Rega io integrated amplifier review: Best budget audiophile integrated?

[@dsartain3404]

Excellent review- thank you. I’ve gone with the Io and think the dynamic range is wonderful. My main system is a Naim which costs 10 times as much but this little baby holds it’s own. A really fun amp- hugely capable, a real giant killer and built in the U.K.!

[@analogholic_reviews]

Thank you for the feedback. I do love Naim amps. I miss my Naim nait xs2 I sold a few yrs ago. What Naim models are in your main system?

[@nap42110]

I got one last week and agree with everything you mentioned. I got it for a 2nd system as I love Rega gear.I like you thought it would be good but I was staggered just how good. Have had in on the end of some Focal floorstanders which are 91 db and for a 30 watt amp easily plays loud. My usual amps are Bryston 12B - 2 B pre and power and the little IO holds it's own. Music just pours out of it and as you say the ALPs pontimeter really keeps everything in check. I find it just gets on with the job with what ever you are playing and grabs your attention,drawing you into the music. Having a remote is great and the styling is so stylish. I haven't used the phono stage as using a Rega Fono 2 phono stage with great results with my Linn LP12. Thanks for a great review and enjoy your spirits :) Cheers Ian

[@analogholic_reviews]

I absolutely enjoyed having the Rega IO in my systems. It is the budget amp I recommend to all my musically inclined buddies. It's nice to hear how you liked them with the Focals and in place of the Bryston 12B. I'd love to review a Rega Fono MC one day!

[@bluerev]

Hi Ian & @Analogholic, did you notice any issues adjusting the volume on the IO? Some people say volume control is too sensitive, going from quiet to really loud too fast, almost to the point of it being impossible to listen quietly at night. That presents a problem esp. if you live in a flat with neighbors.)

[@analogholic_reviews]

@@bluerev hello there, IME the IO remote adjusted the volume incrementally in an acceptable way at late night listening levels. I did use them with medium eff speakers as well. Is your volume knob "sticky" to turn up or down? We should wait for Ian's response as well.

[@bluerev]

​@@analogholic_reviews I haven't got one yet. I bumped into it in a customer review somewhere - the person said the amp was excellent all around except for this one thing... said it was "infuriating" lol Perhaps speakers were extremely efficient?..

[@nap42110]

@@bluerev No problems with adjusting volume. You can of cause do it manually rather than remote. I have also heard that about volume on remote with other Rega amps.Volume increasing to fast.

[@Mike82ARP]

Great review! Having owned the Brio, the Elex-R and the Elicit-R amongst other amps through the years, I would opine that the Brio and Elex-R are very tough to beat at their price points. As you pointed out, they are very musical and one can listen to them for hours without fatigue. The Elicit-R however, faces some tough competition.

[@jeffbigbear1766]

i would love to hear your impressions of the IO

[@GeorgeFrideric71]

*for their prices.

[@gerasimger15]

if I am right this is a Class AB Amplifier. Great review! Thanks!

[@gerasimger15]

"The io uses the same power amplifier and phono stage as its larger brother, the multi-award winning Brio. The io aims to deliver exceptional sound quality in a smaller and more cost effective package. The class A/B circuit shares its DNA with the rest of Rega’s amplifiers, and as usual, great care has been taken in component selection. Sanken output transistors and an Alps volume potentiometer and a linear power supply that enables an output of 30 watts per channel into 8 Ω. Two line level inputs and a high quality moving magnet phono input are available as sources. There is a headphone output provided on the front of the unit for powering standard hi-fi headphones; this is driven from the power amplifier stage of the unit through relays to avoid signal degradation when headphones are inserted or the product is muted. A new redesigned mini remote handset is" From Rega's Website. So indeed the io uses the Class A/B power amp and Phono Preamp from the Brio.

[@analogholic_reviews]

It is a class AB amp no doubt.

