding while NOT using phono? hmm... I have never heard about it. The sound for me is fantastic - it actually shows the difference between good sound file and ordinary one (even if both are FLAC). I only use DAC - however quite good one. With my speakers and my room I am ok with the product ;-) Was it worth it? I don't care. Would I buy it again? I am not thinking about it - hopefully I will never change it in my life (I am an old guy - it would be ok if the amp can be with me till the end of time). ;-)

I watched a few of your uploads over the past month or so, trying to establish what I should be aiming for. One of your vids mentioned starting with the turntable, and building the system around that. With that in mind, and leaning toward the Rega P3, which amp and speaker setup compliments that best? Brio, Elex mk4? I know Rega do the system 1 package, but they don't seem to do a system 3 to guide you on a good setup. Any thoughts appreciated.

Hi! Nice review. How about to pairing the Elex-R with Monitor Audio Silver 6? Do you experienced with the match? Thanks

Two great integrated, the Elex r is awesome ,…a consistent amp , congratulations to Rega !!!

Great video thanks for reviewing, maybe a video to recommend speaker's to go with each amplifier depending on room size?

@cheshireaudio

3 жыл бұрын

That’s a good idea... I’ll give it some though. Many thanks

@thebestoffools

3 жыл бұрын

@@cheshireaudio That would be much appreciated indeed. I'm in the market for some bookshelves. :)

@4one5iva

2 жыл бұрын

Yes please! I’m really interested in the Wharfedale Lintons, here’s hoping they pair up well with the Brio.

@lrwebb869

2 жыл бұрын

I’d second that. And also would appreciate suggestions from the second hand market for under £300. The Rega rs3’s are an obvious candidate but what else?

@lrwebb869

2 жыл бұрын

Edit. I currently have dynaudio audience 42’s with my Brio R.

Digging into your videos and enjoying very much. I was very interested in your comment that both Regas play especially well at low volumes; does the A21 play just as well in a similar regard? I nearly always play at low volumes, and like you say, my current amp has a sweet spot but it's a little too much for me volume wise. Thanks again for the content, all the best.

@cheshireaudio

2 жыл бұрын

many thanks Barry, Yes, the Sugden is good at low level too..... big transformer :-)

@barrybrennan2135

2 жыл бұрын

@@cheshireaudio cheers, good to know

Great video, thanks for the info. I'm thinking of pairing a Breo with ceiling speakers such as the Polk RC80i in a medium sized annexe. Thoughts?

@cheshireaudio

2 жыл бұрын

Will be fine... the Brio will cope well with lower impedance that some ceiling speakers have

Thank you. I also appreciate your comments about volume. I can’t always turn it up loud when I listen but it does sound better when I do! Couple of questions please: I have the previous model: Brio-R. Squarer corners. No headphone socket (which I don’t care about). Is the new model noticeably different audibly (with a 1990 Rega Planar 3 and Elys2). Also, my speakers are Monitor Audio 14 Gold Mark ii. From mid 90’s. Would it be overkill to upgrade to Elex or Elicit for such a set up? Or would I need newer/better speakers to justify that? I like the speakers bass and mid. Always found cymbals and other treble a bit lacking (eg. In jazz, or Talk Talk). Appreciate your thoughts. Thanks.

@michaelmasztal7871

2 жыл бұрын

Hi . Having owned the Brio, Elex-R nd the Elicit-R, I'll give you my impression. The Elex-R sounds like an improved Brio. More control, detail, etc., BUT the Elicit-R, while having a bit more refined sound than the Elex-R, has a different sound than the Brio/Elex-R. The Elicit-R is a fne amp, but if you really like the Brio, the Elex-R will impress you. The Elicit-R? Maybe not. Maybe the new Elicit Mk5 will have more of the Rega sound.

Great video. Putting aside grip and soundstage, In terms of tone and weight of the music presented, is the Elex-R much better than the Brio? Thanks!

@cheshireaudio

2 жыл бұрын

I’d say so

Very informative, thank you. I'm currently still using a Pioneer A400 amp which is quite a few years old now......it's good tho.

