The 2025 Bristol Audio Show turned out to be very interesting with several surprise product previews including FiiO’s Flagship FT7 Planar Magnetic Headphones and WiiM’s Vibelink Integrated Amplifier. Music listeners were told at the show that the new Rega Brio MK7 Integrated Amplifier would not be available until Q3 2025 — but leave it to our friends at Rega to make it available this month. You’re allowed to smile. Even audiophiles. The competition is hoping that this comes in above $1,000 USD — but we still think anyone looking for a new integrated amplifier as the foundation of a system under $3,000 needs to put this on the audition list.
Rega is well-known for its turntables, phono stages, and cartridges, but also offers high quality amplifiers as well. When Team Rega pulled back the cover on the new Brio MK7, British audiophiles swooned as this was the first revision of the best-selling integrated amplifier in over 5 years.
Starting with the basics, the Brio MK7 is a two-channel integrated amp that outputs a modest 50-watt watts per channel (50 W into 8 Ohms & 72 W into 6 Ohms). It has three RCA line-level inputs, an MM phono input, and a headphone output.
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.
New King. New Amplifier. New DAC
However, something new has been added. For the first time, the Brio line will include an internal DAC complemented by both digital optical and digital coaxial audio inputs. To address the “fears” of analog audio purists, Rega claims it revamped the Mk7’s internal circuity to address concerns over digital/analog interference issues.
The DAC supports up to 24-bit/192kHz PCM. There is no support for DSD or MQA.
This brings a new touch to the Brio line as previous models have been all analog. The Brio MK7 now joins Rega’s Elicit Mk5 (2022) and Elex Mk4 (2023) with a mix of both analog and digital connectivity.
What makes the new Rega Brio MK7 rather interesting is that it appears from the images we have seen so far, the new design is slightly deeper to accommodate the new DAC and that the front panel shares more in common with the entry-level io than the more expensive models in the range.
The Rega Brio MK7 is still rather compact at 216 x 79 x 365mm (8.5″ W x 3.1″ H x 14.4″ D) and weighs 10.8 pounds.
Rega has managed to keep the pricing of the Brio MK7 at £799 which is fantastic news for those who were considering something from perhaps Cambridge Audio or Rotel at the same price point.
The previous iteration of the Brio was one of our favorite integrated amplifiers below $1,000 prior to the pandemic and if the new models offers superior sonic performance and a DAC that can work well with inexpensive network streamers — this could be one of the best bargains of 2025.
We already know that the phono section will be solid based on Rega’s existing phono preamplifiers so definitely keep this one on your list.
Comparison
| IO | MK7 | ELEX MK4 | |
| $825 | $1,095 | $1,895 | |
| Power Output | 30 W per channel into 8 Ω | 50 W per channel into 8 Ω | 72 W per channel into 8 Ω |
| N/A | 73 W per channel into 6 Ω | 90 W per channel into 6 Ω | |
| Power Consumption | 135 W | 200 W | 250 W |
| Analog Inputs | 1 x Phono input, 2 x Line inputs | 1 x Phono input, 4 x Line inputs | |
| Digital Inputs | – | S/PDIF Isolated 0.5V 75Ω Co-axial | S/PDIF Isolated 0.5V 75Ω Co-axial |
| – | S/PDIF Optical Toslink | S/PDIF Optical Toslink | |
| Supported sampling rates | – | 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192kHz | 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192kHz |
| THD+Noise (A-weighted) | – | Typically 0.005% at 1kHz | Typically 0.004% at 1kHz |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 180 x 68 x 290 mm | 216 x 79 x 365 mm (8.5 x 3.1 x 14.4 in) |
432 x 82 x 340 mm |
| Weight | 2.9kg | 4.9kg (10.8lbs) |
11kg |
The Bottom Line
As mentioned near the top of the article, details are sparse on Rega’s Brio MK7, but things that are interesting so far are that it includes both analog and digital connectivity, and the first Brio Series amp from Rega in 5 years.
In the world of integrated amps, some models are outrageously expensive, such as the recently announced Burmester 232, but there is a lot of competition in the mid-to-low price range, such as the WiiM Vibelink which was also showing at the Bristol Hi-Fi Show.
Assuming that Rega is able to keep the Brio MK7 under $1,000 (or damn near close to it), the British amplifier is going to be a huge pain in the tuchas for Cambridge Audio, NAD, Rotel, and even WiiM Audio and great for those looking for a Class A/B integrated amplifier with a high quality phono stage, DAC, and above average headphone amplifier.
Price & Availability
The Rega Brio MK7 is priced at $1,095 USD or £799 in the UK. Find it through Authorized Distributors and Dealers.
