REVIEW: Rega iO Integrated Amplifier

Steve listens to this most affordable Rega amp!
More in the iO, www.rega.co.uk/...
Specs
Power outputs at 230/115 V supply voltage
30 W RMS both channels driven into the rated load of 8 Ω
Input 1 (Phono) input sensitivity 2.1 mV @ 47 kΩ in parallel with 220 pF
Maximum input 1 (Phono) input level 100 mV
Input 2-3 (Line) input sensitivity 210 mV @ 47 kΩ
Maximum input 2-3 (Line) input level 10.25 V
Headphone output
32 Ω 1.6 V
54 Ω 2.4 V
300 Ω 5.7 V
Source impedance: 109 Ω
Power consumption
135 W @ 230 V / 220 V / 115 V / 100 V into the rated load of 8 Ω
Frequency response
Phono: 15 Hz to 40 kHz (-3 dB points) / 27 Hz to 20.5 kHz (-1 dB points)
RIAA accuracy: (100Hz to 10 kHz) ±0.4 dB typically better than ±0.3 dB
Line: 12 Hz (-1 dB points) to 43 kHz (-3 dB points)
Weight
2.9Kg
Dimensions (W x D x H) in mm
180 x 290 x 68
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[@nokonytt]

Got my iO a few months ago. Great little amp for the price, Paired it with my Heresy III`s and some Sumiko subs. Never got over half volume. Really pack a punch in that small box. It got everything I need, and nothing that I don`t need. :)

[@xstensl8823]

Rega spent their money on the amp section rather than include a built DAC.

[@nokonytt]

And I really like that. The amp have great sound, and I run an extarnal DAC anyway, so it`s easy to upgrade that in the future and keep on using the iO for many years.

[@vivenreddy]

Which Dac / streamer do you have?

[@nokonytt]

Now I`m running a Henry Audio USB DAC 128 MK3 www.henryaudio.com/

[@SuperReyand]

Just got io and paired it with my Dentons 80th. Pure love.

[@quitegenius]

Steve is a breath of fresh air, even among audiophile reviewers on KZbin. I love that his reviews are equally about the music as it is about the equipment, and I've learned of some great albums through this channel. It just goes to show that equipment is not all about measurements but about having fun listening to what you want to listen to. This is the kind of audiophile I strive to be. Thanks for your service Steve!

[@bobbulgi880]

Imagine having a job you loved

[@JohnDoe-np3zk]

Court of the Crimson King perhaps my favorite album of all time. Even painted the cover on canvas.

[@jonathansturm4163]

My favourite’s _Discipline_ closely followed by _Larks’ Tongues in Aspic_

[@galessi1226]

Saw them in 1974.............and then again last year!!!! The new band is fantastic, and now they play music from all the periods of the band......If they tour next year....you got to see them!!!I sat in the cheap seats.....and was still high from the music a month later!!!

[@johnreuter4916]

When I got to college I found that a student from a few years earlier had painted the album cover, back and front, on 2 walls of one of the frat house bedrooms. Perfect job. Was amazing. Of course we would visit the room while tripping. This was 1974, my freshman year.

[@johnholmes912]

the remix crimson is one of the few decent cd re-masters

[@deevnn]

I have the Rega Elex-R and Steven is right about the warm and rich Rega sound. Excellent integrated amp.

[@RiaTolstoy]

Have the Aethos, kinda muscle big bro of Elex-r. Loved my Elex, really decent amp... agree with your comments. Great review SG 👍🏻🔊

[@Hi-FiBBQ]

Hadn't thought about 'In The Court Of Crimson King' in a long time (shame on me). Immediately jumped online a few days ago and grabbed the 200g vinyl. It arrived not so many minutes ago and I've already listened to both sides! The unintended bonuses of your channel just keep piling up. Thanks!

[@The1brennana]

Was just going to buy the Leak 230, but you've just made my decision a whole lot harder!

[@markpersson3682]

I’ve been very happy with the Rega Brio R with Tekton Lore Reference speakers.

