HAND BUILT IN UK FOR £420 - Rega IO Amplifier Review

[@justinwalsh5521]

From across the pond, you are a top shelf reviewer of hifi equipment. Your videos are entertaining, informative, and a must watch. Keep it up

[@joestarkie5597]

Here here

[@marcmarcello981]

​@@joestarkie5597me too.

[@siriosstar4789]

also possibility the finest speaking voice in the UK.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you kindly. That is much appreciated 😊👍

[@michaelkregness8338]

A Californian here agrees completely... other reviewers will have to go a long way to equal your standards. Well done Sir.

[@AlexanderG-mi7ip]

Don't ever call yourself an idiot. Whenever I watch your videos I get a feeling that, if all the other hi-fi channels on KZbin suddenly ceased to exist, yours being the only one to survive, I wouldn't complain. I would still be convinced that all of us hi-fi enthusiasts are completely taken care of by your exquisite reviews. That is the truth...(by the way, it was your review that made me buy the Cambridge AXA35 amplifier a year ago, and it works like a beast)

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Alexander. That is very much appreciated 😊👍

[@markjohnathanappleton8642]

Always great work, simple the best audio reviewer

[@Coneman3]

Yes the production and content is as good as any serious TV production.

[@RudeJags]

Well said!

[@Ricky-cl5bu]

Your definitely one of the best reviewers very honest indeed , just what we want

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@Ricky-cl5bu that is greatly appreciated. Thank you 😊👍

[@joshjeffery3464]

The IO is outstanding. I owned it for a while in an all Rega set up and it was incredible. Lovely dynamics and tonal engagement. I think your review was spot on.

[@adamhindle9215]

I recently bought an Io for my daughter for her 19th birthday and it really is a great piece of kit. I partnered it with a Node 2 and some Mordaunt Short MS10i I had spare, and for a bedroom setup it is energetic, punchy and engaging. Well done Rega and another excellent review Tarun.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@adamhindle9215 thank you. It is great that you are getting the next generation involved 😊👍

[@stevesmith3990]

There is hope for the younger generation!

[@howardskeivys4184]

Thank you for reviewing a Rega product. My first serious turntable was a Rega Planer 3. The MK1 Rega Elicit amp was the pulsating heart of my system for almost 25, trouble free years. So as you can doubtless appreciate I’ve got a real soft spot for the brand. Detailed, excellent acoustic mass, good dynamics and cutting edge PRAT. I upgraded that amp a couple of years ago for a 4 times the price preamp monoblocks combo. I expected the difference to be night and day. It wasn’t. Not even dusk and dawn. More recently, I had to return 1 of those monoblocks for repair. I temporarily plumbed that Rega back in. It sounded just as good as I remembered it. After extended, attentive listening, I did pick out some of its shortfalls compared to the preamp monoblocks combo. Rega has an amp to suit all budgets, from entry level to very high end. I would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone.

[@kreasenchetty]

Gosh Man! I can't afford to be an Audiophile, but your depth of electronic knowledge combined with your ear for high end quality sound, and how you are able to deliver this in a language that a simpleton like me can understand and learn from, is just mind blowing! Thank you!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@kreasenchetty thank you. That is greatly appreciated 😊👍

[@chrisvand2678]

Hello Tarun. As another subscriber wrote, never call yourself an idiot again, ever..! There are only two other Hi-Fi reviewers that I care to listen to, besides you, and that is Erin and Ron. The three of you are by far the best in the business of reviewing Hi-Fi products here on KZbin, so thanks and a big kudos to you, Sir. Kindly Regards Chris from Denmark.

[@GeirRssaak]

@@chrisvand2678 i think you should educate yourself and trust your hearing!

[@thepuma2012]

@@GeirRssaak yeah.... sometimes I watch other reviewers but I tend to not trust them (all equipment is excellent - no comparison etc). This channel is the place I always come back to, from the start of the channel. I like the comparisons Tarun does with his reference points. It helped me narrow down my options when choosing an amplifier and it will help me also with speakers in future. I bought a Hegel second hand, and i am so happy with that amp.!

[@astrplityu]

Thanks for the video. I bought the IO and I liked it much more than the Brio. The baby rega IO has a warm sound and no noise (hum). The rega Brio has a loud noise with headphones, the IO doesn't have that problem. I'm now a fan of Rega IO

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@astrplityu cool 😎

[@kkjrees]

I have gone through every rega amp, I’ve had an elex-r for 18 months, and I tried an aethos on loan from my dealer, I was underwhelmed, it was better but not £2.5k better, today I received a used elicit r and wow, talk about sweet spot, I’d say it’s better than the aethos, maybe the aethos loan was damaged, I don’t know but the elicit r is excellent, I don’t need a dac, or headphone amp, tbh I don’t need a phono stage, but the switch on the elicit sorts that, for reference my system is a technics sl 1210g , spendor A4 and a rega fono mm mk5, I’m going to save for a rega aria , as I’m beginning to believe the cliché ´ rubbish in rubbish out´ I really love your channel, keep it coming ❤

