Audio T Verdict
The Rega io is a refreshingly straightforward integrated amplifier for anyone building a proper separates system without needing digital inputs, streaming or a long list of additional features.
Its compact case contains a 30W-per-channel Class A/B amplifier, high-quality moving magnet phono stage, two analogue line inputs, headphone output and motorised volume control with remote operation.
Partnered with appropriately efficient speakers, the io can form the heart of a remarkably engaging vinyl, CD or streaming system. Careful speaker matching is important, particularly in larger rooms or when using lower-impedance designs, so a demonstration is strongly recommended.
Rega io Integrated Stereo Amplifier
The Rega io is the entry point into Rega's range of integrated stereo amplifiers.
It takes technology developed for the larger Brio and places it within a smaller and more affordable case, while retaining the analogue circuitry, component quality and straightforward operation for which Rega amplifiers are known.
The io delivers 30W per channel into 8 ohms and includes one moving magnet phono input, two line-level inputs, a front-mounted headphone socket and a compact system remote control.
It does not contain a DAC, Bluetooth receiver or network streamer. Instead, its available budget and internal space are concentrated on the analogue amplifier, phono stage and power supply.
Brio-Derived Class A/B Amplifier
The io uses a Class A/B power amplifier circuit derived from the larger Rega Brio.
It has been configured to deliver 30W per channel into an 8-ohm loudspeaker load, providing useful power for appropriately matched standmount and compact floorstanding speakers.
While the published power figure may appear modest compared with some alternatives, loudspeaker sensitivity, impedance, room size and listening distance all influence the volume and control a system can produce.
- 30W per channel into 8 ohms
- Class A/B power amplifier circuit
- Brio-derived amplifier architecture
- Sanken output transistors
- Linear power supply
- Short-circuit and thermal protection
Carefully Selected Components
Rega has concentrated on a relatively small number of carefully selected components rather than adding features that are not essential to the amplifier's main purpose.
Sanken output transistors are used within the power amplifier, while an Alps motorised potentiometer controls the volume.
A conventional linear power supply provides energy for the amplifier and its low-level signal stages.
- Sanken power amplifier output devices
- Motorised Alps volume potentiometer
- Linear power supply
- Short and uncomplicated signal paths
- Remote-controlled volume adjustment
Integrated Moving Magnet Phono Stage
Input 1 is a dedicated moving magnet phono input for connecting a compatible turntable.
The circuit is derived from the moving magnet phono stage used within the Brio and provides standard loading of 47 kilohms in parallel with 220pF.
It is suitable for many conventional moving magnet cartridges, including Rega Carbon and Nd moving magnet models.
Moving Magnet Turntables
A turntable fitted with a compatible moving magnet cartridge can connect directly to Input 1.
The
Rega Planar 1
with its factory-fitted Carbon cartridge is a natural partner for the io.
Higher-Performance Turntables
The io phono stage can also be used with turntables such as the
Rega Planar 2 with Nd3
.
A demonstration can help establish whether the complete turntable, amplifier and speaker combination is appropriately balanced.
Moving Coil Cartridges
A low-output moving coil cartridge cannot normally connect directly to the io phono input.
It requires a suitable external moving coil phono stage connected to one of the two line-level inputs.
Turntable Grounding
A grounding terminal is provided beneath the phono input for tonearms that use a separate earth wire.
Rega tonearms are normally grounded through the left-channel phono connection and do not require an additional earth wire.
When using the phono input, position the amplifier as far from the turntable cartridge as the tonearm cable reasonably permits. This can help reduce the possibility of magnetic interference and unwanted hum.
Two Analogue Line Inputs
Inputs 2 and 3 are conventional line-level RCA connections.
They can be used with analogue source components including:
- CD players
- WiiM streamers with analogue outputs
- Bluesound streamers with analogue outputs
- External DACs
- Bluetooth receivers
- Tuners
- Cassette players
- External phono stages
- Televisions with a suitable analogue output
Each line input has a sensitivity of 210mV and an input impedance of 47 kilohms.
Connecting a Streamer
The Rega io does not contain a network streamer or digital-to-analogue converter, but a separate music streamer can be connected through either of its two analogue line inputs.
The streamer must provide an analogue output, as the io does not include optical, coaxial or USB digital inputs.