@cheshireaudio

3 жыл бұрын

Great amp the 400 :-)

@mikemcguinness1304

2 жыл бұрын

The a 400 is a great classic amp.. I remember everyone (including myself) raving about them when first out

@stanleykostrzewski7222

2 жыл бұрын

@@cheshireaudio , I'm just wondering how the A400 would stand up to the Brio ? I have Epos ES11 speakers which I like a lot.

Hi I’m looking for a new amp to fit with my Focal Aria 906 speakers and my new Rega P6 TT , I’ve got the Rega IO amplifier at the moment and my question to you is do you think the Brio is a good choice for this setup or can you recommend an amplifier that you think would fit in nicely ? Look forward to your reply.

Do you think the headphone amp on the Io is enough to drive a pair of 600ohm Beyerdynamic DT990 headphones ? I’m sure it would but just want to be sure.

How does the Elex compare to the Roksan K3? Very undecided which one to pair with klipsch rp / monitor audio silvers .. thank you very much for any input

At one time I considered both. I still think I would have been happy enough with the Brio. I got the ElexR instead. And I love it! What surprised me is the Elexr would get hot driving Klipsh Heresys! Not even warm driving Spendor 3/1s. The Heresys sensitivity is rated somewhere around 99- more like 94 , I'd guess, whereas the Spendors are rated at around 88- more like 83. Regardless the true rating of either speaker, the Spendors seem like easier drive. I wonder if it because they do not have the dynamic reach? In the end, they both sound great.

What would make a better pairing for the Brio- Elac debut 2.0b2 or the Wharfedale Diamond 225s?

Did you say ifi bluetooth reciever? I'm just in the market for a new amp mainly for vinyl and occasional streaming from phone so thinking the brio then add Bluetooth receiver would I also need a dac? Thanks

The £1500 price point is many peoples end game amplifier. How would the new Exposure 2510 compare with the Elicit R. The 2510 is around £1595 so almost the same as the Elicit R. It would be interesting to know how these compare.

Good morning on my neck of the woods. I have a pair of Elac F6 debut floor standing speakers would thenBrio have enough power to drive them?

Hello, first of all congratulations for the review, I have a question to ask, I have a rega brior amplifier that drives the Monitors Audio Silver RX6, I would like to upgrade and I would start with the amplifier: I am a jazz enthusiast and therefore I like the warmth and the detail of the sound I am undecided between the between the Rega Elict R and the Rouge Audio Cronus Magnum III. What do you suggest me?

@cheshireaudio

2 жыл бұрын

It does, I sell the silvers here and they are a good match

how does the Roksan K3 compare to the Elex R, been considering the Roksan

What one of the two is more neutral in the mids. Looking for less forward mids.

What speakers should you demo for Rega amps?

Interesting to listen to you regarding low volumes, I live in a flat and my bedroom is only 10ft x 9ft would the io be too powerful for such a small room?

@cheshireaudio

2 жыл бұрын

No, it will be fine... the io is still better than most in his respect

This bloke initially annoyed me with his waffling but I warmed to him because he displays a real passion for his hobby/business. He also explains things in detail, even when his technical knowledge is lacking. With this review, the simplest way to describe amplifier watts is you need to double the output for a 3db increase in sound level which is only slightly perceptible and why the Elex R will only sound very marginally louder than the Brio. All that not withstanding, it's refreshing to see reviews that dig into the details that some reviewers skim over.

After about month of research.. I've found myself between the Rega Brio-R and the Atoll AM200. I'm having a really hard time narrow it down as I can't find much in terms of reviews for the AM200. It seems the stage is more front and center with the Brio than the AM200. The Triangle Titus EZ speakers I have stage extremely well, on the leading edge of bright sounding (Brio would help smooth it out some). I've heard the AM200 has next to nothing in terms of heat dissipation.

