Audiolab 6000A vs Rega Brio | Integrated amplifier shoot-out!

[@amex5056]

I auditioned both amplifiers at home for me the Brio won the day .. Its just so musical and enjoyable . The Audiolab is very good but for long-term listening and pure musicality the Brio is definitely one of the best integrated amps I have listened to ....

[@buksi3761]

Absolutely agree with you I also choose Brio!

[@1moderntalking1]

What DAC was the BRIO linked with in your listening test?

[@amex5056]

I used a Audiolab transport linked to a Rega Dac R which is a very nice sounding Dac .

[@amex5056]

I used a Audiolab transport linked to a Rega Dac R which is a very nice sounding Dac .

[@amex5056]

I used a Audiolab transport linked to a Rega Dac R which is a very nice sounding Dac .

[@LDN_BOX]

I am just watching this now, Nov 2024. I've just bought the Audiolab 8300A&8300CDQ along with the B&W 707s3. Not broken in speakers fully yet, but very impressed with my new set up so far.

[@RigVader]

Thanks for touching on the phone stages! My friend got the 6000a and positively loves it with digital, but not so much with LP’s. Me, I’m all about that warmth, density and full mids that the Rega provides, so I’m sure it would be the Brio if I was shopping at this price point (I’ve heard it at demos and would take it over some much more expensive popular amps tbh). IncIdentally both the Audiolab 6000a Play (the version with built in streamer) and Brio are the same price here at 800 Euro (European brands in Europe I guess).

[@Romulus980]

What a fantastic review with DEEP PURPLE - Perfect Strangers as your music. That really woke me up and was not expecting it..! You made me interested in Rega amps especially as they give meat about the bones timbres for Ritchie Blackmore riffs....!

[@raymoore8435]

I love the warm sound of my Rega Brio. Stream using an Orchard Audio Pecanpi. What Hi-Fi compared the Brio with Audiolab, and gave the nod to the Brio.

[@analogholic_reviews]

I’ve have to check out the orchard audio pecan pie

[@DruvisR]

Long awaited comparison. Thanks!

[@rich.muzzaman]

Great review! Although I'm mostly play vinyl, I'm thinking of going with the 6000A and adding a Rega external phono stage to make up for the lower quality phono stage in the 6000A.

[@analogholic_reviews]

Thanks, Rich. Yes going with 6000A + external phono pre like the standalone Rega or other comparable units is a great idea. Enjoy some tunes! Let us know once you have it installed and playing music!

[@BadMonkeyFinger_Audio]

Very good information. I find comparison videos the most useful, generally-speaking, because they give context.

[@danieloherrick6332]

For your Rega fans, Music Direct has an open box Brio for $799 and a demo Elicit-R for $2399. Both have a 60 day return policy. Thanks.

[@charlesking678]

Which did you end up going with?

[@harrisedgar]

Teardrop from Avishai Cohen... What a wonderful suggestion.!! Thank you. (great comparison BTW...!)

[@Anand.Asrani]

So nice to see Comparisons ,both are popular products ..but different horses for different courses ,Thanks

[@analogholic_reviews]

Yes, different but very closely priced. A few viewers have been asking me to do this comparison for a while now.

[@habiburrehamanshaik6146]

Great video, a lot of detailed information presented here. Thanks a lot for taking your precious time to share your experience with us🙂!

[@Bwstevens1]

Very good comparison! Thank you. I've tested the Brio this weekend and have asked store to borrow the 6000A to test at home next weekend... looking forward to that!

[@funcionyforma]

How does it go?

[@kosiekoos9408]

I just cant do big amps anymore especially if they dont sound much better and that must be one hugh dac on 6000☺️. But the rule i live by is buy the best sound for the money. Rega wins.

[@VinodKumar-gx7wj]

The volume control in the Brio is jumpy through remote control is due to the Alps potentiometer? I have the same issue with my Quad Vena amplifier which has the same Alps potentiometer. I have to use the volume control knob to fine adjust the required volume.

