Useful comparing different priced products for if you're thinking of trading up. I have the Rega Brio and was looking at the Peachtree but I might just get another Dac for now, thanks!
I heard a Rega Brio Amp with the new paradigm series speakers a couple of weeks back and I was pretty shocked how good that little Amp sounded. It was unexpected.
I saw comment about the ground screw on Rega, but I accidently removed it. Sorry groggy morning here. The ground screw on the Brio is on the bottom of chassis.
The Linton gets rave reviews and the Brio would probably drive them well. I have not heard the Denafrips Dacs tho. I do love benchmark dacs for their neutrality.
Hey, I know this was three years ago but if you are still around i have a question. I am a bit tired of warm sounding full bodied amps, I have a Kenwood M1 and C1, I tried a newer amp (low budg) the Cambridge Audio Topaz SR10 and it somehow sounds very similar to the Kenwood stack lol. I have a separate phono stage and SMSL Dac, I just need a good preamp/amp. I am considering the Peachtree as I heard some demos on youtube and the soundstage it provides is incredible. I have other choices, the Rega Brio is one of them, about the same cost. I could also go with a Simaudio 220i (its just a bit old maybe). I listen both in nearfield and 2-3m away from bookshelf speakers. The full bodied sound has gotten annoying at nearfield. The speakers btw are Audio Physics Yara 2 compacts. Do you think the Peachtree would be interesting to me or do you think I will miss the full bodied warm sound? An example of when this happened to me, I switched from vintage AKG headphones to new AKG K712s, and at first i hated the 712's as the sound seemed to far from my ears and there was no punch in the bass and the guitars sounded so far and not loud, but now I much much prefer the 712s after getting used to them and find the vintage ones very muddy with barely any detail or instrument separation.
Check out other review on the Peachtree against the higher end brands/cost like the Luxman, Mcintosh etc. and it was a very positive review on bar with those. My guessing is it's up to a person's preference of sounding.
@MINECRAFTandSEB I have a Peachtree nova500 which I’m very happy with. When I feel like I need a warm bodied sound, I just use my attached Black Ice Audio Foz SS-X sound stage amplifier and I get that nice warm beautiful tube sound. When I don’t want it, I just listen to my nova500 on its own. Best of both worlds! Plus, now that Peachtree has come out with their new GAN amplifier, you can get the nova series pretty cheap. Sometimes Peachtree resells some of the old nova amplifiers… I think I’ve seen the nova500 around $1000, and the nova300 around $600 or so.
I had a Peachtree Nova for a while...and although it was a very neat and stylish "all in one" design ... I found it sounded too thin for my tastes..and the dac and class d poweramp were the weakest links. The preamp stage was reasonable when used with a separate power amp though... but still not good enough to keep. So I fully agree with you... separates are a great way to go. but strangely I demo-ed and playing around with different types of amps (for my primarily digital streaming/file playback System) I found that one of the most noticeable (key) components for me was having a valve preamp?!! (I also tried valve integrated and power amps too, but the cost replacing and tube rolling power valves was not viable, nor the heat lol)) but tube preamps are great for digital sourced music. Not sure if you have tried any yet but highly recommend it
I’ve really enjoyed these videos. Huge Rega fan and would love your take on the higher end models down the road. So I’ve had the Brio go against a Hegel H90/95, Musical Fidelity M5si, Purifi class D, Denon PMA-1600, Rotel A11 Tribute and even the Elex-R. I’ve found the Rotel to get closest, in some ways even better with slightly too much mid range emphasis, but with a fuse upgrade, the Brio is better than anything I’ve heard at twice the price. The Elex-R was a lot of fun out of the gate, but eventually it mellowed out and I found it similar to the 2017 Brio. I did find the tone of the Brio slightly better. This amp is that good.
Wow Matt thanks for the feedback. Very interesting that it holds it own vs very expensive amps. I have been curious about the PMA 1600, MF M5si , A11 (KI influenced) and of course the KI ruby at significantly higher $. What specific fuse did you swap out?
