The Brio MK7 is a handmade high performance stereo integrated amplifier. The MK7 version of Rega’s bestselling amplifier is the most advanced and feature packed Brio ever released. Rega’s team of engineers have completely re-laid the Brio circuit, optimising it for performance and reducing distortion. Housed in a compact, custom half width aluminium case, the Brio MK7 delivers an impressive 50 W per channel into 8Ω and 72 W per channel into 4Ω, which provides ample power to drive the most challenging loudspeakers. The Brio MK7 now includes a Rega designed, on board DAC with two digital inputs for greater flexibility with a range of other components. A new mini system remote (compatible with future products) is supplied to operate the standby function, allowing the unit to be powered on and off via the remote handset.

Features

• Integrated Rega moving magnet phono stage
• Rega DAC with two digital inputs
• Headphone socket
• Custom mini system remote control
• Custom designed case
• Standby and auto standby functionality
• 50 W into 8 Ω & 72 W into 4 Ω
• Short circuit protection
• Thermal cut-out

A masterclass in dynamics

Throughout the design process, the Brio MK7 has been meticulously improved in every aspect. From the quality of materials to the manufacturing process, making the Brio MK7 the most advanced Brio to date. This compact amplifier includes an integrated Rega DAC, standby, auto standby and thermal cut-out, all of which are new features of this latest generation of Brio. Connections extend to three line inputs and, of course, phono with a dedicated moving magnet stage for spinning your latest vinyl. The latter benefits from improved isolation between stages inside the amp and high spec op-amps providing gain for attached cartridges. The Brio circuit is often described as one of the most musically rewarding amplifiers in its class. You can expect even more refinement from the latest generation and equally outstanding performance via the headphone output.

Re-laid circuit

Key improvements have been made across the circuit. The PCB layout has been fully upgraded to handle higher specifications for all critical parts. A second raw power supply is implemented to provide further isolation between output stage and the driver stage/line and phono amplifiers. This improves the isolation between high and low level signal stages of the amplifier. Higher specification MUSES operational amplifiers have been used in the line, DAC and phono amplifier.

Headphone Socket

The Brio MK7 has an onboard circuit to drive standard hi-fi headphones from the internal amplifier. The headphone circuit was intelligently designed to reduce its impact on the main signal path so it doesn’t disrupt the overall sound quality. We have paid special attention to the switch that deactivates the main speakers once the socket on the front panel is used.

Auto standby 

This unit is equipped with auto standby functionality. After approximately 1 hour of no signal being present on the selected input, the unit will automatically enter a standby state. This function can be turned off if required.

Thermal cut-out

If the amplifier reaches a temperature liable to cause internal electronic damage, the thermal protection system will first disable the speaker output, indicated by the MUTE led on the front panel illuminating and the input LED indicator turning off. If the over-temperature condition continues, the unit will turn itself off.

Short circuit protection

If the speaker leads are shorted, the fold back short circuit protection will protect the output stage from excessive currents. This protection circuit is not placed in the audio signal path and therefore does not affect sound quality.

Specifications

Amplifier Output

• Power amplifier output (at rated 230/120V supply voltage): 50W per channel into 8Ω ,72W per channel into 4Ω (*Note: Continued high level use into loads of 6Ω or less may cause the case to exceed 40°C above ambient temperature and activate the thermal shut down).
• Headphone Output: No Load = 8V, 300Ω = 5.9V, 54Ω = 2.6V, 32Ω = 1.8V, Source impedance = 109Ω

Distortion - THD+Noise (A-weighted)

• Line inputs: Typically 0.005% at 1kHz

Frequency Response - Bandwidth (at 80W into 8Ω)

• Phono input: 15Hz (-3dB) to 40kHz (-3dB)
• Line Inputs: 12Hz (-1dB) to 43kHz (-3dB)
• RIAA accuracy: Better than ±0.5dB 100Hz to 20kHz

Sensitivity - Input sensitivity (for 72W into 8Ω)

• Phono input: 2.1mV load 47k in parallel with 220pF
• Line inputs 2-4: 210mV load 47kΩ

Digital Inputs

• Input D1: S/PDIF Isolated 0.5V 75Ω Co-axial
• Input D2: S/PDIF Optical Toslink
• Supported Sampling Rates: 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192kHz
• Supported bit depths: 16 to 24 bit
• THD+Noise: Typically 0.005% at 1kHz

Dimensions & Weight

• Dimensions (W x H x D): 216 x 79 x 365mm (8.5 x 3.1 x 14.4in)
• Weight: 4.9kg (10.8lbs)

Power

• Power Supply: AC supply 230V / 220V / 120V / 100V nominal ±10%
• Power Consumption: 200W at 1dB below clip into 8Ω
• Power consumption on standby: 0.4W
• Fuse ratings: T2 AL 250V - 230V 50Hz / 220V 60Hz; T3.15 AL 250V - 120V 60Hz / 100V 50/60Hz
• Remote Batteries: AAA (1.5V) x 2