[@marktodd7397]

Ahhh thanks for clarifying that it's been driving me nuts using the remote control. I want to raise the volume then when I do it's too loud I thought it was just my hearing I'll try just using the button now 😊

[@andreashalim6694]

Your channel has a chance to grow, your review is great. Just need to improve on the video take, lighting, background, and position yourself so not only your head is visible. Two thumbs up on the review though 👍👍

[@analogholic_reviews]

Thank you 🙏 for the feedback. Working on improving lighting, take and surroundings!

[@briang530]

Great review! Based on your review and others, I just blind purchased a Brio after my old Cambridge died an untimely death due to a short that I might have caused. I couldn't be happier. I'm about 50/50 on records vs streaming, but already had a Blusound Node, and a Dynavector P75 phono stage, so neither of the features on either of the options really mattered to me*. Though it doesn't quite approach what the Dynavector can do, I was however surprised by how good Rega's phono stage was. Also impressive on the Rega is tge headphone output. * I'd actually like to see a manufacturer make a really good amp in this price range that has no additional input features and purely focused being just the best sounding class A/B power output possible for the price.

[@analogholic_reviews]

The P75 (mine was the mk3) is a fantastic sounding phono preamp. There are a few brands that come to mind... like Al Vanstine, Primaluna, Schiit, that make integrateds w/o phono or dac built in as standard. Audio Research integrated amps are sweet as well but quite expensive unless you find a bargain in the used market.

[@briang530]

@@analogholic_reviews I'll definitely have to check out some of those products. Agreed on the P75 (in my case a mk4). Some might argue that it's low on features for the price, and changing settings via post jumpers inside is a bit of a pain, but the performance is hard to argue with in MM and "high output" MC. Between the Dynavector and the Brio I'm actually getting better low volume/gain performance on vinyl than I am on the streamer.

[@rohitdevraj3975]

@@briang530 IME the P75 is a great match for Dynavector LOMCs like the 20x2L, and even the XX2Mkii. Especially in the phono enhancer mode. Your mk4 has significant improvements over the past model in terms of lower noise floor. Enjoy!

[@briang530]

@@rohitdevraj3975 Thanks for the input! I'm currently running a Hana SH but have been considering a DV20

[@doifeellucky]

Hi great review as usual. Both of these came out just after I got my Cambridge CXA60 which I’ve been very happy with but feel like it is time to upgrade and move that into my office. I appreciate both of these may be somewhat of a sideways step but would be thinking of pairing with better speakers like the LS50 metas. Out of the speakers you mentioned which did you feel worked best with each of these? I know you don’t have it to compare but would you say the Elex-R would be worth it over these two. Any idea which speakers might work the best with the Elex-R based on how they worked with the Brio? I currently have Dali Zensor 3’s. Thanks.

[@analogholic_reviews]

The Elex R is a fantastic amp. It pair really well with Fyne F501 and sounds superb with the SP models as well. It should match with the LS50 Metas.

[@analogholic_reviews]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/fHyYl3eYfq6bnNU

[@shkermanshahi]

Thanks for the review. 6000A does not support Roon, on top of everything else you mentioned.

[@carrion_man3700]

Awesome review! Thanks!

[@edmundgil6008]

Loved your review! (Sort of a first-timer!) Great descriptions, and comparisons. Two mid level integrated Amps I am looking at for my secondary system. I wish the Audiolab had an e-arc input tho… I know the optical will do the job, however. Thank you again! ❤️💪🏽🎶

[@analogholic_reviews]

Thank you very much!

[@820SHAY]

Hi great review. Audiolab have the power to drive kef ls50 meta

[@nicksummers2252]

Excellent review! I'm torn between the Brio and the 6000A. Upgrading from a Cambridge 651A which has some authority, gives a thick and full fidelity for vocals and acoustic instruments, but doesn't give satisfying soundtage and separation (source is purely vinyl). What would you recommend? Sadly, it's impossible to demo both here (oddly neither are currently carried by stores in 100 mile radius). My setup: Small room (8'x20'), Thorens TD160, Goldring 1042, Musical Fidelity V90 LPS, Wharfedale Denton 80th Anniversay speakers.