Sorry to be nerdy but is that Thomas Dolby the flat earth lip in background. Also considering my listening levels not being that high, unusual to exceed 85db, would the money be better spent on an elex r than an Elicit to buy better speakers? My preference is for warm dynamic type of sound rather than seems to me current trend of stereo separation. Enjoying the channel

@cheshireaudio

2 жыл бұрын

Yes, The Flat Earth’ well spotted... the Elicit does drive speaker better.. so is noticeably better at low volumes

@holbroni

2 жыл бұрын

@@cheshireaudio thank you

Could the Rega Brio phono input be improved by adding an external phono stage? such as one of the Rega models , or an I zen for example?

@michawisniewski67

2 жыл бұрын

Lehman BlackCube shall do the job

Is it the best amp in the world or is it the best fking amp in the world? As you can clearly see I'm a bit puzzled on that one.. Signed by a proud owner of Rega Elex-R :)

Hi, I live in Southport.. Do you do PX? I'm thinking of trading in my Brio for the Elex R....

Are my Boston Acoustics 950 floor standing speakers from the mid 90's considered hard to drive? Would they be a good match for the Elex. Thank you

@cheshireaudio

2 жыл бұрын

Boston haven’t been available in the UK for a long time... I used to sell A40s in the 80s and they were really easy to drive... I can’t imagine yours would be a problem

How does the Rega Elicit R compare with the Exposure 2510. It be interested in your opinion on the comparison.

@cheshireaudio

2 жыл бұрын

I've just completed a comparison between Sugden A21 and Exposure 3510 .... will post later today. I'm holding back on reviews of the Elicit at them moment for reasons I can't go in to :-)

@sam66hazmal

2 жыл бұрын

@@cheshireaudio I shall look forward to seeing the 3510 compared with the Sugden, I use a Heed Obelisk Mk2, it replaced a Naim 122x/150x. I much prefer it as it has a nice rich midrange which is so easy to listen to. But I’d also like an amplifier with more power as I have some stand mounts I use occasionally.

Tape out on the Brio, can this be used for a subwoofer? Or is it permanently full volume?

@cheshireaudio

2 жыл бұрын

No, that’s a full line level out and doesn’t go through the volume... if you buy a sub with a ‘high level’ out, (like REL) you can connect it to the speaker outputs

What's the difference between regas and naim?

Wich class is the Elex???

Hi. I am thinking of picking up one of these - haven't decided which one of the two yet! I already have the fono mm phono pre amp. If I get a brio, would I be better using the built in pre amp or the fono one? Thanks

@cheshireaudio

2 жыл бұрын

The external stage should work better

I currently have this Brio paired with Q acoustics 3050i. What's your opinion on the pairing?

@varun110291

Жыл бұрын

Kindly let me know your thoughts ...

@jornkohler4977

3 ай бұрын

​@@varun110291just heard the Rega IO with the QA 3050 and it sounded really good. Think it is a good match.

Just got to audition the Brio and I think I'd prefer it to my Kandy K2.

@cheshireaudio

2 жыл бұрын

I do the Roksan K3, which is very similar to the K2 ... its a really good amp technically, very impressive dynamic sound, but the Rega holds your attention in a way the Roksan can't

Is phonostage in elex-r enough for Planar 3 with exact/AT 740? Or i need to buy Rega MM? Or even Lehman Black Cube

@cheshireaudio

2 жыл бұрын

It’s good enough.. but you can always get better

@nikaknetu2982

2 жыл бұрын

@@cheshireaudio yeh, better is an enemy of good ))) is rega mm better than built in elex-r?

@cheshireaudio

2 жыл бұрын

@@nikaknetu2982 It's a similar circuit, which benefits from being away from the amp with it's own supply ... so better yes, worth the outlay?, good question, see if you can borrow one

@nikaknetu2982

2 жыл бұрын

@@cheshireaudio ok! Thanks for your answers!

Can anyone confirm that what is connected to the Input 5 on the Elex-R will not come out through the Record Output? I use the Record Output for my headphone amp and when I select Input 5 I'm getting no sound. Only earing what is connected to Input 1 through 4. BTW, this is an awesome sounding amp. I love it quite a lot. It is a totally different beast than my other amps. And thanks for the review.

