Rega Brio-R

Interesting to see that Rega is revamping its lineup of integrated amplifiers.

Most recently, Rega announced the introduction of the new version of the Brio (now called the Brio-R). The Brio has been the entry-level integrated for some time now, with the Mira and Cursa further up the chain.

As you can see, the new Brio has been modified to fit Rega’s new small case design, first seen with the new DAC, released in late-2010.

Both of these components, placed side-by-side are about the width of one of the old integrated amplifiers. This is obviously beneficial when it comes to shelf/rack space, which is often at a premium in smaller houses and apartments.

Incidentally, Rega has a long and established tradition of product design to suit customers at home in the U.K. who tend to live in smaller houses and flats.

Returning to the new Brio, it comes equipped with an onboard phono stage (improved to better align with Rega’s turntables) and now has a remote control. Like the previous incarnations of the Brio, it is rated at 50 watts per channel.  Like the new DAC, it is available in either gloss black or silver finish.

The biggest surprise might be the price. According to some British Rega dealers, it is being listed at £480, or $750, considerably more expensive than the old Brio.

On the bright side, this means that for the next few months the previous version of the Brio will be sold at a discounted price until old stock is exhausted.

At any rate, it’s interesting to see the direction Rega is taking with product design and development. The integrateds, including the Brio and presumably the new Mira and Cursa, and the DAC have an aesthetic symmetry. In terms of cost, the price point for the DAC (in Canada, just over $1,000) is likely to align with the Mira and already aligns with the price points of the P3-24 turntable and RS3 speakers.

Essentially, for about $4,000, customers who want to purchase their first hi-fi system could get a new Brio, P3-24 (with a $200-250 cartridge), DAC and RS3 speakers. Of course, should a customer prefer to go with only one source, either the turntable or the DAC could be taken out of the equation and the price would be around $3,000.

Honestly, in the world of hi-fi that’s excellent value. For someone looking to take the plunge into the world of higher end two channel audio you can’t do much better than Rega at this price point, at least not when buying new gear.