WiiM Pro Plus
The
WiiM Pro Plus
is a compact and affordable way to add modern music streaming to the Rega io.
Its internal DAC converts the digital music signal before sending a line-level analogue output to Input 2 or 3 on the amplifier.
It supports a wide range of streaming services, app control, wireless multiroom playback and high-resolution audio without replacing the io or changing the character of the wider system.
Bluesound Node
The
Bluesound Node
is a more premium streaming option with an established control platform and extensive system connectivity.
Connect its analogue RCA output to Input 2 or 3 on the Rega io. The Node handles the digital-to-analogue conversion before passing the music signal to the amplifier.
It is worth considering when streaming will be a major source within the system or when future multiroom and connectivity options are important.
Other streamers can also be used, provided they include a suitable analogue line-level output. A digital-only streamer requires a separate compatible DAC before it can connect to the io.
Connecting a Television
A television can connect to the io only when it provides a suitable analogue audio output.
Televisions with optical or HDMI audio outputs require a separate compatible DAC or audio converter.
Because the io does not include HDMI ARC or eARC, its volume will normally be controlled with the supplied Rega remote rather than the television handset.
High-Quality Headphone Output
A 3.5mm headphone socket is positioned on the front panel.
The headphone output is driven from the main power amplifier stage through relays. This arrangement avoids placing the headphone switching circuit permanently within the main loudspeaker signal path.
Inserting a headphone plug automatically switches off the loudspeaker outputs.
Rega recommends reducing the volume before inserting or removing headphones to protect both the headphones and the listener's hearing.
The headphone output has a source impedance of 109 ohms and is intended for conventional Hi-Fi headphones.
Compact System Remote Control
A redesigned Rega mini system remote control and two AAA batteries are included.
The handset allows the listening level and selected input to be adjusted from the listening position and can operate compatible functions on other remote-controlled Rega products.
The front-panel input button can also be used to cycle manually between the phono input and the two line inputs.
Speaker Matching
Rega recommends loudspeakers with a nominal impedance of 6 to 8 ohms for the io.
Four-ohm speakers can be used, but lower-impedance designs place greater demands on the amplifier and can cause the case temperature to rise considerably during sustained high-level listening.
Loudspeaker sensitivity is particularly important with a 30W amplifier. Relatively efficient speakers will normally produce more useful volume and dynamic range than an insensitive design in the same room.
Room dimensions and listening distance should also be considered. The io is particularly well suited to small and medium-sized rooms, but can still produce impressive results in larger spaces when partnered carefully.
Rega Kyte Speakers
The
Rega Kyte speakers
were developed as part of the same family of compact Rega components.
They are used with the io within Rega's complete System One vinyl package.
Alternative Speakers
The io can also work well with appropriately matched compact speakers from manufacturers such as Acoustic Energy, DALI, Fyne Audio, Monitor Audio and Wharfedale.
Speaker sensitivity, impedance and room placement should be considered before purchase.
Rega System One
The io is also available as part of the
Rega System One
.
This complete vinyl system combines the io amplifier with a Rega Planar 1 turntable, Rega Kyte loudspeakers and suitable speaker cable.
It is designed for customers who want a complete single-brand vinyl system with components selected to work together.
Protection and Operating Temperature
The io includes thermal and foldback short-circuit protection.
If the speaker cables are accidentally shorted, the protection circuit limits excessive current to help protect the amplifier's output stage.
Sustained high-level use with loudspeaker loads of 6 ohms or below can cause the case to rise more than 40 degrees Celsius above the surrounding temperature and may activate the thermal shutdown.
Always switch the amplifier off before connecting or changing loudspeaker cables.
Installation and Ventilation
The compact case also acts as part of the amplifier's cooling system and can become warm during normal operation.
Place the io on a rigid, level shelf or table with enough open space around it for air to circulate.
Do not place the amplifier on carpet, fabric, bedding or another soft surface. Avoid stacking other Hi-Fi equipment directly on top.
Its 290mm case depth should be considered when choosing a shelf, particularly once the power lead, speaker cables and RCA connections have been fitted.
No Automatic Standby
The io does not include automatic standby or remote power control.
