Rega IO & Planar 2 Package

Rega IO Stereo integrated amplifier

Voted "Best Stereo Amplifier Under £400" - What HiFi  2020/2021

Rega has set out to disrupt the sub £500 integrated amplifier market with their new IO integrated amplifier. This all-new amplifier is based on one of our favourites, the award-winning Brio. The pre-amplifier features a motorized, high-quality ALPS Blue stereo volume potentiometer, under control via both an IR remote (included) and a chunky front panel knob.
 

Key features

• 30-Watt Class A/B Amplifier 
• Custom Designed Compact Chassis 
• Integrated Phono Stage with 2 additional RCA inputs
• Remote Control Included 
• Custom Wound toroidal transformer  
• Handmade by Rega in the UK  
• Lifetime Warranty against manufacturer defects 

The new IO features a high-quality Moving Magnet phono input stage, for simple connection to a turntable (We recommend the Rega Planar 1 or Planar 2), along with two additional line-level inputs for connection to a CD Player or Network Streamer.
 
 
The IO also features a high-quality headphone output and a hefty 30 Watts per channel capable of driving any bookshelf speaker and even some floor-standing speakers. Thanks to its generously rated toroidal mains power transformer, high-current bridge rectifier, and high-quality, long-life smoothing capacitors, the new iO amplifier pairs perfectly with Rega's new Kyte loudspeakers but would also work well with most high-quality loudspeakers on the market.
 
If you are looking for a pair of speakers to pair with the Rega Io, then below we have selected a couple of our HiFi Gear favourites 

Rega Kyte Speakers

The synergy between these speakers and the IO amplifiers shouldn't be surprising being designed and engineered by the same company. Thanks to some clever design work, the use of injection moulded phenolic resin and ceramic plates, the kytes have an incredibly stiff cabinet which helps prevent unwanted resonance and allows the speaker to offer dynamic detail and bass performance. These should be at the top of your list when planning to listen to the Rega Io.
The Rega IO amplifier is on permanent demo in our Hereford shop as part of our Rega System one. If you would like to listen to this multi-award-winning product, call or email us to arrange a demonstration.
 
 

The Rega 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. 

Key Features

• A new optional Nd3 MM cartridge is now available factory-fitted.
• 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.
• RB220 precision tonearm.
• Supplied with Clear dust cover as standard.
• An Advanced EBLT drive belt fitted as standard from March 2021.
• Supplied with Rega PS2 power supply.
• Lifetime Warranty against manufacturer defects.

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 4 finishes; gloss black, gloss white Red & walnut.
                                  
 
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 have launched a upgrade stylus for the supplied carbon cartridge which can be found on the link below
Rega Carbon Pro Stylus
 
This stylus will offer an immediate lift in dynamics and detail via the new Elliptical bonded stylus which replaces the conical profile used in the standard Carbon. This is a simple and very effective upgrade to you Planar 1 & Planar 1 plus and can be fitted in a matter of seconds.
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 have honed their craft over many years of being a leading brand in every category they put a product to.