Hello all, and welcome to the June blog from Audio T Brighton! This month, we’re looking at the seventh iteration of a long-standing model in the range of integrated amplifiers from English audio manufacturer Rega. Could it have a new trump card up its sleeve? Well, let’s have a look—and a listen—to find out!

The new Rega Brio Mk 7...

So what’s different about the Rega Brio Mk 7?

Well, Rega has implemented their own DAC into the casework of the new Brio. How did they fit it into that case? If you look closely at the previous version and this one, you’ll see the new case is a few centimetres deeper, allowing the DAC to be positioned at the rear of the circuitry. This improves noise suppression by distancing the digital section from the analogue circuits.

There’s an interesting rule in physics called the Inverse Square Law—also useful in flash photography—whereby doubling the distance between sources of noise reduces it by a factor of four. So, maintaining separation between noisy digital and sensitive analogue components is highly desirable in hi-fi design. Space inside the Brio is limited, but this design decision explains why some audio manufacturers opt for separately boxed power supplies to reduce interference and improve sound quality. Hi-fi is always designed to a budget, though, so separate power supplies are typically reserved for higher-end gear—not really applicable here.

Looking carefully at the rear of the Rega Brio Mk 7, you’ll find the usual turntable phono input, three line-level RCA inputs, one SPDIF coaxial input, and the ubiquitous Toslink optical input—ideal for integrating a TV into your home setup. Plenty of inputs for most listeners.

In terms of specs, the Brio outputs 50W into 8 ohms and 72W into 4 ohms—plenty for most price-appropriate speakers, as long as their impedance doesn’t dip below 4 ohms (most don’t!).

Sample rates of 32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz and 192kHz are supported. If you’re a DSD file fan, though, you’ll have to look elsewhere, I’m afraid! Interestingly, the 32kHz sampling rate caters for early DAT (Digital Audio Tape) machines and the BBC’s NICAM systems—now that’s what you call backward compatibility!

Rega Brio Mk 7 in use...

First up, comparisons with the last generation of Brio. Aside from the increased depth of the case, the additional inputs, and a revised circuit board layout, there are some noticeable sonic differences.

I’d describe the newer Rega Brio Mk 7 as a smidgen cleaner, more resolving, and tighter in the bass, with improved control overall and a more neutral balance. This aligns it nicely with the family sound of the Rega Elex Mk 4 and Rega Elicit Mk 5 integrated amplifiers.

To our ears, the latest Rega Brio Mk 7 is the pace-setter in the sub-£1,000 amplifier market, offering a level of fidelity, flexibility and musical communication few—if any—can match.

Recommended system...

rega planar 3, bluesound node icon, rega brio mk 7 and a pair of wharfedale lintons

A great system match would be something like a Rega Planar 3 with a Rega Nd3 MM cartridge, the Rega Brio Mk 7, and a pair of Wharfedale Lintons. The detail and refinement of the Planar 3, the dynamic neutrality of the Brio, and the scale and warmth of the Lintons make for a lovely listen.

The fact that the Rega Brio Mk 7 now comes with an onboard DAC means you can plug in your TV and enjoy Glastonbury in all its glory. A Bluesound Node or Bluesound Node Icon streamer would also be a great sonic match if digital connectivity and streaming playback are required—a modern-day equivalent of the classic music centre!

As always, the proof of the pudding is in the eating – so get in touch to book a demonstration and hear for yourself.

Thanks for reading.

Ade, John and Paul - Audio T Brighton

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