Rega Brio & Rega Planar 2 Turntable Package

Key Features

• 50-watt output into 8ohms
• Built-in phono stage
• Headphone socket
• Compact design
• A Matching CD player in the Apollo CDP (Apollo Link)
• A perfect combo with either the Rega Planar 2 or Rega Planar 3
• Lifetime Warranty against manufacturer defects

The Rega Brio amplifier is the latest version of this highly reviewed amp, now in its 6th generation, it has had a minor facelift and has been refined once again.  There are now two separate power supplies, the larger is for the power amplifier section and the smaller is for the pre-amp and the units integrated phono stage. Tweaks to the power supply and circuits have helped in isolation and in keeping the signal clean which in turn leads to better sound quality. The Brio's chassis has also been redesigned, it’s now made up of a two-part fully aluminium case, which helps in its heat-sinking and reliability. This amp is also robust, feeling incredibly solid and well-built. Rega keeps the design simple and minimalist, with a machined metal ring for the volume dial, a power button, an input select button and a 6.35mm headphone output is all you will find on the front of the Brio, not including the red-lit Rega Logo. 

The Brio continues to keep things simple on the rear with 4 analogue-only inputs (line level), a record out and an integrated phono stage, that unsurprisingly works brilliantly with Rega's range of Planar turntables as well as any other moving magnet turntable set-up you may have. Finally, a single pair of speaker output posts allow connection to your selected speakers. 

The amplifier outputs 50 Watts per channel into 8 ohms which thanks to the tweaks stated earlier makes the Brio very easy to pair with a massive variety of speakers. The sound offered is full-bodied, with crisp details, an agile midrange and deep, solid bass. The Brio does not offer what I would call an overly analytical sound but does offer one of the most musical and engaging sounds you can find for the money. The headphone output is just as engaging as well and designed to work with even the most demanding headphones, it's also designed to not interfere with the main speaker signal.

At Hifi Gear we have had great results with a number of different systems based on the Rega Brio. Below we have listed a couple of our favourite combinations 

Rega Planar 3 with Elys fitted - When it comes to the synergy between an amplifier and turntable you would be hard-pressed to find a better combination. No matter your musical taste the Planar 3 & brio offer superbly open, subtle and engaging sound, that will have you relistening to your music collection again and again.

Key Features

• Re-designed feet - New improved foot assembly to increase stability and reduce vibration transfer
• Carbon cartridge - supplied as standard on all Planar 2’s for simple plug-and-play convenience
• Motor cover tray - with integrated cooling
• Optional lid/plinth protectors - supplied to prevent marks on the plinth and keep it looking its best
• Instructions - Easy to use multi-lingual quick start guide for easy setup
• Packaging - New and improved packaging
• Supplied with Rega PS2 power supply
• Lifetime Warranty against manufacturer defects

The Planar 2

The Planar 2 was developed over two years of vigorous research, and released alongside the Planar 3. The Planar 2 makes use of the company's highly adept RB220 tonearm. This tonearm incorporates a new ultra-low friction design, completely bespoke to Rega, zero play ball bearings, housed within a state-of-the-art, more rigid yet more lightweight bearing housing. This bearing housing was designed with a new automatic bias setting, removing the requirement for the user to set the bias. The turntable is essentially plugged in and played right from the box, bar some simple arm balancing. 

The Planar 2 features a new 11mm self-securing brass bearing, which offers a better fit and reduces stress on the bearing to prevent the transfer of potential energy that may otherwise distress or degrade the integrity of the sound quality. The platter makes use of a newly developed float glass 'Optiwhite' 10mm design, which drastically improves the accuracy of the platter.

The high-gloss acrylic laminated plinth is stiffer and better than before, improved both aesthetically and ergonomically with the new power switch positioning. The plinth comes in two finishes; gloss black, gloss white and Red.

The Planar 2 is the ideal jumping-on-point for someone looking to get their first turntable that offers greater versatility in set-up. Supplied as standard with the Rega Carbon cartridge that offers a punchy, well-rounded sound which is an ideal starting point, but the Planar 2 can offer greater performance when used with a better cartridge. At Hifi Gear we have had great results with the Rega Elys 2 cartridge and the Nagaoka MP-100. 

Rega's Elys 2 is the simplest cartridge to set up thanks to Rega's 3-point mounting, this means that you don't have to worry about the alignment of your cartridge. Sonically the Elys 2 is incredibly well-rounded, offering a very engaging performance with excellent imaging.

The Nagaoka MP-100 isn't as easy to set up as the Elys but when correctly aligned and balanced it is well worth the effort. It offers a level of detail and depth that's hard to beat at its price point and will find new details in your vinyl collection you may not have heard before. This is often found on demo in our Hereford store.

A popular system setup, based on the Planar 2 is the Rega Brio amplifier, paired with the Dali Oberon 1 speakers. The Brio is the 2nd amplifier in Rega's range and is easily our best-selling amplifier in store below £800.00. Its compact design belies its impressively large sound. Likewise, the Oberon 1 is deceptive offering a much bigger sound than you would expect. When paired together the system is incredibly easy to listen to, with dynamic highs, warm mids and well-rounded bass.

Who is Rega?

Rega is a specialist hifi manufacturer based in Essex, UK and is renowned for developing and constructing some of the most highly regarded turntables (as well as cartridges and tonearms), electronics and loudspeakers available on the hifi market today. Rega was founded in 1973 and has honed its craft over many years

While Rega is renowned for building some of the best turntable models on the market, the company have also developed an extensive and highly acclaimed reputation in the design and engineering of quality hifi separates. Rega's range of hifi amplifiers and CD players are designed and engineered around their different turntable, phonostage and loudspeaker models to form a complete family, staying true to the Rega sound signature and quality of the build. Rega components will work with systems and separates from other bands, but perform at their best when accompanied by other Rega products.