[@legionnairegonk4425]

Rega amps are top notch. I had the Brio R, then upgraded to the Elex R. Love the neutral Rega sound I get. I have Rega all the way through the chain from amp to speakers (so including cables) and it just WORKS as a matching system. It completely cured me of the dreaded upgrade bug.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@legionnairegonk4425 cool 😎

[@jonathanledger1440]

On the subject of sub £1000 amplifiers I suggest the Quad 11 Vena integrated. I haven't heard it but Quad products are fantastic for the price. People are a bit snotty about their brand, but at the grand old age of 72 I am too sensible to be taken in by some of the over- hyped brands around today. I own their Artera play plus playing into a Classé power amp and the sound is so natural and untiring. Great channel by the way!❤

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@jonathanledger1440 thank you. Much appreciated. The Quad Vena share the same internals as it’s Mission 778X stablemate. Here is a link to my review 😊👍 MISSION ACCOMPLISHED? Mission 778X Amplifier Review kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZTZoGx7n56Srck

[@Voidoid77]

Smashing review, as always, Tarun. Objective, balanced, technically insightful & extremely informative. Lovely. All the very best to you & your family from Paul in Japan, (ex-Scotland).

[@rofgabor]

Scotland used to own Japan? Wow. The Commonwealth was bigger than I thought....

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Paul. I appreciate the words of support. The sun was shining here for a change. It bet you don’t miss the Scottish weather 👍

[@Voidoid77]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 Actually, Tarun, it's so humid @ the moment that I wouldn't mind some Scottish "Summer" weather, (i.e. 2 seperate days spead over 3 months; if we were lucky). Very unpleasant within minutes of going outside.

[@pogglefishii6807]

I have an io in my office. Due to the limitations of the room the speakers must be very small and so I use Dali Spektor 1’s. The result, for an office, is spectacular - with the io getting surprisingly good bass response from the speakers (given that they do not go that low due to their size).

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@pogglefishii6807 cool 😎

[@andrewforsythe7240]

You have great audio reviews. Thank you.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you kindly 😊👍

[@GeirRssaak]

@@andrewforsythe7240 what is so great about this snakeoil reviewer???!!!

[@TheRealWindlePoons]

Hi Tarun. Just bought this amp. I am upgrading my computer sound to what I would term "desktop HiFi". I have partnered this amp with a pair of ATC SCM7s. While the recommendation for these speakers is a minimum of 75 watts, I can assure you that this little Rega's 30 watts is more than adequate when the speakers are literally at arm's length. I also have a DSPeaker Anti-Mode 2.0 Dual Core (what a mouthful) between the PC and the DAC for room compensation (using USB in and optical out, i.e. working purely in the digital domain). The DAC is next on the shopping list but my old Cambridge Dacmagic 2i is sounding better than it ever has before. 👍

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@TheRealWindlePoons thx for sharing 😊

[@wichiewichie]

Hello from the U.S. Tarun. I’ve been watching your channel since the early days. Thank you for, in my opinion, filling in the space left by Sean at Zero Fidelity, and then some. I’ve always enjoyed the technical details and objectivity you bring, even when assessing in a subjective manner. Sorry if this doesn’t make much sense. 😅 Anyhow, I’ve had an Io for about three years now. It’s my first hi-fi component, so I don’t have other reference points to assess what I should go for when I upgrade. I’ve watched most reviews for it on KZbin looking for that information, but have not succeeded. Until now. Thank you for the effort you put into making this reviews so easy to follow and understand what you mean. Also, for the comparisons that help people like me, that can’t afford to keep buying and selling components, trying to get to what we like.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you my friend. It is great to receive feedback like that. I miss Sean’s vids too. I am sure he will return when he has time 😊👍

[@sopasadena1499]

Nice review. Love to see you review a Schiit vidar 2 matched with the new saga 2 preamp. An interesting comparison

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@sopasadena1499 thank you 😊

[@russellgooding7475]

Hi Tarun. My understanding of the Brio (one up from the base IO you review here). Is that, as you indicate. It's now withdrawn. Presumably pending an upgrade. However Rega are still selling them off to use up the supplied parts at a bargain price of £550 via it's established UK dealer network. At that price it's a steal frankly! All the traits of the IO. But 2 more analogue inputs, plus almost double the power in a shoe box size still. All for only £130 more.... I got one last year, it's great. I built an almost exclusively British setup. Rega Brio, NJC Audio Dac, Ophidian Minimo 2 speakers. Plus a Blue sound Node N130, but with a Fidelity Audio LPS. So that's Essex, Cornwall, North of England, Canada (no available similar quality UK priced streamer at the time sadly). Plus again North of England for the LPS. It all produces a sound that (for me at least). Is a very musical one, & based on 4 out of 5 UK products. Fyi. I would certainly recommend NJC Audios DAC, and Fidelity Audio's LPS to you if you have not heard of them? Regards for your always considered reviews. Cheers mate.