[@milesdufourny4813]

Rega Brio and Tekton Lores sounds like a great combination. What are you using for a source?

[@christophernoto]

“I wish I had them all here to compare...” And with those historic words, the Audiophiliac Archive Of Audio Hardware was established! 🔥 And, yes, that Red Rocks DVD is excellent!

[@garyizzard839]

With excellent recordings and masterings, even cheap and low rated amps will sound good, even excellent.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Correct! And with crappy sounding recordings even the best gear sound like crap!

[@GavinMarkable]

@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac With crappy recordings, good gear exposes the shortcomings even more and you are forced to change gears from enjoying music to analysing recordings

[@halstonrossi]

So how do we get the crappy recordings of our favorite bands to sound fantastic?

[@garyizzard839]

@@halstonrossi you cannot.

[@nunyabiz2016]

@@halstonrossi Smoke weed

[@fissionchips8840]

Steve.. don't believe stereotypes. Oh sorry, hello from England I must add first. It's not always raining ☔ here in the UK contrary to common belief.. As I look out my window now it's.. ok it's raining now but that's irrelevant 🤣 The worst storm I've been in was actually in New York! Anyway that's all on a tangent.. what I really wanted to say was great review, love the show and the shirt's, your giving Tyler a run for his money in the innerfidelity days.. Take care.. from Sunny 🌤️ England 😁👍

[@frankgeeraerts6243]

I agree on the King Crimson 40th anniversary album...................It is really GREAT !

[@theebayhififanatic6002]

That video was a pleasure to view - the joy where great music and a great system meet comes over so clearly

[@thomaslee6957]

Lovely review Steve. Would like to see a review of an Arcam SA 10 amplifier please. Good competition for the Rega with more inputs.

[@economicsjingle]

This is a phono company and you didn’t test the built in phono stage?!

[@ColocasiaCorm]

Its an amplifier…

[@economicsjingle]

@@ColocasiaCorm Yes and that's one of the few features it has

[@spunkthecombo]

Great review and choice of music! Thank you.

[@acronus]

Sounds almost exactly like my Mies i-100. A small A/B amp that has a power button, an input selector button, a volume dial, and a really nice onboard phono preamp.

[@MRPC5]

I believe the headphone output is driven by the power amp, rather than there being a separate headphone amp built in.

[@terrym540]

The moral may well be that one does not have to spend a fortune to enjoy recorded music. Here in the UK we have several manufacturers supplying excellent Hi-Fi at reasonable prices.

[@matthewblackwood9653]

A pair of Tannoy Gold 5s on sale for $250 apiece and an audio interface/DAC/preamp makes an absolutely killer system for $700ish. You guys make some serious gear over the pond and I've been enjoying it.

[@garyizzard839]

We are spoilt for choice. Changing components is good simply to try other brands.

[@i1pro]

1:19 I'm new to this wonderful hobby but have already noticed that. I'll be looking for audio shops next time I'm under London's sun lol...

[@matthewblackwood9653]

@@i1pro You mean London's clouds right? What is sunlight in Britain?

[@timoleary5815]

As a Rega fan, it's great to hear this review and it comes over as really honest too. Only one way to play 21st Century Schizoid Man . . . . . LOUD :)

[@sean_heisler]

I couldn't imagine you having any other version of the LS50 other than the red color, Steve.

[@xstensl8823]

i am looking to upgrade my speakers with the Brio from the Rega RS1's, LS50's are on my short list, or maybe Rega RX3's? i also use all Rega cables and interconnects. again not too expensive but its all about value for the money. $100 for 1m. pair

[@aussie8114]

Looks a bit like my Cyrus 8 amp. I’m always amazed at how good and full featured my Cyrus is.

[@ConnahJay]

I have a Cyrus One amp from the 90's. Great little amp, probably similar to the iO. Maybe I will upgrade one day...

