A masterclass in dynamics
Rega Brio MK7 is a stereo integrated amplifier delivering 50 W per channel into 8 ohms, with Rega DAC, MM phono stage, three line inputs and headphone output.
Brio MK7 represents the most evolved generation of the Brio platform. Rega redesigned the circuit and board layout to improve isolation between stages and control distortion while retaining the compact half-width format. The power section delivers 50 W per channel into 8 ohms and 72 W into 4 ohms. Compared with previous versions it adds a Rega DAC with coaxial and optical inputs, together with standby, auto standby and dedicated protection circuits.
Key features
- 50 W per channel into 8 ohms and 72 W into 4 ohms
- Integrated Rega MM phono stage
- Rega DAC with coaxial and optical S/PDIF inputs
- Three line inputs
- Dedicated headphone output
- Standby and auto standby
- Short-circuit and thermal protection
- Mini System remote control included
Redesigned circuitry
The Brio MK7 board was redesigned to accommodate higher-specification components and increase separation between high- and low-level stages. A second unregulated supply helps isolate the output stage from the driver, line and phono sections. Rega uses MUSES operational amplifiers for the phono, DAC and line sections, with the aim of keeping noise low and reducing interaction between different circuits within the same chassis.
DAC and connectivity
The integrated DAC adds two S/PDIF digital inputs, one coaxial and one optical, supporting sample rates up to 192 kHz. These sit alongside three analogue line inputs and the dedicated MM phono stage. The amplifier can therefore handle digital sources, analogue sources and a turntable in one system without giving up the simple architecture that defines the Brio series.
Headphones and protection
The headphone output uses an internal circuit powered from the amplifier stage and is designed to have minimal impact on the main path. Inserting the jack mutes the loudspeakers through dedicated switching. Thermal protection operates if internal temperature exceeds the designed threshold, while fold-back protection limits current in the event of a loudspeaker-terminal short circuit without placing the protection circuit in the audio path.
Supplied accessories
Brio MK7 includes the Mini System remote control, which can also operate the standby function.