[@shaunroberts9285]

Great review Tarun as usual. Never tried the IO, toyed with the Brio, but I have the Elex Mk 4 and the Elicit R which are both fabulous amplifiers, different but both fantastic. I suspect Rega 'may' add an internal DAC to the next gen Brio, which will broaden it's appeal like the excellent 6000a. The one implemented in the Elex is really, really good and surprised me. I actually prefer it to using an external DAC. Good to have a Rega review, British designed and manufactured, excellent products, great customer service, without the crazy prices, they have my full support...

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@shaunroberts9285 thank you Shaun. Great to learn about your experiences 😊👍

[@DrGIzmoBRad]

Years ago I had two UK built amplifiers, a Rega Elex followed by a Mission / Cyrus Model One. Liked them both, but eventually sold them to get into tube audio. But this latest review of yours prompted me to purchase a 2nd hand unit to go with a 120v to 240v mains transformer to run it here in the states. The plan is to construct a passive radiator enclosure with two 6" full range drivers to make a compact 'Brit Boom Box' music system to take to parties and the like. Thanks for adding fuel to the 🔥:)

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@DrGIzmoBRad thx for sharing 😊

[@colinbreeze2814]

Excellent presentation, full of great information. I have one of the original Rega Brio amps that I used to love when teamed up with my Rotel RCD965BX and Royd speakers. It’s been boxed up for years and I can’t wait to get it out and set it up again when I move. Thank you! 👍

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@colinbreeze2814 thank you. Much appreciated 😊👍

[@danieldill5100]

Great review. I auditioned the IO, Brio, and Elex MK4. Settled on the MK4 with Sonus Faber Amator Lumina II’s along with a modified Rega P3 with Neo, Wiim Pro, and a REL T7x. Very happy 💪🏼😎💪🏼

[@remiwjuniski1808]

What difference you heard comparing the io /brio/elex?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Great 👍

[@danieldill5100]

@@remiwjuniski1808 great question. I felt like the Rega sound signature was similar across each amp with the Sonus Faber’s, but everything sounded better as the power increased. I agree with @abritishaudiophile7314 assessment of the Rega house sound. If I could pick an adjective to describe the sound, it would be “butter smooth”. The Sonus Faber’s certainly help with the sound signature. As the power increased from IO to MK4? the bass and midbass was tighter at lower volumes. Voices were clearer, etc. especially at lower listening levels. The REL integrated much better than it did with my Emotiva BasX and Klipsch 600mII setup. I used to run a Michael Fidler Classic Audio Spartan 15 phono. Now use the onboard phono. Sounds wonderful. Headphones sound great too. My Focal’s have that buttery signature as well. I hope this helps. I can only imagine how awesome the Elicit MK5 and Aethos must sound with suitably priced speakers.

[@danieldill5100]

@@remiwjuniski1808not sure if my longer answer posted. Cannot find it. In short, I feel like the sound signature is the same just better as the power increases with each model. I agree with Tarun’s assessment. Everything sounds better at lower volume levels.

[@walriley48]

I’ve been using a pair of class D monoblocs made by Temple Audio, in Sale, Cheshire. Had them since 2017 and, in that time, they’ve kept pace with every upgrade I’ve made elsewhere in the system. An absolute bargain and designed and built in the UK.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@walriley48 thx 😊

[@AdiMaco]

Excellent review, as always! Rotel A 11 Tribute, Atoll IN50 Signature, Denon PMA600, Rotel A 12 MK2

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you. I appreciate the suggestions 😊👍

[@thomasalexand]

I have the Rotel A11 Tribute paired with Monitor Audio Bronze 50 speakers.

[@DrGIzmoBRad]

Tarun, Just received the little Io ~ what an excellent piece of kit. Lucked out and got a 115 vac version, so no power SUT needed here in the US. The in-built phono stage is just as quiet as my 3× more expensive OriginLive Discovery One phono stage. In comparison the soundstage air, width & depth are only deficient by 10%, a phenomenal result. On the other hand, the Bass grunt into my Verum-1 PM headphones is far better than any of my valve stuff. Will be partnering the Io with L-Cao FA6 full range drivers in a single enclosure w/ passive radiator at center, with TT, CD, & BT sources as part of a portable sound system. Much abliged for the recommendation :)

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@DrGIzmoBRad thx for sharing 😊

[@realfrustration101]

Now you’ve done a review on the IO you should go up the Rega chain. I upgraded my one to an Elex-r (there is a newer version. I’d love to hear your thoughts on that. It’s more of that Rega sound with more of everything. Love mine. 75 watts per channel into 8 ohms.

