The Rega io has exceeded my expectations by far! I managed to set up a great little system in my office that I cannot stop listening to. Amazing little amp! By the way I use it with epos speakers that have 4ohm nominal impedance and it does perfectly fine.
Nice review. Wanted a quick suggestion. I'm getting rega io system one for $1750 and rega brio with Planar 1 for $1250. Which one should I go for. ? And if For the second option then what set of bookshelf speakers would serve better ?
I wouldn’t get the system one. The Rega Brio with the Planar 1 is a great setup. Budget Wharfedale Diamond 225s are great with the Brio. But if you can step it up to Martin Logan Motion 35xti, it’ll or Wharfedale Evo 4.1, it will be even better.
Regarding the problem to install a 2.1systen when you haven't preamp output and your sub hasn't high level inputs, I found a solution. I have a Denon UPA-F07 system in a bedroom, I am using Bose Acoustimass system with the double cubes satellite speakers. My wife love the Bose Acoustimas cube speakers but she hates the bass module, therefore I had to replace it by an small active subwoofer. I used a speaker output (high level) to line converter and it works great.
I couldn’t say for sure. I’ve never had the Denton 85. My favorite pairing with this Rega is the wharfedale diamond 225. The most difficult speaker I used with the Rega was the ELAC Uni-Fi 1.0. Sounded good at normal listening levels. Some distortion when you raise the volume above 75%. It gets really hot with a 4 ohm load. I’d keep this amp with an 8 ohm speaker.
I wanted the Brio, but only needed two inputs (phono and one rca) so I went with the io. Sounds like I made the right choice as the sound quality is close enough.
@@jasonme3557 Aethos is my end game amp. But I want to wait until I can also afford speakers to do it justice. I’m currently using Dali Oberon 3s, which are fine at an io/Brio level, but an Aethos level amp would be wasted on them.
@@Papito_M you will be glad you waited. I got a set of Paradigm Founders 80 and to my surprise the speakers are destroying my 6K set if QLN. I got the founders by a happy accident. Non-the-less such a nice sounding speaker and gorgeous. Take care
I recently bought the IO, replacing a 33 years old Creek 4140 which was amazing. I have to say I'm not disappointed, the IO adds more clarity, detail, lower noise and much more present and detailed bass at the expense of a slightly reduced sound stage. Keep in mind that considering inflation the Creek would cost around 1200-1500€ today so impressive results for a 500€ amp. The only downside I have is that I didn't really need a phono input so I 'm paying for something that I don't use, I'd love a version with 3 line level inputs... Also the speaker connectors on my IO for some reason don't accept banana plugs only spade and raw wire and with the spade connectors there isn't much room to plug everything... I found a way but it's been a chore
Glad you’re enjoying the IO. Not sure why yours isn’t accepting banana plugs. The speaker input on mine is appropriately snug, and all I’ve ever used with the speaker connect is banana plug and bare wire.
@@twistyflora nevermind I'm an idiot I just realized that there are protective plastic caps on the banana plug holes... Just reconnected everything correctly and it's perfect now... the only thing is the banana plug just go in for 3/4 of their lenght, but they do snap in correctly so not a real issue
I consider enough the inputs on the IO, the onky thing I don't like is the 3.5mm headphone jack. I just fear could damage it using the adaoter from 6.3 to 3.5. Power is also more than enough witi a 92db, 8ohm speakers.in a mid-size room, 20sqm. Thanks for the video.
With Rega's lifetime warranty, that's a steal. I've started purchasing 'lifetime warranty' items under my young kid's name, so that they can keep it happily for their lifetime.
Give it room to breath. But mine runs how too. It might shorten its lifespan (mine is going strong), but Rega also has one of the best warranties in all of Hifi.
I have the Io. It runs very hot when you play loud, but it is built to take it. You will burn your hands on it long before this little tank gives up. And the warranty is very strong, you will get a new one if it should give up on you.
Full power capacity isn't there for playing loud, its for enough headroom to keep the music sounding like music than a distorted mess. So, if 1 watt gets you 90 dB at a meter (rough measure), the music content might require up to 10X that, up to 10 watts for dynamic content. So I would calculate no more than 4 watts to match a speaker's sensitivity and what sound level could be achieved with that. If you sit 6-7 feet away, I figure roughly the SPL will decrease approx 3 dB more, depending on room size too. Really, listening to 90 dB is lawn mower loud which can be achieved with relatively low power.
I believe the Brio does have a 4ohm rating. So there shouldn't be an issue with 4ohm speakers with reasonable sensitivity. I do wish the IO had infrared capability when it comes to powering on and off with the remote.
It rates at 73 watts into 4 ohms (this isn’t confirmed by Rega) and Rega states, “Rega recommends using loudspeakers with a nominal impedance of 8Ω. It is possible to run speakers as low as 4Ω however such units may cause the case to exceed 40° C above the ambient temperature.” In my experience, the sound quality is much better with 8 ohm speaker rather than 4 ohm. But it is possible. Just be prepared for the heat!