[@joybrucebruce3377]

Need to add that the founder of Rega believes you should use separate circuit phono preamps for your low output mc or for regular moving magnet. Lots of idiosincratic founders of UK audio firms. Allen Shaw says a Pyle amplifier sounds as good as a John Curl Parasound of equal power with his speakers.

[@mvaron2546]

I would have enjoyed hearing what you thought of the phono section of the amp.

[@economicsjingle]

Right? It's one of the few features the amp has, and it seems like they put some thought into designing it.

[@EddieJazzFan]

I wish it had a tape loop for an RTR or a nice Nakamichi.

[@bikeracersl]

That little Kruta able is really good..

[@meridiancrap]

Great review Steve

[@705johnnyboy]

when i watch your videos my wife says thats the muppett man ,sorry ive got her to buy vinyl there is hope

[@maestro0428]

How would this pair with my Kef Q150s? I use them near field at my desk. How would compare to the Emotiva BASX 100? Thanks! Another great video Steve!

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Yes it would work great with the speakers, it’s a much better amp than the Emo

[@jamesrobinson9176]

Thanks Steve!

[@hugobloemers4425]

Very clever design, where they clamp the output transistors to the base plate. I guess 30 watts is about the maximum you can get away with doing so with an AB amp. I do not think it will deliver much more to a 4 Ohm speaker. Those transistors BTW have 5 legs so they seem to be the ON Semi Thermaltrak Transistors, nice choice!! (And way over powered for this application) Cool also it is made in the UK. I was about to buy a Rega CD player when I discovered at the last moment it was made in China. I ended up with a Vintage Technics for 7% of that price and it was made in Germany. I am very happy I made that choice. Back to the Rega, amp. Is that a motorized pot? That would be way cool.

[@1mctous]

Correct. Heat dissipation is the limiting factor for most solid-state amps.

[@jdekong3945]

Rega CD players are made in the UK, including the PCB

[@johndangelo3989]

Hi Steve, I really enjoy your videos because you enjoy listening to music so much! I want to share an idea with you. Currently my living room system has a Yamaha RN 402 internet receiver feeding a pair of KEF Q300 speakers. My music choice is classical or vocals of folks from the 50’s and 60’s. Volume is at half or less. The Rega IO is very interesting to me and I am thinking about using the Yamaha as a tuner for the Rega by using the tape output on the Yamaha and feeding the Rega. Do you think there would be any value to this setup or should I just stick with what I have? I have to say that I really am happy with the current setup, but thought it might be even more enjoyable with the Rega in the loop. What do you think?

[@johndangelo3989]

Oops, as the young lady on SNL said “ Never mind!” I am back to square one again. When I sat down to breakfast with my wife, she was very ticked at our cable company because they raised our rates..again! Then she yelled about our garbage pickup folks giving us a late notice for a bill we never received. This the WRONG time to be thinking about spending bucks on gear, so I will just continue with my system as it is. Thanks again for your great videos!

[@varun110291]

Could you review the Rega Brio 2017. I have hooked it up with Q Acoustics 3050is

[@JerryFerreri]

Hi Steve, too bad you didn’t still have the vista spark to compare with the Rega io. However, which one you would recommend between the two? Thank you

[@nigelsmith2044]

go listen to..io..brio elac in a blind listening test using same anciliary equipment and piece of music...if u cant tell difference buy the io...i have done this...even between the brio and rega aetheos there aint no big difference..get dealer to shield amp so you dont know which one your listening to....use your ears

[@67spankadelik]

I'm surprised you did not mention if it was class A, AB or, D.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

I did, it is class AB, and I said so in a subtitle in the very beginning of the video.

[@dilbyjones]

I heard the Spark was dope

[@rogerfalk5944]

I have one. I love it, very warm sound. I have it paired with efficient Klipsch bookshelfs. A great pairing.

[@andrewcale6100]

Did you happen to compare to the PS Audio Sprout 2. I guess the sprout is more analytical?

[@gjdc]

Nice video. Would the Brio do ok with power hungry Elac Debut 2.0 b6.2 speakers? Thanks!

