Gawd help me, I've gone modern and solid state... (Rega Brio-R)*

I've been enjoying vintage tubes since the '90s - first with a ’62 Voice of Music 1448, then with a ’66 Fisher 400, and most recently with a ’59 Fisher X-100.

I’ve had some flirtations with vintage solid state in recent years - a recapped Yamaha CR-1020 and currently have a recapped Pioneer SX-780 in a secondary system. I have observed some positive attributes in the two solid state receivers, particularly the bass grip and texture that my vintage tubes can’t quite resolve.

I’d been curious lately about trying out a modern solid state amp, and the Rega Brio R was on my shortlist. @kenrothman yesterday listed one in the classifieds, and seeing how he’s local to me, I jumped all over it!

Stay tuned for my impressions… It will be interesting to see how this does with my LS50’s, compared to the Fisher tubes!

 

I think you'll return to vintage. Enjoy your journey.

 

Another soul lost to the Dark Side

 

I'm a tube man myself, but am anxious to hear your thoughts. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

BTW, Love the Avatar AP! I've got every Martin Denny album ever released.

 

Now now... my beloved X-100 isn't going anywhere!

Ray understands me!

Martin Denny rules! I have all of the "good" ones, but some of his '60s LPs are not so interesting, so I haven't bothered.

He did a really good album for Liberty/Capitol in '82 that sounds just like one of his '50s albums!

 

I do both and enjoy both. I think having the variety makes listening to music more compelling over time.

SS certainly has a blacker background and more punch.

 

Yeah, not everything he did is great, but I love the covers. I don't think I have the '82 album- I will have to check.

 

I think in very general terms tubes are more relaxing and SS more exciting. I've not had any experience with the low powered SET amps but I will say that modern tube mono blocks that are pushing over 100wpc really deliver on both.

 

The cover of the '82 album ("The Enchanted Isle") is horrible... but the music's good!

 

Yeah, that's pretty much much what I expect!

 

For jazz I tend to use my Chi-Fi EL-34 SET; for everything else, it's my restored Marantz 2230. Gotta have both.

 

So you finally came back to your senses. Welcome back to the accurate world of SS amplification, esp with those two terrific receivers you got !!!

 

Interested in your impressions. I have a Brio R in a box sitting 20 feet from my LS-50s but never hooked it up!

 

I have to chuckle reading that list... I have nearly the same lineup: Voice of Music 1428, Fisher 400, and Fisher X-100. I think the only difference is that I have the different VM model with the EL84 output tubes, plus my Fisher 400 is probably from the earlier part of the 60s. (I think my X-100 is also circa 1959.) I love all three for different reasons. And yet, I also have a Marantz 2230 as well, when I want that solid state sound. I have to keep telling myself I don't need anything else, but then I catch myself looking at Scott 299s on eBay.

Variety is a good thing! Just don't sell that X-100 in haste. You may end up missing it.

 

Hell to the no!

 

I'm a solid looking for a tube

 

Do it! It's very addictive. If you look for something other than fisher or McIntosh, you can get it done for not a lot of money.

 

I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts on the Rega. I'm an advocate of always having a tube and SS system for hifi diversity and enrichment.

 

You'll be alright mate ...

 

Yea, Fisher is kinda my dream machine. One day

 

When you're ready, my advice is a.) get one that has been competently refurbished (ie: DeOxIting the knobs isn't enough!), and b.) make sure you have a local tech who is familiar with vintage tube hifi. The average repair shop won't necessary know their way inside 50-60 year old technology.

 

I left the Rega powered on overnight, and plan to keep it on 24/7.

I am still getting my ear accustomed to it, but my immediate impressions while listening to CDs are:

• It's much 'quicker' than the Fisher, with significantly better bass slam... and yet the presentation is smooth and non-fatiguing.
• Surprisingly, it's fuller/warmer too; I didn't expect that.
• Imaging isn't as vivid vs. the Fisher... but I haven't tried vinyl yet.

More observations:

• Having a remote control for both the amp and source (CD) is a delight.
• I often loathe modern hifi visual design, but I appreciate the compactness and simplicity of the Brio-R. This is clearly a serious, no-BS design built to hit a price point without compromising performance. The lack of bells and whistles - and bling - is welcome. Even the warmly backlit Rega logo is tasteful and attractive.

Associated gear, currently:
Rotel RCD-1072
KEF LS50

 

Good advice. Anyone that has quality work done will list that in the add with specific details. I would say that more than half of what I see for sale needs to go directly to tec before you use it at home. Bad stuff can happen if you just power it up.

 

A good amplifier is a good amplifier, SS or hollow state. Close your eyes and enjoy

 

Especially with tubes!