@@twistyflora Isn't the 4ohm rating published by Rega ?? How could they not confirm what they publish?? I don't believe the IO has a published 4ohm rating, (only 8ohms). The IO is solid and I like its small form factor. Just wish it had a digital to analog converter, bluetooth would be nice also 👍
@@steventsimtsos4029 You are correct. I had never seen the rating apart from various hifi websites, but Rega does confirm that the Brio is 73 wpc in 4 ohm (both channels) and 93 watts into 4 ohms (one channel driven). And the IO is a little lighting bolt of an amp. It will be interesting to see if the Elicit MK5's DAC trickles into any of Rega's other future amplifiers.
I have both and I think my ears tell me that the IO is more balanced sonically but as you said, slightly less dynamics and I think weight. The brio is slightly biased more low end than top but not in a way that anybody is going to notice unless they can listen to both side by side. One off? They are both super fun to listen to and that is really the point I think. Can’t go wrong with however your budget allows you to choose.
Great to hear your take on IO vs Brio. Comparisons are always so helpful. Would be more helpful though, if you explain why you prefer IO over Audiolab 6000a.Thx.@@twistyflora
I owned it a couple years ago, and didn’t love it. Maybe it was my unit, but it didn’t work well with the original ELAC Uni-Fi Speaker at volumes above 85db.
Fair enough. I just don’t think that an audio demo via the speakers in your phone/computer will do anything to give you any helpful information. Because all you’ll be hearing are YOUR speakers.
The Rega io has exceeded my expectations by far! I managed to set up a great little system in my office that I cannot stop listening to. Amazing little amp!
By the way I use it with epos speakers that have 4ohm nominal impedance and it does perfectly fine.
I love that little amp! Rega did everyone a favor when they created it for the hifi community.
Nice review. Wanted a quick suggestion.
I'm getting rega io system one for $1750 and rega brio with Planar 1 for $1250. Which one should I go for. ? And if For the second option then what set of bookshelf speakers would serve better ?
I wouldn’t get the system one.
The Rega Brio with the Planar 1 is a great setup. Budget Wharfedale Diamond 225s are great with the Brio. But if you can step it up to Martin Logan Motion 35xti, it’ll or Wharfedale Evo 4.1, it will be even better.
Regarding the problem to install a 2.1systen when you haven't preamp output and your sub hasn't high level inputs, I found a solution.
I have a Denon UPA-F07 system in a bedroom, I am using Bose Acoustimass system with the double cubes satellite speakers.
My wife love the Bose Acoustimas cube speakers but she hates the bass module, therefore I had to replace it by an small active subwoofer.
I used a speaker output (high level) to line converter and it works great.
Thanks!
great comparison sir! may i know if the io can power denton 85th?
I couldn’t say for sure. I’ve never had the Denton 85. My favorite pairing with this Rega is the wharfedale diamond 225. The most difficult speaker I used with the Rega was the ELAC Uni-Fi 1.0. Sounded good at normal listening levels. Some distortion when you raise the volume above 75%.
It gets really hot with a 4 ohm load. I’d keep this amp with an 8 ohm speaker.
IO, Topping D10S and a pc/laptop and you got a sweet little system.
So simple. So good.
@@twistyflora that was the point, you dont always need all singing and all dancing 😃
I wanted the Brio, but only needed two inputs (phono and one rca) so I went with the io. Sounds like I made the right choice as the sound quality is close enough.
You chose a great amp! It makes no sense to pay for features that you’ll never use.
Thanks for watching!
rega is the underdog that is wining. Mostly know for turntables there amp are amazing.
I have the Aethos and its on another level
@@jasonme3557 Aethos is my end game amp. But I want to wait until I can also afford speakers to do it justice. I’m currently using Dali Oberon 3s, which are fine at an io/Brio level, but an Aethos level amp would be wasted on them.
@@Papito_M you will be glad you waited. I got a set of Paradigm Founders 80 and to my surprise the speakers are destroying my 6K set if QLN. I got the founders by a happy accident. Non-the-less such a nice sounding speaker and gorgeous. Take care
This is a helpful review. I also think the io looks better.
Thanks!
I recently bought the IO, replacing a 33 years old Creek 4140 which was amazing. I have to say I'm not disappointed, the IO adds more clarity, detail, lower noise and much more present and detailed bass at the expense of a slightly reduced sound stage. Keep in mind that considering inflation the Creek would cost around 1200-1500€ today so impressive results for a 500€ amp. The only downside I have is that I didn't really need a phono input so I 'm paying for something that I don't use, I'd love a version with 3 line level inputs... Also the speaker connectors on my IO for some reason don't accept banana plugs only spade and raw wire and with the spade connectors there isn't much room to plug everything... I found a way but it's been a chore
Glad you’re enjoying the IO. Not sure why yours isn’t accepting banana plugs. The speaker input on mine is appropriately snug, and all I’ve ever used with the speaker connect is banana plug and bare wire.