[@johnfredmurray]

I want that Miles box set!

[@positivelife3034]

Hi Steve, I'm here in the uk. My io arrives today. I'll be using it with bowers 606s2. Do you think that will work well? I have never owned a Rega product, the amp reminds me of my old musical fidelity xa1, no frills and all the money spent on the sound quality.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Positive, yes I think they will be a beautiful match, enjoy.

[@positivelife3034]

@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac The io is a real treat. Loads of detail and silky smooth treble that has got better over the course of the day, could not be happier.

[@hi-fihaven2257]

Steve I don't know which is better, the integrated or your shirt!

[@drogba6487]

fave Steve shirt

[@montynorth3009]

No cooling slots on top of this small box?

[@Audiorevue]

The output transistors are mounted directly to the inside bottom of the casework so not needed. The case itself acts as a heat sink and it doesn’t really get all that hot anyway

[@billd9667]

I can’t give up my LS50s either. Yes, they are bright sounding. Yes, they lack bass impact and depth. Yes, like Magnepan, they are hard to smoothly match subs with. BUT, they are never fatiguing to listen to and they have laser-sharp, and yet somehow spacious imaging like no other speaker I’ve heard. Not to mention real detail and not just phony bright etched highs. I just can’t let them go. They will at least stay in the closet and I’m running out of space!

[@Jimmybryse]

I have a Cambridge Audio A500 RC integrated amp (15 years old?) which doesn’t have a headphone jack. Looking to upgrade the amp and incorporate a headphone jack. In this price range, would this be your amp recommendation? Thanks. Love your show.

[@HareDeLune]

Well, he *did* just review it for us, y'know. Just sayin'...

[@chengo51]

Steve, you should remember the NAIT-2 from Naim which was revolutionary at its time and I am sure it is still as good as this Rega if not better ! Actually you should hold one on your shelves to be able to compare with the incoming new products.

[@jim586]

Why hold a 32 year old amp which is no longer for sale? The current Naits? Pah.

[@chengo51]

@@jim586 you are right....I am probably sick of " new is always better" but keep in mind there is a second hand market and if you find old gemms like this, it will cost you less for at least the same sound quality.

[@jim586]

chengo51 agree the second hand market can be great. However I must confirm what many reviewers are saying in that it is a Golden age for HiFi at the moment for bargain priced products.

[@chengo51]

@@jim586 i agree for this Rega which seems resonnably priced but so many products start in the 2000 range up. So you better look carefully for bargains.

[@jschaseventures]

Hey Steve, can you recommend me a cheap (high-res) if possible, pair of headphones with good soundstage.

[@stephenuffens8596]

For my Zu Audio Omen Mark 2's, would you recommend this amp or the Rogue Audio Sphinx V3's?

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Rega Brio

[@stephenuffens8596]

@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Thank You!

[@BicycleJoeTomasello]

Steve I just bought the Rega IO to use while I wait for the Zen triode 34I.6 integrated amp. I'm trying to set up a new vinyl system, I can afford 1 Heresy III for now, and intend to be able to get a 2nd by the time the Decware Rachel is ready. Until Then can I run the I/O with just one Klipsch horn speaker in mono?

[@neonspecter2730]

Is anyone able to compare the sound quality from the Rega iO and the NAD 3020 V2?

[@borisbobowski628]

Yes, i am. Pick Up a Supra cable larod Powerchord and the io destroys any AMP under 1000 Euro.

[@peerloo6931]

steve 140 K

[@sebd6307]

Bought this amp because of this review and turned out to be a very dissapointing experience. High frequency details are good, mid is dull and the bass is outright bad. Never heard an amp without tone controls sound so boomy (brio same). This amp is completely overhyped, has no control and only sells because the red light says Rega. Did not work on my Spendor BC2 monitors and not with my Tannoys. I was searching for a sollid state alternative to my EL84 amp during summer to prevent temperatures going up in my living room. Fortunately I got the advise from a highly regarded audiophile to try the Yamaha R-S202 / A-S201 amplifier. I have the A-S201 now for about 2 weeks and I'm stunned by its performance. It completely outperforms the IO, my nait 3 and Rotel 970BX amp. I know it is not a good looker, and to be honest I have never been a Yamaha fan, but these series of amps ar just punching way above their price tags.