[@mrkitewine7700]

Thanks Tarun. I really like my brio with my Neat Motive SX3 speakers, I demoed the Exposure 2510 as a replacement but for me there was no appreciable improvement, certainly not enough to justify the upgrade. I would need to go up to the 3510, Rega Elicit or Naim XS3 to get a marked improvement. The Brio is superb, I suspect the Io has similar sound characteristics. Another bonus is Rega have a lifetime warranty on their products.

[@bjwal6]

I have been appreciating your reasoned and enjoyable reviews for many years, and look forward to doing so for many more ❤

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@bjwal6 thank you kindly 😊👍

[@shovelhead56]

Have always enjoyed and appreciated your thoughtful, insightful commentary 🤙

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@shovelhead56 that is much appreciated 😊👍

[@Constantin1020]

Hey Tarun, i'm not Sure for how long i'm waching your Channel/subscribed, but one thing I have to say, you did great! Didn't expect nothing less to be honest,Bravo👏👏👏. Looking forward to the 100K subs. Greetings from Austria my Friend 😊

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@Constantin1020 thank you my friend. I appreciate all your support over the years 😊👍

[@TheDjcarlos67]

Good morning Tarun. That was a very enjoyable review. Rega’s philosophy and products are always superb in my opinion. I like that their efforts with their budget gear doesn’t differ from their high end gear. That shows integrity. The only amp I have at the £1k price range is my Willsenton R8. I got away with paying peanuts in import duty, so the total price was a few quid over a grand. Even with standard KT88’s it continues to blow me away. I’ve moved to using the 4 ohms taps and triode mode for most music. It felt like I’d turned a loudness button off at first, but when I resist the temptation to go full Ultra-linear mode, the music is more totally balanced and the sound stage opens up. Have a great Sunday 👊🏻🎶🎵😎

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@TheDjcarlos67 great to learn about your experiences. You may want to try the PS Vane vintage Philips replica EL34s. I have a feeling you may love them 😊

[@TheRealWindlePoons]

Thanks Tarun. Informative, honest and entertaining as ever. I recently went music shopping (Rough Trade Records, no affiliation). Its been a while since I bought vinyl. My turntable (Logic DM101, Alphason HR100 MCS & Goldring 1042) is by far the oldest part of my system yet it still puts up a very good musical performance when compared to digital. I am watching with interest to see what modern vinyl front end you come up with. 😀

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@TheRealWindlePoons thank you. I hope to dive in at some point 😊

[@trentsteel2029]

I saw you at the Northwest audio show at Crannage hall but didn't say hello as you looked deep in conversation with a dealer , one of the rooms that day was had the full rega kit , the Io, planar 1 and the kytes . It had such a wonderful sound for a cheap starter system. Nothing fancy just a nice sound .

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@trentsteel2029 thanks for sharing. Shame I missed you 😊

[@deanfisher1656]

Your reviews are expert….love your work and style. You’re certainly no “idiot”…… just an audiophile who loves the craft enough to stay persistent in your quest to provide us a great reviews and content. Thanks.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@deanfisher1656 thank you Dean. That is much appreciated 😊👍

[@alanwilson307]

Just another excellent review from Tarun, Structured, Honest and reliable, it's a recipe for way more subs IMO.

[@jonathanadamson9885]

Great review, I own the Rega Brio amp with the Rega Apollo cd player paired with B&W 603 floor standing speakers. A great listening combo

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@jonathanadamson9885 thx 😊

[@mickbroad2059]

May get one of these to tide me over until my14bsst gets back from Canada as it seems to spend more time there than it does in my system...keep up the good work.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@mickbroad2059 thank you 😊

[@mickbroad2059]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 Ended up getting a Roksan Kandy K2 from a bereavement. The unit has an excellent power supply and seemingly well built...may sell the 14bsst if it doesn't behave on return.

[@markphilpot8734]

Tarun, you make this fun. How many can say that. This could be dull, but that’s not you. This is your take. The viewers respect that. Cheers to you sir.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@markphilpot8734 thank you Mark. I certainly had fun listening to the io 😊👍

[@EnricoAnsaloni]

Thank you for this review, I was hoping you would finally review the Io. I bought it almost 2 years ago, replacing my defunct 33 years old Creek 4140S and I agree with your impressions. Paired with my Rogers LS4A in a small room, the Rega Io was extracting a surprising amount of clean and precise bass from those speakers compared to the Creek, all the while maintaining the excellent detail in mid and hi range I was used to with the Creek: the only downside was a slightly narrower sound stage. The headphone output is also excellent, providing incredibly detailed sound to my Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X. I don't think there's anything close to this level of quality for this price, not even the excellent Cambrige integrated.