@@twistyflora nevermind I'm an idiot I just realized that there are protective plastic caps on the banana plug holes... Just reconnected everything correctly and it's perfect now... the only thing is the banana plug just go in for 3/4 of their lenght, but they do snap in correctly so not a real issue
@@EnricoAnsaloni you are not an idiot, those plastic caps require the 'jaws of life' to get off of the IO. I totally get it!
@@twistyflora they really look like an integral part part of the connector, had to use a cutter to get under the lip and force them out!
Ho il Rega Io e accetta regolarmente i connettori a banana.
I consider enough the inputs on the IO, the onky thing I don't like is the 3.5mm headphone jack. I just fear could damage it using the adaoter from 6.3 to 3.5. Power is also more than enough witi a 92db, 8ohm speakers.in a mid-size room, 20sqm. Thanks for the video.
Thanks for the comment!
Thanks for your legit thoughts.
Any time! Thanks for watching!
Thank you because you help to choose!👌👌
Now is io E 350,- new in open box, is that Demo model? The Netherlands. cheap?
With Rega's lifetime warranty, that's a steal. I've started purchasing 'lifetime warranty' items under my young kid's name, so that they can keep it happily for their lifetime.
Rega io running hot, there is a warning in the manual. Will it shorten the lifespan of this product?
Give it room to breath. But mine runs how too. It might shorten its lifespan (mine is going strong), but Rega also has one of the best warranties in all of Hifi.
I have the Io. It runs very hot when you play loud, but it is built to take it. You will burn your hands on it long before this little tank gives up. And the warranty is very strong, you will get a new one if it should give up on you.
Full power capacity isn't there for playing loud, its for enough headroom to keep the music sounding like music than a distorted mess. So, if 1 watt gets you 90 dB at a meter (rough measure), the music content might require up to 10X that, up to 10 watts for dynamic content. So I would calculate no more than 4 watts to match a speaker's sensitivity and what sound level could be achieved with that.
If you sit 6-7 feet away, I figure roughly the SPL will decrease approx 3 dB more, depending on room size too. Really, listening to 90 dB is lawn mower loud which can be achieved with relatively low power.
Thanks for the insight!
Rega io and linton Wharfedale is it ok
Never paired the two. But either Rega paired with Wharfedale 225 is one of my favorite pairings of all time.
I believe the Brio does have a 4ohm rating. So there shouldn't be an issue with 4ohm speakers with reasonable sensitivity. I do wish the IO had infrared capability when it comes to powering on and off with the remote.
It rates at 73 watts into 4 ohms (this isn’t confirmed by Rega) and Rega states,
“Rega recommends using loudspeakers with a nominal impedance of 8Ω. It is possible to run speakers as low as 4Ω however such units may cause the case to exceed 40° C above the ambient temperature.”
In my experience, the sound quality is much better with 8 ohm speaker rather than 4 ohm. But it is possible. Just be prepared for the heat!
@@twistyflora Isn't the 4ohm rating published by Rega ?? How could they not confirm what they publish?? I don't believe the IO has a published 4ohm rating, (only 8ohms). The IO is solid and I like its small form factor. Just wish it had a digital to analog converter, bluetooth would be nice also 👍
@@steventsimtsos4029 You are correct. I had never seen the rating apart from various hifi websites, but Rega does confirm that the Brio is 73 wpc in 4 ohm (both channels) and 93 watts into 4 ohms (one channel driven).
And the IO is a little lighting bolt of an amp. It will be interesting to see if the Elicit MK5's DAC trickles into any of Rega's other future amplifiers.
I have both and I think my ears tell me that the IO is more balanced sonically but as you said, slightly less dynamics and I think weight. The brio is slightly biased more low end than top but not in a way that anybody is going to notice unless they can listen to both side by side.
One off? They are both super fun to listen to and that is really the point I think. Can’t go wrong with however your budget allows you to choose.
Agreed! Pretty amazing what they each offer at their price.
I had (old Brio mkiii) Brio R mk1/Brio mk2 as in video.
I have now the io i can say the io is the best.
The IO is spectacular!
Rega io or Audiolab 6000a or Hegel H70?
I haven’t heard the Hegel. But IO vs 6000a, it comes down to sound preference. I prefer the IO
Great to hear your take on IO vs Brio. Comparisons are always so helpful. Would be more helpful though, if you explain why you prefer IO over Audiolab 6000a.Thx.@@twistyflora
any thoughts about older elek r
I owned it a couple years ago, and didn’t love it. Maybe it was my unit, but it didn’t work well with the original ELAC Uni-Fi Speaker at volumes above 85db.
Please review wharfedale diamond speakers
You read my mind…
without an audio demo the talk does not mean much.
Fair enough. I just don’t think that an audio demo via the speakers in your phone/computer will do anything to give you any helpful information. Because all you’ll be hearing are YOUR speakers.
I have to disagree, This guy sounds like he knows what he's talking about and I'm going to take his advice. Thanks for the video.
Just moved from brio to elex-r very happy! Brio yr old on sale $700
I’m convinced, not matter what the budget, you can’t go wrong with Rega.
@@twistyflora especially if you have a record player