[@Audiorevue]

I don’t know what you’re talking about bud in my experience the Io is a fantastic amplifier. I’m now on my third one, by choice, that I purchased and used with a variety of speakers both large and small and in large and small rooms. Is it super Duper mega awesome number one a plus, No but is it what I consider and many people consider to be one of the best if not the best values in hi-fi today, yes.

[@sebd6307]

@@Audiorevue I'm glad you having a good time with it. I really want to like the little IO (it looks great! And its from a great brand). But I was simply shocked how much better the Yamaha A-S201 (I bought recently) sounded @ half the price. I never liked Yamaha (I still think it is kind of an ugly looking amp compared to the IO). But simply listening and not taking hifi heritage into account...the IO really underperforms. If there is currently a great UK budget amp for me... it would be the audiolab 6000A series amps.

[@bluerev]

​@@AudiorevuePerhaps it wasn't a good match for his speakers or simply just not his type of sound? From this guy's review you'd think it's an absolute disaster, yet so much praise for it everywhere - kinda confusing. Really interested in this amp but can't audition unfortunately.

[@Audiorevue]

@@bluerev I loved it and continue to love it as well, I now own two one for a bedroom and one I put in the garage and can’t fault either. Perhaps you’re right about his speakers or his taste in sound. Though I seriously disliked his approach to condemning the amp and thought I’d better give an opposing view to balance.

[@paulwood4709]

@@sebd6307 wow ..... to my ears the 6000A is awful ... sterile, cold, flat ..... we all have diferent tastes I guess

[@scottyo64]

Looks like it would make a good desktop amp. Maybe paired with a Node 2i then you would have digital inputs. Would work great with my Airmotiv B1+

[@NickP333]

Sounds like that little amp is loads of fun, and isn’t that what it’s all about? Thanks, Steve!

[@xstensl8823]

i have the new Brio, excellent little amp. all hand made in UK paired with the Rega RS1's. great synergy. sounds great with all kinds of music, from The Dead to grand Opera. the better the recording the better it shines. btw saw that Neil Young tour in Santa Barbara. the thing about the Red Rocks show is that it started to rain and the band played on. great show

[@RiaTolstoy]

Great review! Hey if you love the IO with the LS50’s, try Rega Aethos with the LS50’s.... unbelievable - would blow yer socks off! Ive brought some Spendor D7.2s but still can’t part with the Kefs.... 🙃😁

[@xstensl8823]

Spendor 2s is another speaker that i would like to hear with the Brio. i am afraid to hear the Aethos. might want it. i may however upgrade to the Elex-R but i heard both and decided on the newer Brio. talk of a new Elex-R coming.

[@Michael-xz1nk]

Wow...you have Spendor 7.2's (I love them but outside my budget) yet still can't part with the LS50's (I own and love these). Just a little surprising but love hearing how well the 50's continue to stand up to all the best.

[@BG-ig6fd]

Rega io or Vista Spark?

[@ConnahJay]

You gonna use a turntable with it?

[@will2181]

Hi Steve, Is the Rega I.O capable of driving the ls50 to satisfactory levels? I am considering purchasing this amp and pairing it with the ls50. your input would be greatly appreciated!

[@RFerreira2009]

Yes, for sure. It drives my Quad S2 easily.

[@filipedasilva8512]

@@chrisveltman1795 Can I ask you why? I have this IO amp, partly because Steve sold me to it. But I was wondering if I should upgrade to the Elex-r for more detail, soundstage and bass. I don't need the extra power, since I live in a apartment and I have sensitive speakers. Is it worth the upgrade?