[@ChrisWhittenMusic]

I have one and it’s fantastic. Simple, elegant and sounds lovely

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@ChrisWhittenMusic great. Thx for sharing 👍

[@Robert-A-R]

Is it possible to plug a dac into the IO? Could I play a cd transport through it via a dac? Cheers

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@Robert-A-R yes to both 😊

[@gcahill51]

Right on. Also a Rega Brio fan

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thx 😊

[@GeirRssaak]

I like rega,but there is better streaming amps out there!!!

[@remiwjuniski1808]

Great review! Are you planning to review the rega elex mk4 ? Amazing amp ;)

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you. I might wait to review the new Brio as and when it comes out 😊

[@hbg70]

This is a very nice review. I'm not looking to buy but I enjoy a good hifi review

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@hbg70 thank you 👍

[@Greg-s5j]

Great review Tarun. Would enjoy your review of the Quad S2 stand mount speakers.👌

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@Greg-s5j thank you. I suspect I may have to wait for a new iteration before they send me one. But I would be very interested to find out how close the the Revela 1s the junior models get 👍

[@aidanpallister7784]

Great review as always. I have one in a second system and it’s fantastic for the money, the phono stage is exceptional. I paired it with MA200 Silver floor standers for a while and it drove them very well.

[@timbre7999]

again brilliant review, giving such a good insight into the IOs own presentation and comparison to other offerings. I guess an Exposure XM5 integrated 'shoebox' amp would be very interesting as a review topic . At this price though, the IO makes a lot of sense for so may audiophiles.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@timbre7999 thank you kindly 😊👍

[@davidvestey6014]

Please try Arcam and Fell Audio amps next at the cheaper end, and have you tested Quad?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@davidvestey6014 thank you. Here is a link to a recent Quad amps review 😊 1960s ICON REIMAGINED! Quad 33/303 Amplifier Review kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4epoHR8Z5yla5I

[@nellyracer22]

You’ve described the Rega sound better than I ever could. I ‘upgraded’ a 6000a play to a 8300a which left me disappointed, I then replaced that with a Rega Elex-R and haven’t looked back. Great amplifiers.

[@terryneilbooth]

Another great enjoyable review Tarun. Rega legendary making class leading turntables - so great they can also produce a remarkably budget amp too 👍

[@stevehollingbery9744]

Yet another top class review, whilst I do own Rega CD player (as a transport) I am always surprised having heard several Rega products that chums owned over the years, of the sound quality and great manufacturing standard the Rega always offer against excellent sound quality and cost. These include their turntables, amps and DAC’s. Yes they do have their own house sound as do many Uk amps manufactures. But unlike the flat earth hang overs from Salisbury and Glasgow their pricing is real world, or at least Southend. Nice review Chap.

[@TriAmpMyFi]

Great, more homework............... thanks. Now I've got to study Sanken std03 darlington output transistors vs chip-based amplifier modules. Acid Jazz, Funk & Brass 🔈🔉🔊

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@TriAmpMyFi I like to keep you on your toes 🤣👍

[@Papito_M]

I’ve had the IO for over a year now and your review is spot on. It’s hooked up to a pair of Dali Oberon 3s and sounds great, but not sure I’d hook it up to speakers much beyond that price point. FWIW I also have a the Cambridge Audio AXA35 and find that the Rega outclasses it across the board, especially the Phono stage.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Cool 😎 thank you for sharing. The AXA35 is even more fussy about speaker pairings than the IO 😊

[@Theoriginalramjammer]

As a long time subscriber to the channel from the early fuzzy quality era, glad you have popped the Rega cherry at last. I have owned and loved Rega products for over 30 years. If you love the little IO, the Elicit MK5 will I believe be a special review. I hope the new Brio moves back to full width casing and a design aligned with Elex with a price around£700-£800. That will be an absolute winner! P.S. Glad to hear you are finally entertaining the idea of Vinyl. Another world of tweaking awaits 😊

[@mohammedalomari1998]

Great review as always, Tarun Kind regards and best wishes

[@peterboyk3082]

Thankyou for the excellent review. I would be very interested in a review of the new Marantz M1 Amplifier. It's supposed to be very good. For your consideration Tarun. Cheers from Oz😊

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@peterboyk3082 thank you 😊

[@bsmega-team9288]

Very good, as always, long term subscriber. A while back following the Arcam SA10 review, class AB only. .. there was interest in the Arcam SA20 which is pure Class A up to 7-15 watts (can’t remember exactly off top of my head) before handing over to AB. Would be great to have your take on that one, thanks!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@bsmega-team9288 thank you 😊

[@adrianconti5718]

Such a great review, I have an Rega Elex R MKIII on order, very keen how it would power the dali menuet se in my small listening space!

