Rega Brio-r power

[ChrisIRL]

I am happily running Kef LS50s using a Rega Brio-r. Sounds great to me. However I am regularly told and read elsewhere that the LS50s need a more powerful amp to drive them well. I recently read that a German magazine, "Stereoplay" measured the power output of the Brio-r and found it to reach a maximum of 7 amps, which by all accounts is pretty good, the LS50s being all about amps, not the number of watts to drive them well.

Is 7 amps output any good? Doesn't sound like much.

 

[antskip]

I powered LS50's with the Brio-R for 18 months and loved the combination. But I then changed up to the next integrated amp in the Rega family - the Elex-R. The difference in the sound detail and field was considerable, without losing the beautiful Brio-R sound. The LS50 really responds to improved equipment. If Brio-R is all you can afford, you should also enjoy them - but stretching to at least the Elex-R really is worth twice the price.

 

[unsleepable]

I am happily running Kef LS50s using a Rega Brio-r. Sounds great to me. However I am regularly told and read elsewhere that the LS50s need a more powerful amp to drive them well. I recently read that a German magazine, "Stereoplay" measured the power output of the Brio-r and found it to reach a maximum of 7 amps, which by all accounts is pretty good, the LS50s being all about amps, not the number of watts to drive them well.

Is 7 amps output any good? Doesn't sound like much.

Was this maybe measured at 2Ω? If so, I think it goes in line with the rating of the amplifier. 7A at 2Ω are about 100W. It'd seem it holds well as impedance lowers.

 

[ChrisIRL]

Thanks for replies. Not sure how it was measured, didn't see the article myself, just people talking about it in a comments section of a youtube video showing an LS50 demo.

If I do get the urge to upgrade I most likely will go for an Elex-r. Loving the Brio-r presentation. Did have an all too brief demo of an elex-r and found it very good. Still think an Apollo-r or a Rega Dac might be money better spent but we'll see. Won't be changing a thing for a long time, sounds great as is.

 

[Ketan Bharadia]

I've heard and really liked the Brio-R/LS50 combination. Sure an Elex-R takes things further, but then it should given its higher price.

 

[tanlianai]

I am reading this forum on the demoing of these combinations. I have both amplifiers at home right now comparing them with KEF LS50. The speakers have been running around 20hours, the brio-r like 12h. What I experience after this time so far is a full sounding brio-r and speakers which is very nice, active and engaging. What I missed a bit though was a better soundstage and detail so I asked for an elex-r for demoing and comparison. This has been run in like 8h now. With the elex-r the detail is there, the field is there but the character seems different. It is bright and clean without the full sound that the brio-r provides. So I am wondering does this change over time as the elex-r has not been ran in enough? Currently I would stay with the brio-r I think. The elex-r is described as a bit bright so I am in doubt. Still have a few days to decide so I can't completely run in both amps I think.

 

[CnoEvil]

I am reading this forum on the demoing of these combinations. I have both amplifiers at home right now comparing them with KEF LS50. The speakers have been running around 20hours, the brio-r like 12h. What I experience after this time so far is a full sounding brio-r and speakers which is very nice, active and engaging. What I missed a bit though was a better soundstage and detail so I asked for an elex-r for demoing and comparison. This has been run in like 8h now. With the elex-r the detail is there, the field is there but the character seems different. It is bright and clean without the full sound that the brio-r provides. So I am wondering does this change over time as the elex-r has not been ran in enough? Currently I would stay with the brio-r I think. The elex-r is described as a bit bright so I am in doubt. Still have a few days to decide so I can't completely run in both amps I think. 

What are you using as a Source and what resolution is the music you are playing?

 

[ChrisIRL]

With the Elex-r you're probably experiencing a cleaner tighter bass. This, with the extra overall detail of the Elex-r can result in what appears to be a less full sound. Try Naim if you can, has a full warm sound but retains the detail and musicality of Rega. That said I didn't find the Nait 5si a great match with LS50s. You could try a unitiqute/ Nap 100.