[@1jhnpennington]

​@@filipedasilva8512Nah.

[@armanddimeo6575]

Thanks, Steve for your review. I did not think Rega could make an amp that was a better value than the Brio but it looks like they succeeded here. I have the Elex (one step up from the Brio) and I can attest that it is a wonderful amp and also a great value. Such great sound and made in England to boot! I do not understand why even Rega dealers do not push or promote Rega integrated amps. Could it be that they do not have the markup of other products, such as NAD, Denon, Marantz, etc.? My one and only local dealer, which sells Rega, wanted to sell me an NAD at the same price point as the Elex. The NAD has more features and power (on paper) as well as digital inputs (which I do not need) but it is not nearly as well made and not as musical as the Rega.

[@Audiorevue]

I think that's possible that it's a mark up kind of thing, but I also think it has something to do with people not thinking of Rega as a amplifier maker,at least in the USA. Case in point I went into a shop the year before last to have a look around, the salesman started to talk to me and when I mentioned that I had a Rega system he said "oh yeah the turntable but what amp do you have". I've also experienced this with meeting other audiophiles and people into Stereo also. I don't know but at the end of the day to me it's kind of a shame because not only do they make fantastic turntables but beautiful and truly great amplifiers as well.

[@jenogilvie-grant2636]

Love my Elex-r it’s fantastic 👌

[@邹凯文-l1t]

I wonder if Steve will ever have a onlyfan account. And doing a collab with that afican shirts brand is just an idea that could hepl supporting the channel.

[@javierorozco410]

thank you very much . congrats for your decision to utilize the KING CRIMSON album .. one of the most iconic prog rock band of all time and forever ...

[@adamant3844]

I have the HDCD of "in the court of the crimson king" and use it as my reference.

[@solomonstewart1025]

Sounds like an amplifier which would do NATTY DREAD - Bob Marley justice.

[@westwater73]

It has been a nice sunny day in sw England today 🌞

[@maestro0428]

Is your wife sewing in the background? Swear I hear a sewing machine. LOL.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Yes

[@murraycampbell1548]

SW's remixes of Jethro Tull are insane!

[@bluerev]

Question to IO owners: does it hum (I know the Brio has that issue)? And what is this hum attributed to? Is it connected to the vinyl playback/turntable/phonostage?

[@Audiorevue]

Ah no. I’ve purchased two of them and neither one hums. Come to think of it I’ve bought two brios over the last couple of years and they didn’t hum either. Don’t believe everything you read on Amazon or some message forum.

[@bluerev]

@@Audiorevue Thanks!

[@raymoore8435]

My Brio does not hum.

[@keyserxx]

Great review thanks. I'm on a bit of an upgrade spree, from Audiolab M-DAC and M-PWR to Chord Mojo and as of tomorrow Rega io. I do a lot of headphone listening too so its makes sense to my setup. The speakers are for music and TV. The audio world is like some gateway drug lol but I love this back and buck equipment.

[@edwardbalboa5528]

REGA make high quality

[@colinowenuk]

Love the shirt!

[@saeedrahimi5121]

Steve,,I love you so much from iran,and i see your videos on youtube and i learn from you always♥️♥️♥️

[@vocalion9519]

Hey, Steve. Question for you if you have the time: I have always felt that In the Court of the Crimson King suffers from far too much compression on the drums in particular. I was disappointed that Steven Wilson's original remix didn't seem to offer any improvement. Does his new remix offer up any better dynamics?

[@dksculpture]

I like that shirt!

[@jonathanscull7712]

Great episode Steve, none of us can miss your enthusiasm, and you're doing more for up'n'coming audiophiles than anyone else. Your sound descriptions are just right.

[@HareDeLune]

Hey Steve, I was glad that you mentioned Steven Wilson. I only very recently found out about 'The Steven Wilson Remixes' in general, and when I heard that they are fairly controversial in the audio community (naturally), I thought they might make a good topic for an Audiophiliac episode. Just a little food for thought. : )

[@jonathansturm4163]

That’s something I’d really get into also...