[@davidcassady8768]

I have an IO paired with a pair of 1979 Klipsch Heresy speakers. The warmth of the amp really helps balance the the Heresy's brightness. Using a powered sub helps take pressure off the amp for the low end. I've also enjoyed the phono stage on the IO. Thanks for the interesting review!

[@ant5511]

Greetings from Australia! A great piece Tarun, i really appreciate the honesty and thought you put into your reviews. In terms of sub £1000 amps to review next, I'd be interested in your thoughts on the PM8006 - a straight shooting amp which I think us still made in Japan (unlike their cheaper amps).

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@ant5511 thank you. Much appreciated 😊👍

[@rdor011]

Nice review. I just bought an IO and it's pretty much as you describe - limited outright dynamic drive, but detailed and engaging to the point where that is forgotten about. You mention how modern equipment has this tendency to strip away mid-band harmonics, which oddly mirrors what another reviewer, stereo review x repeatedly says about modern amplifiers.

[@jimblues21]

Yes the Rega IO is an excellent desk top solution, I have mine paired with a set of Q Acoustics Concept 30s and a Cambridge Audio Dac Magic Plus on my Desk for computer audio and internet radio as I want good sound when I'm at my desk it delivers, also tried the IO with my Klipsch Cornwall IVs and the sound was amazing, plugged a turntable in and very good phono stage as well, I love this little Amp and it deserves your Outstanding award

[@edmiller5160]

Thank you for another very informative video. It would be interesting to hear your thoughts on some of the Cayin Tube amps.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you 😊

[@Simon_Hawkshaw]

A great review of an affordable English amp. Rega is certainly a manufacturer on my list for the future. Thank you for this review and introduction to this equipment, and as always, your detailed description of the sonic characteristics of this amp. I shall have to see if their range fits into my American power requirements. Take care and have a great weekend, Sir.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Simon. Wishing you well too 😊

[@willemvdg9557]

Great review, as always! I would be interested in a review of a Hypex NCore based power amp, such as the IOM NCore that I own (but there are many manufacturers that use this Hypex amp). With volume control done by a streamer or DAC you can skip the pre-amp. I use a WiiM Pro Plus streamer => Geshelli DAC => IOM NCore => Dynaudio Emit 30, and like it. But I have no way to compare.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@willemvdg9557 thank you 👍

[@palmgrove77]

Always essential. And informative. I asked about subwoofers 6 months ago, out of your time, I fear, so, again, would the q m20 benefit from the q subwoofer for classical music?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@palmgrove77 thank you. In short, yes 😊

[@shaunjp2211]

I did have naim amplifiers in the 90's but I've got back into hifi and now have a Rega elex mk4 and its brilliant matched with white quad s2 speakers . Great review as always

[@garyontiveros]

I've always loved your reviews and they've always steered me the right direction. I have one question. Can you list your final recommendations in order? I'm not sure what is your best recommendation. Outstanding, highly recommended etc.? Thanks!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@garyontiveros thank you. The order starting with the highest is… Outstanding Highly Recommended Recommended

[@saudade369]

Great review , balanced and thoughtful as always . I recently bought the NVA p50 / s80 , pre amp / power amp after being inspired by your review as well as the excellent phono 2 stage . I would be very interested in know your thoughts on their unusual speaker design the Cube ? I bought a pair of Cube 2s recently and they are very different in the way they present music . They’re not exactly pretty to look at so if one buys them it’s probably solely based on the sound bot the visual aesthetics . They have an amazing 3d soundstage and clarity but they’re so different in many ways it’s hard to differentiate between the things they may not communicate so well amongst those they communicate amazingly well ! I’m sure they would be a very interesting speaker to asses and for viewers and listeners to know your thoughts on.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@saudade369 thank you. I like you wasn't a fan of the looks but they are on my radar to review 🙂

[@saudade369]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 I’ve considered a large ‘ Cheese ‘ plant in front of them but realize this might interfere with the sound a little , swings and roundabouts etc

[@getmygoat]

Hi Tarun, have you heard about the Fell Audio brand yet? I’d be interested to see you review their new class D 89 PwC amplifier if you can get hold of one? This is my favourite audio file channel. Cheers

[@Neil_down_south]

Keen to hear your review of the Aethos (if/when you do one). I'm particularly interested in speakers that are well suited to it.

[@patrickfinlay2074]

Count me in with that review too

[@Chimpsfingers]

That amp really shines with acoustic energy offerings

[@Neil_down_south]

@Chimpsfingers thanks I'll mull it over. Currently got spendor A6

[@Chimpsfingers]

@@Neil_down_south apparently they use an Aethos for development

[@grayfool]

I'm really glad to hear you like the Rega. I still use my old Brio bought back in the nineties. It's paired with d Rega Planet CDplayer and makes for a very enjoyable second system.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

That is great 👍

[@geoffreydebrito7934]

The Mission 778X Integrated Amplifier @ £549 comes to mind as a competitor to the Rega IO. I own a Keces Audio E40 Integrated Amplifier, it retails in the UK for much less than £1000. It is a direct competitor with the Rega IO. It pairs well with my Neat Acoustics Motive SX3 bookshelves.

