Rega IO, Integrated Amp $600 (30×2)
(2 1/2h, 7 1/8w, 13d, 7 lbs)
When I heard Rega was coming out with a 30×2 integrated amp, I thought, why bother? We have lots of good, affordable integrateds. Why do we need another?
Shame on me. I should have known that Rega would do it BETTER than virtually everyone else. In so doing, there are decisions to be made.
First of all, if the unit is going to be the BEST SOUNDING $600 integrated, that means there will have to be more money spent on the heart of the electronics and less on features.
That’s precisely what Rega chose to do. With generous transformer and power supply, IO is short on features yet big on heft. If your system has few sources, you’re good to go.
I play mostly CDs. I play a few LPs and stream a bit when friends visit. IO will take care of precisely these needs.
IO is a class AB unit with MM phono and two RCA inputs. And a headphone amp. So that’s it.
No:
Bluetooth
Wi-Fi
Spotify Connect
Chromecast
Rega’s IO is just a GREAT SOUNDING basic integrated.
- Comes with basic remote.
- The amp is class AB.
- It has a linear power supply.
- It runs highly regarded Sanken output transistors.
- It uses a high performing, great feeling (weighted just right) Alps volume control.
- The (3.5 jack) headphone amp sounds rich and warm.
- High quality speaker binding posts.
- Full sized C13 power fitting.
The dynamics and bass are actually shockingly alive and robust. I have run IO on various stand mount speakers and each time think, is this a mini Hegel? That’s a big compliment!
Given its 30×2, it’s apt to end up in your office or second system. I want to brag up that it is well worth getting an IO to run your shelf speakers in a small room. You won’t believe how much BIGGER IO sounds than any number of garden variety competitors at big box!