[@Old_Sailor85]

IMO he did a nice job on all of the Jethro Tull re-mixes.

[@santiagowardak9434]

Great review, Steve! I wonder what would you choose between the Rega io and Onkyo A-9110 for an entry level setup? The combo is completed with a Rega P2 TT and a pair of Dali's Spektor 2. I know the price range is not the same and don't min about the "lack" of features, just looking for a stereo amp that sounds good with a decent Phono stage. Thanks!

[@anthonydaley278]

The Rega IO win’s hands down, I have a Rega P6 with Focal aria 906 speakers now and the IO drive’s they lovely, but I got the IO last year to drive my old system setup with was Rega p2 with the Dali’s spektor 2s so yes just get the Rega IO if not decided yet. it’s that good.

[@crisjr6478]

The rega hands down.

[@petersouthernboy6327]

Love the reviews on quality gear at affordable price points with a warranty - that happens to NOT be made in China. It’s a worthwhile challenge

[@hugobloemers4425]

Not made in China, that is almost unbelievable. But now that the world (should) know(s) about the Chinese holocaust in Tibet and with Hong Kong, NOT made in China has become mandatory in my book. At least as long as alternatives exists.

[@petersouthernboy6327]

Hugo Bloemers - that’s why what Schitt Audio has accomplished in ten years is so inspiring.

[@nunyabiz2016]

@@hugobloemers4425 Well said!

[@sebd6307]

Fun to see this conversation! The housing, transformer, the electronics, the Led behind the front and the remote are all made in China. This product may be assebled in the UK, All components are made in China. Just like a NAD, Rotel or Denon.😉

[@petersouthernboy6327]

@@sebd6307 which is yet another reason why Schitt Audio has been so wildly popular. All those brands you mentioned jobbing out mostly the same parts and contract assembly.

[@RealHIFIHelp]

If you like Sennheiser 600 and 800 series headphones, then you should hear them with a proper upgrade cable. It removes a lot of the plastic sound that most headphones have, and they actually start sounding a lot like Audeze in the middle class that cost a lot more.

[@dilbyjones]

Sweet shirt!

[@jlmain5777]

Nice review. For a “turntable” company Rega seems to make some nice integrated amps now at a variety of price points.

[@paultuerena]

JL Main they make some fantastic CD players too

[@guygrundy6647]

Steve, d'you receive your audio products run in?

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

This one was, i usually request that. I don’t have time to run in the 80 or 90 products I review every year.

[@angelheart7643]

Thanks for that great and informative vid Steve. I'm still between the warm IO and Brio to go with my more analytical Dali Oberon 3s as the successor for my 94s Marantz PM 66 SE KI tuned by Ken Ishiwata. But I am not sure if I will hear any improvement in sound. What do you all think ? Thanks a lot for your input..

[@bobby666666]

The In The Court Of The Crimson King album was one of the first albums that Steven Wilson did to 5.1. He has since then done the 50th Anniversary Deluxe Version of In The Court Of The Crimson King.

[@anthonydaley278]

I ‘ve been thinking of upgrading my little Rega IO too a Elex r or above to go with my Rega p6 and Focal aria 906 speakers, so its always nice to hear about Rega been great. Must get around to demo one ASAP,

[@danieloherrick6332]

There isn't a separate headphone amp--the same amp powers the speakers and the headphones. Speakers are automatically turned off when the plug is inserted onto the jack.

[@jarvisluke]

Audio science review is thrashing this amplifier because it is running hot. They prefer chi-fi instead of this amplifier.

[@allanbarr1975]

recently upgraded dac from so so cambridge audio dac100 to rega dac-r. huge difference in detail, staging and control. without going into my record setup my digital setup is roksan caspian m2, rega dac, proac d20r speakers with chord epic cabling

[@Malcm59]

Love this channel and just bought an Io partly on the basis of this review (Even though you did take the pi55 out of the English climate...you’re right, it sucks!). Your enthusiasm and expression of the pure enjoyment of the music is very refreshing...keep it going !👍

[@lucamangiacassette]

I am serious about headphones and I have a Schiit Magni 2. How worse is the IO's headphone amp? No way to hook the Magni to it right?