[@PauloFerreira-hh6zv]

Hi Tarun, thank you very much for the review. I have a Rega Elicit-R, so I would like to see a review of the Elicit MK5 😊

[@thebestoffools]

I have the Mk5 and I absolutely love it. I demoed it at my audio store and walked out with their only unit! I can't compare it to the Elicit-R because I never had the chance to audition it. I upgraded from the Elex-R to the Elicit Mk5 because I wanted proper power to drive my little ATC SCM7 monitors. I have a small 9' x 11' room and listen at near field so the Mk5 is enough to power the 84db ATCs even at lower volumes (I rarely set the volume higher than 11 o'clock with vinyl and 10 o'clock with digital sources). From what I understand, when compared to the Elicit-R, the Mk5 gets some of its architecture from the Aethos but has less power, has a (great) phono stage and (a more than decent) headphones jack. I couldn't be happier with this setup. 😇

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@PauloFerreira-hh6zv thank you 😊

[@Quad57]

Have you reviewed Creek and Cyrus amplifiers? I enjoy your videos!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@Quad57 thx I have received the Cyrus One 😊

[@kiwikojima7972]

I have a question regarding the amplifiers ability to drive the Dali menuet SE and other small monitors. The manufacturer indicates in their instruction manual that driving 4 ohm loads (Dali menuet )can lead to elevated temperatures and may cause the amplifier to enter its thermal shut down Did you monitor the temperature of the amplifier / experience this ? Did you use this amp into challenging loads for prolonged periods ? Great review as always !

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@kiwikojima7972 thank you. I had no issues during my listening tests. The safe option is the to stick to 8 ohm rated speakers but do bare in mind that many speakers are rated incorrectly by manufacturers these days 😊

[@gdwlaw5549]

Try and get a pair of REGA Aya loudspeakers. I have auditioned them already. The design and conception is quite amazing. I tried them with HEED and REGA turntable. We have a small room and the reseller even wants to lend me a pair for the weekend. Independent HiFi stores are so rare these days.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@gdwlaw5549 I appreciate the suggestion 😊

[@gdwlaw5549]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 They sounded very good. Rega turntables are much lighter and these loudspeakers use the same idea. Only one Aya review on KZbin. Have fun

[@middleearthltd]

Based on your review of the Dayens Menuetto I decided to get their diminutive Ampino power amplifier. Ampino Stereo Power Amplifier Power: 2 x 50W / 4 Ohm, 2 x 35W / 8 Ohm About the same price as the Rega IO but I am very pleased with it. So thank you for that review. 13:42 I did consider the Rega IO and have no doubt it would have worked well for me but decided on the Ampino. Would like to get the Ampino preamplifier and mono-blocks as I like it so much. I am a low power SE tube amplifier user so the Ampino, or the Rega for that matter, have more power than I need or use. Power to spare LOL. Excellent review content as always 🙏

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Great to learn about your experiences 😊👍

[@navoo9009]

*Emotiva BasX PT1/ PT2* + *EMOTIVA BasX A2/A4*👈👍👌

[@bigambientdeath]

You never did get round to reviewing the Rotel a11 tribute, they can be had used for as little as £250 these days, still loving mines, Digital volume & tone controls on the remote, still a great feature 👍

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for the suggestion😊

[@thomasalexand]

Last February, I paid £399 for the Tribute. Good amp. Wish it had an optical input.

[@athroneofgames7340]

Rotel just announced the A8 integrated amp. I'm considering going for it and would love to see an in-depth review and your thoughts on the cheapest amp.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@athroneofgames7340 I appreciate the heads up 😊

[@adotoshny]

Hey Tarun, thanks for the review - it is, as always, entertaining and useful. Would be to see your take on approaching desktop solutions in general, e.g. what is reasonable size/type of speakers, what amplifiers fit these speakers and can also fit on a small desk, what DAC and DDC to consider as most of cases - PC or laptop will a source, etc.

[@kostasjezuz4846]

Thanks for the review! How about a lower-end Yamaha. Reason for the request being I like the Yamaha sound and looking to built a second cheap system for my basement...

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@kostasjezuz4846 I appreciate the suggestion 😊

[@GeirRssaak]

Most amps are just copies of old Japanese amps. Modern Yamaha amps are very modern. They often also have good inboard DACs and streaming options!