@@analogholic_reviews I have used Synergistic Research Orange Fuse. Currently I have in QSA Yellow fuse from Tweek Geek. It gets very expensive higher up their range (more than double the price of the Brio at the top!!!), but they add a bit of clarity and separation.
Hi Ray, I sold mine. I made this video a few weeks ago and just didn't get time to edit and upload it until yesterday. If you don't require an in-built DAC, or need to drive power hungry speaker stry out the Brio or the ElexR.
Also, if you are open to tube amps try the Jolida 3502S or newer models. Another brand that has really impressed me is schiit. I love the Aegir. Hoping to get a Freya + down the road.
Great reviews. I'm looking for an integrated amp for my bedroom that will be used mostly for movies and streaming from a dac with a pair of $1,200 90db per watt bookshelf speakers and a powered sub. Would I notice a difference between the io and the brio at normal volumes?
Thank you! It depends on if you are listening critically. I feel the Brio scales up and images better than the IO. The bass is better but if you have a good sub dialed in properly you may be ok with IO. They are both very satisfying tonally speaking.
Mark, the vintage unit you see in the background is a pioneer tuner. But coming to the point here, both units easily beat my vintage receivers (pioneer sx950, luxman r1070, sansui au317 et al.) in terms of resolution and dynamics. Especially using the Brio’s phono input. I simply couldn’t warm up to the performance of the built in phono in the Nova150. Hook up an external phono pre like the MoFi studiophono (or ifi Zen) and the Nova will beat the listed vintage units that I have owned. Hope this helps.
You are correct. My review link below 👇. I didn’t have the Peachtree on hand to do an A/B. But I can personally would pick the ElexR over the Peachtree for an analog amplifier. ua-cam.com/video/FK5fDbIIhfs/v-deo.html
Thanks! Excited to try it. Also considering the much cheaper if zen phono. Your take on the nova150 matches mine. Wishing I had tried out some lower power amps with fewer bells and whistles. Part of the allure of the nova150 was that they were going to offer an onboard streamer, which they later backed out on. But at least I paid only 950usd for a used one.
Comparing a Suzuki to a Mercedes? Some like the Suzuki and some the Mercedes. It's individual taste. But all sane individuals know that it is not the comparison at all. The irony here is that the guy who loves the Suzuki says that it is better than the Mercedes.
It is very subjective and I have expressed my opinion. And sonic performance is not proportional to price in HiFi but if you like a leaner presentation and power hungry speakers, go right ahead. The real irony is calling this analogous to a Suzuki vs Merc comparison. The sane would think this Suzuki analogy comical.
I see Bill Frisell's Valentine album in the background - this makes you a very legit audiophile in my books! great honest reviews!
Great balanced review and have just subscribed. The Brio sounds like a real giant killer. I’m booking a demo.
Useful comparing different priced products for if you're thinking of trading up. I have the Rega Brio and was looking at the Peachtree but I might just get another Dac for now, thanks!
Very good details in your review. Thanks man. Thinking of getting the Brio and more certain of the choice now. Thanks again!
I heard a Rega Brio Amp with the new paradigm series speakers a couple of weeks back and I was pretty shocked how good that little Amp sounded. It was unexpected.
Yes Juan. I agree, the sound quality takes you by surprise given such a small form factor.
The Brio is a little dynamo !
I enjoyed your honest review ❤🎉
Glad you liked it!!
I saw comment about the ground screw on Rega, but I accidently removed it. Sorry groggy morning here. The ground screw on the Brio is on the bottom of chassis.
Peach tree looks awesome man
Ended up getting the Brio, love it. Would Wharfdale Linton, Denefrips Ares 2 be too much warmth? Or should I pair with less warm speaker and dac.
The Linton gets rave reviews and the Brio would probably drive them well. I have not heard the Denafrips Dacs tho. I do love benchmark dacs for their neutrality.
