Rega’s best-seller for over three decades, the Brio integrated amplifier has been modified many times, sometimes without changing its name, before becoming the Brio R in 2011.
Now, at the start of 2025, it’s embracing all these changes by becoming Brio Mk7, making it clear that it’s already in its 7th generation! Still in shoebox format – dimensions that we recently mentioned as being particularly popular in France, although still maintained by a few British manufacturers such as Cyrus – the Rega Brio Mk7 manages to keep a large power supply in its small black aluminium chassis, filtered by two imposing capacitors. Its amplification circuit enables it to develop 50 watts at 8 Ω (the Brio 1 was only 30W) and 73 watts at 6 Ω, without indication of power at 4 Ω (probably around 90W).
In terms of preamplification, it offers three RCA inputs and one phono input (MM only), so you can connect a turntable directly to it without needing to invest in a phono preamp. In a sign of modernity, these four analogue inputs are complemented by two digital ones, thanks to a digital-to-analogue converter (DAC) capable of reading files in formats up to 192kHz/24bits, which can be integrated into S/PDIF coaxial and Toslink optical cables. The sober front panel has not changed much from the previous version, but it does allow you to select and indicate inputs and sound volume (functions found on the remote control), and offers a practical 3.5mm headphone socket.
Proof that great hi-fi products can still be made at moderate prices: the Rega Brio Mk7 will be launched in 2025 at 1 050 € (£799) !
03/19/2025