[@noonsound4894]

Hi, loved your review. I'm thinking of upgrading my amp to this one to run my old B&W 602 S2 speakers. Still in good condition. Was wondering if you had any recommendations on a reasonably priced DAC to go with the IO. Thank you 😊

[@analogholic_reviews]

What is your budget? I like my schiit modi multibit. But DACs like the Peachtree IDAC or benchmark DAC1 (used older models) are a significantly better and very analog sounding components. I own both those models as well (and don’t ask why I have so many DACs 😂). Probably time to let go of some…

[@noonsound4894]

@@analogholic_reviews thanks for that. I was looking at the Shiit..it's in my price range.,😊

[@cainlohmeyer3378]

Great review!

[@analogholic_reviews]

Thank you Cain! Rega Brio amp and Planar 3 + Ania MC cartridge coming soon!

[@fredmclaughlan7574]

Great review, I want one!

[@analogholic_reviews]

Thank you! It's a superb amp!

[@fredmclaughlan7574]

@@analogholic_reviews I'm wondering, is there really a hum that occurs with this amp?

[@analogholic_reviews]

@@fredmclaughlan7574 Hi Fred, I've used this amp for so long and a lot of components come and go around this io integrated. I have NOT experienced any hum issues, nada. I can induce hum if I use certain cheapo interconnects, or if I move it right next to another component that has a large transformer. But that's the same with any amp with a powerful transformer or unshielded interconnects or cables.

[@paolosoddu9642]

Do you remember how did it play at lower volumes? Did it get mushy or still kept good separation and dynamics?

[@analogholic_reviews]

Hi Paolo, I had in my system in the family room that was mostly low level listening at night times so as to not disturb family. Yet, even at low volumes you have resolution and decent dynamics. Nothing soggy or muted at lower volumes.

[@paolosoddu9642]

@@analogholic_reviews you are a gentleman Sir. May I ask you what would you prefer for a mixed use music and movies for a 2 channel system between: Rega IO, Rotel A12 and other budget amplifier you have tried? I think it would be paired to the Wharfedale diamond 12.1

[@analogholic_reviews]

@@paolosoddu9642 why thank you sir. Movies 2CH, Rotel A12. Analog music, certainly Rega IO.

[@jeffbigbear1766]

real audiophiles never complain about a lack of built in dacs☺

[@analogholic_reviews]

DACs are getting ever so fast, better and cheaper. I personally wouldn't want to be stuck with an outdated Dac and would opt for an integrated sans converter.

[@thierrymeert5729]

Great micro

[@jarvisluke]

Rega io running hot, there is a warning in the manual. Will it shorten the lifespan of this product?

[@analogholic_reviews]

Yes, if it runs too hot, then something is up. Is the unit sufficiently ventilated? What are speakers are being driven? How loud? How big is the room? I suggest you contact your nearest dealer asap.

[@bluerev]

Considering this little guy for my small room setup (3 x 4 meters) - can you recommend a pair of speakers that would be a perfect match for the IO? Need something that could work about a foot away from the front wall, as well as be versatile when it comes to genres (i listen to pretty much everything except hip hop and maybe some extreme metal genres).

[@analogholic_reviews]

Consider the Rega Kytes… kzbin.info/www/bejne/anvHfaeIor-dfqc

[@analogholic_reviews]

Other choices that come to mind are the Fyne F500, they seem to have a bit more bass but seem not as quick as the the Kytes.

[@bluerev]

@@analogholic_reviews Thanks! They certainly look nice but from what I've heard, Fyne Audio's seems to lean heavily on the bright side, I'd prefer a more balanced, neutral but non fatiguing sound (without tilted treble).

[@bluerev]

@@analogholic_reviews The Kytes are def a contender. Have you heard them with the IO?

[@analogholic_reviews]

@@bluerev yes, I have a few times but at the dealer's demo setup. I do plan on reviewing the whole "system-one" sometime soon.

[@analogholic_reviews]

Hello all, this is my first experience with Rega amplifiers. I’ve owned so many amps, I’ve lost count. Been collecting > 20+ yrs. I have owned a few Rega turntables tho. If you’re interested in my first turntable review, here it is: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h3KvY4dqjceCrLM