@zyghom

3 жыл бұрын

YES, I was about to send it back to the shop as broken, then they called Rega and confirm the same: input 5 does NOT go to Rec Out ;-) strange but ... as per design pity it is nowhere described ;-)

@thebestoffools

3 жыл бұрын

@@zyghom Thank you for your reply. That's what I thought. Probably to reduce leakage interference since input 5 is next to the rec out... not sure but otherwise it's still a really great amp.

@zyghom

3 жыл бұрын

@@thebestoffools as there is a leak between input 1 and 2 as 1 is phono so very sensitive

@cheshireaudio

3 жыл бұрын

Only just spotted this one... didn’t know this .. how strange

@Bizzle65

2 жыл бұрын

@@cheshireaudio The amp was probably designed this way so you can’t accidentally create a feedback loop when using the record out. You would plug your recording device outputs to input 5 on the amp and it wouldn’t be able to feedback on itself if you inadvertently selected input 5 on the amp whilst in record mode. The “Tape Monitor” switch was the old solution to this problem, now long gone!!

Hi! I’m looking to pair my Monitor Audio Silver 200 (6g) with an amp. For the moment, and please don’t laugh, I have a borrowed Harmak Kardon 6500. Would Elex-R be a good choice, since I can have a good deal for it? Unfortunately no demo. Would I hear a WOW difference stepping up to this type of amp? My speaker cables are Van Damme Blue and interconnect QED Reference Audio 40 for my Bluesound Node 2i with Tidal Master. I also have the Rega Planar 1. Thank you!

@cheshireaudio

2 жыл бұрын

The Elex would be great... if you are local I could lend you one... if not, speak to a dealer

@anmic3590

2 жыл бұрын

@@cheshireaudio Thank you! I’m from Bucharest, Romania. Unfortunately, I don’t have the option of demo it, but eventually I went for it. And a pair of Van Damme Blue speaker cables. And the qed audio reference 40 as interconnect from my bluesound node 2i. Everything sounds great, but probably when the time will come I will upgrade to bigger cabinets, since my living room is quite big. 60sqm with a length of around 13m. I heard a lot of good things about the Kef R11. Thank you once again and Blessed Holidays!

Phil I agree... Rega really need to Make a power amp to match with elex /elicit It's such a missed opportunity for even greater dynamics, headroom. Watch this space...

@bighands69

2 жыл бұрын

I think at that price range most people are using integrated systems rather than separates. They also as a small company need to be care not to get distracted going down too many pathways. They can plan this out in the long term though.

@nikaknetu2982

2 жыл бұрын

... and network streamer )

Can you do a review on the Sugden A21 Amplifier?

@cheshireaudio

3 жыл бұрын

Good idea, thanks for that

@depechem0demusic

3 жыл бұрын

@@cheshireaudio You should have said-yes of course if you supply me with one to test 😂😂😂

@cheshireaudio

3 жыл бұрын

Luckily we have one here.... :-)

Michael Cash, we've had a notification about your comment, (many thanks by the way) but for some reason can't reply to it .... give me a call at the shop, I may have a better solution 01270 580734

Has it ever crossed your mind why so many people put on KZread videos of how much they love Rega - Elex-R? Let me just say that maybe, just MAYBE there's a reason for that :)

I have the elex, and it's great, the brio is a STEAL! £600 it's a truly wonderful little amp, very exciting, dynamic, with a real drive.

@Mike82ARP

2 жыл бұрын

Agreed. The Elex-R is the gem in the line. I sold it and got the Elicit-R figuring I'd get more of a good thing. Well, not so. The Elicit-R has a very different sound than the Elex-R. I I will likely return to the Elex-R, but I may audition the new Exposure 2510 in the meantime.

@mikemcguinness1304

2 жыл бұрын

@@Mike82ARP tell more... What does elicit sound like compared to mine... I couldn't afford the elicit

@xstensl8823

Жыл бұрын

@@Mike82ARP so how do they compare? Rega vs. Exposure? i am in the same boat. thanks

Man you are wrong there are much better amps in that price range