[@analogholic_reviews]

If my source were mostly vinyl, I would not hesitant to pick the Brio over the Audiolab 6000a.

[@nicksummers2252]

@@analogholic_reviews In the end I went with the Musical Fidelity M2Si - hopefully the middle ground between the Brio and the 6000A. Should arrive next week (with the option to switch out for the Brio if it doesn't gel with my system).

[@nc3419]

@@nicksummers2252 How do you like the MF M2si? I tried it a few years back and ultimately went with a Keces E40 for its smoothness, full sounding lows and mids. Nice highs just slightly rounded. The MF sounded a bit gritty and had too loose bass for the music I tested it on but for Rock, I can see how it could excel.

[@nicksummers2252]

@@nc3419 I tried it along with the 6000A, Brio, PM7000N, etc. And - although some very interesting sideways steps - I always came back to my 651A in the end. It does something, with these speakers, that none of the above do (in terms of realism with vocals and acoustic instruments). The M2si was nice. Certainly had an amount of rhythmic thrust that was new to me. But sadly let down by comparatively 2D vocals and instrumentation.

[@nc3419]

@@nicksummers2252 I didn't care for the M2si and I also felt it was too flat in the depth department as well. It looked the part though. The Keces has warmth but retains tight bass, full mids and nice highs which are sufficiently extended but not as much as some noticed only in AB switching. Became aware of it through Soundnews reviews and I concur with his assessment. Briefly heard the Brio at a dealer showroom and liked it too.

[@VinodKumar-gx7wj]

Thank you very much for bringing this comparison review. I was waiting for their vedio. One quick question at this point... which one of the following option will be a better choice for streaming from Chromecast and playing CDs from blue ray player? 1. Audiolab 6000A as a standalone Integrated Amplifier 2. Rega Brio with an external budget DAC such as Topping E30 or Topping D50S or one from SMSL

[@doifeellucky]

I’ve got a Cambridge CXA60 and do exactly what you mentioned. I use a Sony Blu-ray via coaxial and Chromecast audio via toslink. Based on that I think the Audiolab would be the better option for you, unless your Blu-ray has RCA out. Most budget DACs only have one input so you couldn’t use both with a budget DAC and the Brio. I also connect my TV via optical. Features wise my amp and the Audiolab are pretty similar. Unfortunately both the Brio and 6000A came out just after I got my amp but I’ve been happy with it as an all in one solution.

[@analogholic_reviews]

Yes, if you are primarily listening to digital just do the 6000A. Brio plus dac will start getting expensive.

[@analogholic_reviews]

IME with budget DACs is that while you will like the detail initially, it can get fatiguing quickly.

[@VinodKumar-gx7wj]

@@analogholic_reviews Since you have experience with the Bluesound Node 2i, how good is it's built in DAC? Can we manage it without an external DAC?

[@analogholic_reviews]

@@VinodKumar-gx7wj I’ve got to say that the streamer is fantastic and while the built in DAC is decent, I find older outboard DACs from Peachtree, Schitt and built in from the 6000a superior. Maybe you could use the node2i dig out and utilize the Quad Vena built in Dac? I’ve read good things about the Vena’s capabilities.

[@tonsingmuan]

I have quad s2, will this rega brio matching with my speaker, there is one item in olx for 35k? Or will it be worth to buy these one year old system?

[@analogholic_reviews]

Brio will make your quad s2’s sound sweet I think! Those ribbons could use the Brio ❤️😃

[@tonsingmuan]

Thanks so much

[@AhmedAddas]

Quad s2 best bookshelf speaker

[@charlie4847]

Excellent review. Thanks.

[@turreu]

One thing not often mentioned is that Audiolab has a pre-out for subwoofer when Rega doesn't. Plus the dac it was a no brainer for me.

[@analogholic_reviews]

Sure the built DAC is great in the 6000a. My original video of the Brio shows a cheap workaround for tapping the speaker-level outs to RCA outputs for subwoofer connection. But yes, it would have been nice to have preouts or single subout on the Brio.

[@turreu]

@@analogholic_reviews Hi can you link that video of adding a sub to rega?