@@analogholic_reviews I have Brio and Ares II. It’s an excellent Match 👌
@Bryan Harpel B&W 606 s2, Could probably do with better speakers, but it still sounds fantastic to me
I’m running Focal Aria 906s with a Rega Brio into Rega P6 Turntable and it’s a great combo I think, but you need to tryout for yourself
For the money the rega takes some beating you would have to double your budget to better it great review
Hey, I know this was three years ago but if you are still around i have a question. I am a bit tired of warm sounding full bodied amps, I have a Kenwood M1 and C1, I tried a newer amp (low budg) the Cambridge Audio Topaz SR10 and it somehow sounds very similar to the Kenwood stack lol. I have a separate phono stage and SMSL Dac, I just need a good preamp/amp.
I am considering the Peachtree as I heard some demos on youtube and the soundstage it provides is incredible. I have other choices, the Rega Brio is one of them, about the same cost. I could also go with a Simaudio 220i (its just a bit old maybe). I listen both in nearfield and 2-3m away from bookshelf speakers. The full bodied sound has gotten annoying at nearfield. The speakers btw are Audio Physics Yara 2 compacts. Do you think the Peachtree would be interesting to me or do you think I will miss the full bodied warm sound? An example of when this happened to me, I switched from vintage AKG headphones to new AKG K712s, and at first i hated the 712's as the sound seemed to far from my ears and there was no punch in the bass and the guitars sounded so far and not loud, but now I much much prefer the 712s after getting used to them and find the vintage ones very muddy with barely any detail or instrument separation.
The peachtree integrated air pre/power is one option. Some other solid option is the Rega Elicit, the Yamaha AS2100/2200 series
Check out other review on the Peachtree against the higher end brands/cost like the Luxman, Mcintosh etc. and it was a very positive review on bar with those. My guessing is it's up to a person's preference of sounding.
@MINECRAFTandSEB I have a Peachtree nova500 which I’m very happy with. When I feel like I need a warm bodied sound, I just use my attached Black Ice Audio Foz SS-X sound stage amplifier and I get that nice warm beautiful tube sound. When I don’t want it, I just listen to my nova500 on its own. Best of both worlds! Plus, now that Peachtree has come out with their new GAN amplifier, you can get the nova series pretty cheap. Sometimes Peachtree resells some of the old nova amplifiers… I think I’ve seen the nova500 around $1000, and the nova300 around $600 or so.
I had a Peachtree Nova for a while...and although it was a very neat and stylish "all in one" design ... I found it sounded too thin for my tastes..and the dac and class d poweramp were the weakest links. The preamp stage was reasonable when used with a separate power amp though... but still not good enough to keep. So I fully agree with you... separates are a great way to go.
but strangely I demo-ed and playing around with different types of amps (for my primarily digital streaming/file playback System) I found that one of the most noticeable (key) components for me was having a valve preamp?!! (I also tried valve integrated and power amps too, but the cost replacing and tube rolling power valves was not viable, nor the heat lol)) but tube preamps are great for digital sourced music. Not sure if you have tried any yet but highly recommend it
Agree with you on tube preamps. One such review coming up soon!
You need to make video on level matching on how to create a level playing field.. I am new to this hobby and would be great to understand
Great suggestion!
Very useful and informative session!
Thanks Vinod!
I’ve really enjoyed these videos. Huge Rega fan and would love your take on the higher end models down the road.
So I’ve had the Brio go against a Hegel H90/95, Musical Fidelity M5si, Purifi class D, Denon PMA-1600, Rotel A11 Tribute and even the Elex-R.
I’ve found the Rotel to get closest, in some ways even better with slightly too much mid range emphasis, but with a fuse upgrade, the Brio is better than anything I’ve heard at twice the price.
The Elex-R was a lot of fun out of the gate, but eventually it mellowed out and I found it similar to the 2017 Brio. I did find the tone of the Brio slightly better.
This amp is that good.
Wow Matt thanks for the feedback. Very interesting that it holds it own vs very expensive amps. I have been curious about the PMA 1600, MF M5si , A11 (KI influenced) and of course the KI ruby at significantly higher $. What specific fuse did you swap out?
@@analogholic_reviews I have used Synergistic Research Orange Fuse. Currently I have in QSA Yellow fuse from Tweek Geek. It gets very expensive higher up their range (more than double the price of the Brio at the top!!!), but they add a bit of clarity and separation.
. very interesting. I will check them out. Thank you!