[@johnmcdevitt9797]

The Onkyo TX-8470 was designed specifically with record players in mind. Class G amplifier 110w/CH or The Outlaw Audio RR2160MKII I've owned Outlaw Audio class A/B integrated since 2019 no problems, I use it daily to power my computer speakers.

[@jmtennapel]

The bigger Rega amplifiers share the same sound characteristics: bit forward, mid ranged focused and very rhythmic (excellent timing). The grunt and the soundstage just grows.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you. That is what I am expecting 😊

[@GeirRssaak]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 have listened to the great amps from maranz, Yamaha, technics?! They have all sorts of streaming, and they are superior amps!!!!

[@ricstars95]

pls review elex mk4 @£1200. is it really benchmark for the price

[@Chimpsfingers]

@@ricstars95 an elicit mk5 review too please

[@Pressure_23]

Great review of a great little which I have heard. Put price appropriate speakers on it and it will sing. I now have the Elicitt, which is utterly superb and probably all the amp I will ever need.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Cool 😎 thank you 👍

[@dougg1075]

Put the TT on a wall mount:) let us know how the tube rolling goes with the Willsenton also. Great reviews

[@nezukokamado5888]

Thank you for this excellent review. How’s the Brio compare to Marantz PM6007?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@nezukokamado5888 thank you. Unfortunately, it has been ages since I have heard the 6007 😊

[@dimth-l5x]

Excellent review as always. Do you think that bass and treble controls are a big +, especially in this low cost category of amplifiers???

[@dismal111]

Great review of an often overlooked wee gem. I must say though, I was disappointed with the phono stage.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you. I appreciate you sharing 😊

[@larryh9525]

Hi Tarun, for an inexpensive amp, how about the Rotel A10 MK2. In the US it's $599. I have a Rotel A11 Tribute and find it quite enjoyable.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thx. I will reach out to the new U.K. distributor 😊

[@markcarrington8565]

Great review, Tarun. I should send you my turbo charged Elektra E1 for a comparison. Interesting, I think the old Cambridge amps used to use those Sanken transistors but they didn’t sound like the IO by your account! May see you on Sunday if I get back from the Lakes.

[@MichaelIrons-d5v]

loved the vid sir, look forward to the day you get some turntables in m.

[@JOXperience]

Great review of the Rega IO! I'm a big fan of your detailed analyses. Given the high praise for the SA3, could you please review the IotaSA40? I'm really interested in seeing how it compares. Thanks!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you. I appreciate the suggestion 😊

[@gogo-fk1lu]

Congratulations, another great video. It looks like a great choice for the money, I'd rather have this rega than the currently most hyped all-in-one amp, even though the rega costs a good 100€ more and doesn't have a streamer... Slowly you can add dac and streamer. Rather step by step to a decent composition. 👍

[@janulik9535]

finally :). I agree with evaluation. I belive that at this price it really is eceptional amp.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@janulik9535 thx for sharing 😊

[@paulbooth5974]

Hello your opening word game was mention 3 British hifi manufacturers. All great makes however you forgot to mention another manufacture Cyrus audio. They are a great British company and proud to stay British. I have 6 Cyrus units and all are proudly made in Britain

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@paulbooth5974 cool 😎 Cyrus have made some great products over the years 😊

[@zindahoon]

Fantastic review Tarun , you’ve covered most of basics in comparison, when you recommended Audiolab 6000a I loved its precise way of delivering sound from my 52 years old Ditton 22 and when I hooked up Rega Brio my vinyl actually sang specially Grace by Jeff Buckley and phonostage is not comparable to any new amps Rega takes a big lead

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you my friend 😊👍

[@318ishonk]

I'd suggest testing the Nordacoustics power amplifiers based on Hypex OEM modules. Sound is neutral, dynamics are great and despite being Class D doesn't sound digital (to my ear). Detail richness, distortion leves are world class and there's no hum or noise. For £350 or so you get the NC122 amp (I've got those in my active speakers) or for over 800 the NCx500 amplifier. A good pairing with Wiim streamers in my view, much better than a Wiim amp (which is budget-fi, not hi-fi IMO).

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you. I did speak to the owner of Nord a few years ago. He was to bust fulfilling back orders at the time to entertain a review. Things may have changed 🤔

[@PeterPavlik72]

Would like to know your opinion about Arcam A5 in the future.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@PeterPavlik72 thx 😊

[@dennis3779]

Nice. REGA is one of the best in this Class and also the Arcam A series which are Class A to 5W or even more on the more expensive models, the Advance range which have Class A Bias setting and also not forget the Vincent range such as the SV200. Though also in the 1000 price range I prefer full Class A because that format stays the least artificial and most magic, pure and soulful such as the Aegir poweramp and now there is even a SE tube amp and that is the FX10H it seems just a must have as is the Willsenton SE 300B amp but there are also some cheap SE tube amps from RFTLYS and Reisong for instance 🤔