[@analogholic_reviews]

Hi there. Here it is the link… at about the 10:05 mark. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eaOqeaaGbb2DgZI

[@analogholic_reviews]

Link to product: www.parts-express.com/Metra-IBLOC01-40W-High-To-Low-Adapter-with-Female-RCA-265-026

[@turreu]

​@@analogholic_reviews Hi I bought a high-level to low-lever converter and when I connect my Jamo 210 sub to my Audiolab 6000A with the wires I can hear a loud humming noise coming from the subwoofer. What do you think could be the problem here?

[@Gadgetdad007]

I would have got the Audiolab 6000 play.

[@analogholic_reviews]

If streaming is the primary music library, then it does make fiscal sense

[@crisjr6478]

Both excellent but the brio with an external dac like the ifi zen is no comparison to the 6000 with its built in dac. The Brio is just a better sound.

[@kosiekoos9408]

Its all about the sound

[@VinodKumar-gx7wj]

Hi Rohit... in some of the comments, viewers discussed above imaging and soundstage of both the amps. At this point I have a general question...in the chain of a Hi Fi component, which component is responsible for providing a good imaging and soundstage? DAC, Preamp section, power amp section or the Speakers? Please let me know your thoughts.

[@analogholic_reviews]

Hi Vinod. In a nutshell, it all matters. Let me attempt to explain. This is going to be long, so have a seat 😝. Imaging, soundstage is the way our brain interprets sound coming from two speakers as long as the recording and mastering into commercial media (CD, Vinyl) preserved the intended spacial cues causing the effect. So yes, your source equipment (CD transport, DAC, Turntable, cartridge, etc) should be capable of extracting the info on the media. Your speakers though are your final electro-mechanical transducers that couple the air to your room and your ears. By that mechanical nature they inherently have the highest distortion in the chain do the physical movements involved. So those need to be capable of revealing the information accurate to the source. But source components don’t have the electrical energy to make the large drivers move and for that we have amplifiers. This “middle man” must not only amplify the source signal, but must also electrically control the speaker to tell it exactly when to start and stop. With lossy amplification, you will lose the imaging specificity, frequency extension, detail etc. even if the source and speakers have it in them to be exacting.

[@analogholic_reviews]

Another very important part of the equation is the room. If the listening environment is very reflective, you will not just hear the speakers, but also the reflections from the walls all relatively at the same time because our listening distances are small compared to the speed of sound. Strategically sound treating the room will also significantly improve imaging, soundstage, etc. If your loudspeakers are capable of extended low frequency reproduction, look into bass traps. Not necessarily specific acoustic bass traps, but heavy furniture like big bookcases or shelving for storing media in room corners. Key is mass here. Another good place to start would be absorptive treatment (thick wall hanging or floor standing) on reflective points near your speakers. That is on side walls, behind and between your speakers, etc.

[@VinodKumar-gx7wj]

@@analogholic_reviews Thank you Rohit for your dedication and patience on answering your audiance. This is a wonderful detailed technical explanation about imaging and soundstage. I am relatively new in the 'hifi hobby' and this type of information is really helpful for me. I have one more scenario here for that I am looking for your suggestion... Streaming is the main audio source for me most of the time. I use Heos Link HS2 or few low budget Chromecast devices for streaming. Some time I also play CDs from my Philips Blue Ray player. I DO NOT have a good external DAC. I was planning to buy the Audiolab 6000A in a month time, however it is very expensive in India (almost 90K INR). At the same time I already own the Quad Vena (version I) and I like it's sound signature. I use it's internal DAC, which I believe is from Cirrus Logic CS4398 and it sounds alright for me as I don't have experience with other DACs. I also own Yamaha Network Receiver R-N602 which has a BurrBrown DAC which I hardly need as the receiver itself work as a streamer. My main streaming source is Spotify and some online internet radio stations. An excellent audio experience with very good Imaging and soundstage are my requirements. I use Fyne Audio F302 or Tannoy Eclipses 3 floor standers as speakers. I am confused...is it worth buying the Audiolab 6000A spending the money at this point since I already own the Quad Vena and Yamaha Receiver? All for a long term usage. Don't want to upgrade anything in the near future. Please advise.