Wow, that’s impressive. I have been interested in the Musical Fidelity M5si. Good to know.
May I know what speakers do you pair with those amps?
Do you have experience in integrated amplifier AudioLab 6000A? If so how does it compare with Rega Brio?
Sorry Vinod. I have not tried the AudioLab6000A. If I get my hands on one, id definitely do a video on it.
Are you going to keep the Nova ? I have a Nova150 and your review makes me want to get something with a warmer fuller presentation.
Hi Ray, I sold mine. I made this video a few weeks ago and just didn't get time to edit and upload it until yesterday. If you don't require an in-built DAC, or need to drive power hungry speaker stry out the Brio or the ElexR.
Also, if you are open to tube amps try the Jolida 3502S or newer models. Another brand that has really impressed me is schiit. I love the Aegir. Hoping to get a Freya + down the road.
I have nova 150 w/Kef r-3 and triangle genese trio. I find it too polite also
The triangle genres trio are beautiful speakers
Great reviews. I'm looking for an integrated amp for my bedroom that will be used mostly for movies and streaming from a dac with a pair of $1,200 90db per watt bookshelf speakers and a powered sub. Would I notice a difference between the io and the brio at normal volumes?
Thank you! It depends on if you are listening critically. I feel the Brio scales up and images better than the IO. The bass is better but if you have a good sub dialed in properly you may be ok with IO. They are both very satisfying tonally speaking.
How do either one of these -- sound wise -- compare with the vintage receiver -- sound wise -- shown in the background, when playing vinyl?
Mark, the vintage unit you see in the background is a pioneer tuner. But coming to the point here, both units easily beat my vintage receivers (pioneer sx950, luxman r1070, sansui au317 et al.) in terms of resolution and dynamics. Especially using the Brio’s phono input. I simply couldn’t warm up to the performance of the built in phono in the Nova150. Hook up an external phono pre like the MoFi studiophono (or ifi Zen) and the Nova will beat the listed vintage units that I have owned. Hope this helps.
ua-cam.com/video/X3mPEPZndKk/v-deo.html
@@analogholic_reviews Thank you for your answer.
Kindly review audiolab 6000a
I would have to request dealer to borrow for review. Sometimes they accommodate me, most often not 😆.
@@analogholic_reviews thanks. Hope you receive one and do the review.
How about rega elexR ..i think they have the same price..
You are correct. My review link below 👇. I didn’t have the Peachtree on hand to do an A/B. But I can personally would pick the ElexR over the Peachtree for an analog amplifier.
ua-cam.com/video/FK5fDbIIhfs/v-deo.html
What DAC would you recommend for the Rega?
I used the Benchmark DAC1 and Peachtree iDAC and they sounded really good. Perhaps Rega DACs are good too. But I haven't heard them yet.
For new DACs the budget Schiit Modi is awesome. There are also some sub 500USD R2R DACs that are worth considering.
I use Denafrips Ares ll with my Brio, find it to be great match !
Is the mofi studiophono better than the onboard phono stage in the nova150?
Absolutely! No contest whatsoever!
Thanks! Excited to try it. Also considering the much cheaper if zen phono. Your take on the nova150 matches mine. Wishing I had tried out some lower power amps with fewer bells and whistles. Part of the allure of the nova150 was that they were going to offer an onboard streamer, which they later backed out on. But at least I paid only 950usd for a used one.
Comparing a Suzuki to a Mercedes? Some like the Suzuki and some the Mercedes. It's individual taste. But all sane individuals know that it is not the comparison at all. The irony here is that the guy who loves the Suzuki says that it is better than the Mercedes.
It is very subjective and I have expressed my opinion. And sonic performance is not proportional to price in HiFi but if you like a leaner presentation and power hungry speakers, go right ahead.
The real irony is calling this analogous to a Suzuki vs Merc comparison. The sane would think this Suzuki analogy comical.
@@analogholic_reviews It is intended to be comical. I do agree that, you have stated in your video, that it is an unfair comparison.
What kind of Suzuki do you have?
@@jerrypowers7671
Hayabusa😂😂😂😂😂