[@sjors01]

Good morning Steve, can you make a playlist of all your music in Spotify or Tidal? thank you in advance. Greetings Sjors, Tilburg from the Netherlands.

[@spacejaime]

Dang, I didn't know there was a 40th edition of K.C. Court of the Crimson King! I had the original LP but sold my complete collection in the late 1980's. Will look for this C.D. Thanks Steve! 👍

[@thomasward00]

Does it have a 3 year or lifetime warranty in the US? In the UK it has Lifetime warranty.

[@motocommando2477]

A day late and a dollar short, another terrific review from Steve. Thank you! A long time Steven Wilson(and Porcupine Tree)fan, I've been slowly getting his remixed recordings, and they are quite brilliant. And love the name drop(no pun intended)about the MassDrop Sennheisers. I've been a Drop(the new name) shopper for long time now. The integrated looks like winner for the price, especially with that built in headphone amp. Thanks Steve!

[@archiemacdonald553]

love your daily shows Steve .sooooo good .Steve do you have recommendations for the wharfedale evos 4.2 as in stands for it thinking of buying a pair .many thanks .

[@garyjones5947]

Thanks for the review...great information on such a diminutive amp. I’m wondering what you think of the iotavx sa3 or sa3/pa3 stack?

[@Audiorevue]

I've got one I picked up in an effort to simplify my system and I couldn't agree more with what you've said. I've had a lot of integrateds under the thousand mark and this is really the best. No it doesn't have a ton of features and no it's got no dac but it has soul and the ability to really make you feel the music. Which to me is exactly what I listen to music for. Thanks for the review Steve

[@sean_heisler]

Hey, man!!! Aren't you Budget Audiophile? What happened to you, man, miss your channel!! Hope you are ok.

[@Audiorevue]

Well at one time I was, but I've had some personal things come up in my life that have forced me to reevaluate what's important to me. And doing KZbin while I loved it unfortunately was one of the casualties of that reevaluation. At some point I may do videos again but in the mean time i simply am enjoying the music.

[@sean_heisler]

@@Audiorevue Good for you, I completely understand and empathize. This hobby can cause us to lose focus on what is most important in life and even cause us to forget the music at times. I hit a brick wall some years back after years of constant revolving gear and got rid of it all after I burned out. I now have a simple system I love and there's no revolving door anymore. Stick to the path you are on, I hope all is well and enjoy the music.

[@brunohebert1351]

Hello, do you think this would be overkill as a desktop amp for my PC? Form factor is great and it's not a class D/T. 30W seems plenty enough for my use. Yes it's a little steep in terms of price but if it's going to run for ages and has a great sound I don't mind. And yes, that would probably mean I'll need to change my speakers (Micca MB42) too. Thanks

[@Audiorevue]

I guess that depends on you and your preferences. I mean for me I look at it this way , it is technically a little overkill for a desktop amp But you are getting great sound quality and in the future if you decide to sell it you'll Recoup a good bit of your money. plus if you decide to set up a Stereo system in say you're living room then you'll be good to go.

[@Budd1234]

Could I still plug in a separate phono stage if I wanted to?

[@Octocoupler]

We want a €1000 io. Better build and sound

[@SuperMcgenius]

Two watts of power on the klips would take 32 watts on the kefs

[@mikecees2230]

This integrated amp doesn't cost THAT much more than the bare bones Pass AmpCampAmp 8w power amp KIT with switch mode power supply. Then again this amp isn't THAT much cheaper than the 50w Rega Brio.

[@Audiorevue]

What do you mean $400 to me is a lot of money and the sound of my io is as good as a brio I've heard just a bit less power and I like the lighter more delicate touch it has with my speakers.

[@dean6816]

Never sunny in the north east!