[@analogholic_reviews]

Most welcome Vinod. I forgot that you have a quad vena. I would hold off on the audiolab 6000a. I also like your speakers. I would instead think about upgrading your streamer. The reason being low quality streaming devices contribute to jitter. Also, while both the quad and audiolab have good internal DACs, neither have reclockers or master clocks to eliminate jitter from your streaming source. IME the blue sound node 2 streamer pretty good . It is what I use to feed to DAC. I’m experiencing decent soundstage and good tonal qualities from the nose 2 as long as the music is lossless. Compressed MP3 or BT still sound crappy. Only after the source upgrade, I’d think about speakers. While the Fyne F302 is quite good, going up to the F501/2 would be a significant upgrade. Perhaps selling the F302 and the Eclipse 3s may help your speaker upgrade fund 😁. Just a few suggestions…

[@VinodKumar-gx7wj]

@@analogholic_reviews Thank you very much for your comments. Unfortunately the Bluesound Node 2 is also very expensive in India, it costs same as Rega Brio and 80% cost of Audiolab 6000A🙄. Used gear market is very bad here, may get only 20% money of total I spent on speakers if I sell them. Yes for now I dropped my idea to get the 6000A and will survive with my Quad Vena and Fyne F-302 for some more time. As a second system I will continue using my Yamaha R-N602/Marantz PM5005 and Tannoys

[@stephencosta6814]

👏🏻👏🏻Excellent review the two amps I really wanted to go up against one another I have the topping D 70S MQA Dac already $650 I do not use vinyl records I’m thinking with my Dac which is slightly on the warm side extremely analog sounding I truly love it would be an ideal match for both of these amplifiers I believe you were saying the 6000A is more detailed more cleaner sounding better soundstage better focusing and the Brio is much more richer musical sounding dancer more meat on the bones very hard decision both of them sound beautiful I would think. Did you use the iFi phono stage on both of them this would level them out because the brio has a better one like you said brio is excellent for records vinyl and the 6000A would be excellent for digital

[@analogholic_reviews]

Thank you Steve. And, Yes! I did use the ifi zen on both amps aux inputs and still preferred the Brio’s built in phono to the ifi zen.

[@stephencosta6814]

@@analogholic_reviews so the Bríos phono stage is really that good that’s something to know because I heard iFi was excellent already based on digital music only which amp do you like if you would use the same Dac on both of them

[@analogholic_reviews]

I’d still pick the Brio. But that’s because of my preference. I tend pick tone density over hyper defined soundstage.

[@stephencosta6814]

@@analogholic_reviews 👏🏻👏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 well I have to tell you thank you so much for your replies it means so much to me you are one of the very few who respond back so quickly which makes a world of difference to all of us out there… PS One more quick question the Schiit Audio AEGIR class A 20watts what do you think about the sound quality soundstage imaging tonal balance compared to those other 2 Amps

[@analogholic_reviews]

Most welcome, Steve! I enjoy doing this… The Aegir when driving high efficiency speakers and with a good preamp (I’m using a Rogue RP1) pulls ahead from both the amps here. But a good preamp and good high efficiency speakers are a must for the Aegir .

[@patricaomas8750]

Sorry if comparing two products not that a comparison if your using seperate componants like a peach tree dac

[@hclandscapes]

The 6000A is £600 in the UK and The Rega is £700. Personally i would take the the Audiolab.

[@analogholic_reviews]

All about personal choices, I agree. And given the good built in DAC, so would I if I mostly listened to digital. But the MM phono in the Brio is ridiculously good. Since I have so many records that I love, for me the Brio it is!

[@helwic]

in addition the audiolab has bluetooth

[@anonanon10-wc4fn]

Rega all the way ... 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 MADE IN ENGLAND 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@thomasalexand]

I listen to cds, not vinyl, and I don't stream.

[@fedrichorlandineumann3062]

AUDIOLAB= giantkiller 🤗