Rega explains that the amplifier needs to reach an appropriate operating temperature for its bias current to stabilise, so an automatic power-management function has not been included.
The amplifier must be switched on and off using the front-panel power button. It consumes no power when switched off.
Rega io or Brio MK7?
Choose the Rega io If You:
- Want an affordable compact integrated amplifier
- Need a moving magnet phono input
- Only require two additional line-level sources
- Use relatively efficient loudspeakers
- Are building a system for a small or medium-sized room
- Do not need digital inputs or automatic standby
Consider the Brio MK7 If You:
- Want 50W per channel rather than 30W
- Need three analogue line inputs
- Want optical and coaxial digital connections
- Need automatic and remote standby
- Use more demanding loudspeakers
- Want greater flexibility for future system expansion
View the
Rega Brio MK7
.
What the Rega io Does Not Include
Digital Features
- No built-in DAC
- No optical input
- No coaxial digital input
- No USB audio input
- No HDMI ARC or eARC
Wireless Features
- No network streaming
- No Wi-Fi
- No Bluetooth
- No app control
- No wireless multiroom platform
Expansion Outputs
- No preamplifier output
- No dedicated subwoofer output
- No fixed record output
- No second speaker output
- No home cinema bypass input
Who Is the Rega io For?
A Good Choice If You:
- Are building your first separate Hi-Fi system
- Want a compact analogue integrated amplifier
- Use a turntable with a moving magnet cartridge
- Only need two additional line-level inputs
- Want a good-quality headphone output
- Use efficient speakers in a small or medium-sized room
- Prefer simple controls and remote operation
- Want to add a WiiM or Bluesound streamer
Consider Another Option If You:
- Need optical, coaxial, USB or HDMI inputs
- Want Bluetooth or built-in network streaming
- Need more than two line-level inputs
- Use particularly insensitive or demanding loudspeakers
- Listen at high volume in a large room
- Need a preamplifier or dedicated subwoofer output
- Need automatic or remote standby
- Use a low-output moving coil cartridge without an external phono stage
Key Features
- 30W per channel into 8 ohms
- Brio-derived Class A/B power amplifier circuit
- Sanken output transistors
- Linear power supply
- Motorised Alps volume potentiometer
- Integrated moving magnet phono stage
- Two analogue line-level RCA inputs
- Compatible with streamers that provide an analogue output
- Grounding terminal for compatible third-party tonearms
- Front-panel 3.5mm headphone socket
- Headphone output driven from the power amplifier stage
- Automatic speaker muting when headphones are connected
- Compact Rega mini system remote control
- Foldback short-circuit protection
- Thermal protection
- Compact custom-designed case
- Lifetime limited warranty against confirmed manufacturing defects
Frequently Asked Questions
How powerful is the Rega io?
The io delivers 30W per channel into an 8-ohm loudspeaker load.
Does the Rega io have a built-in phono stage?
Yes. Input 1 is a dedicated moving magnet phono input suitable for most conventional MM cartridges.
Can I connect a Rega Planar 1 directly?
Yes. The Planar 1's factory-fitted Rega Carbon moving magnet cartridge can connect directly to the io phono input.
Can I connect a Planar 1 Plus to the phono input?
No. The Planar 1 Plus already contains a phono stage and produces a line-level output. It should be connected to Input 2 or 3 rather than the io phono input.
Can I use a moving coil cartridge?
A low-output moving coil cartridge requires a suitable external moving coil phono stage connected to one of the two line inputs.
How many inputs does the io have?
It has one moving magnet phono input and two analogue line-level inputs.
Does the io have digital inputs?
No. It does not include optical, coaxial, USB or HDMI connections.
Does it have Bluetooth or streaming?
No. A separate streamer or Bluetooth receiver with an analogue output can be connected to either line input.
Can I connect a WiiM streamer?
Yes. A WiiM streamer with an analogue output can connect to Input 2 or 3. The WiiM Pro Plus is a particularly suitable option because its internal DAC and RCA outputs allow it to connect directly to the Rega io.
Can I connect a Bluesound Node?
Yes. Connect the Node's analogue RCA output to Input 2 or 3 on the io.
Can I connect a television?
A television with an analogue audio output can connect to a line input. A television with only optical or HDMI audio requires a separate compatible converter or DAC.
Does the io include a headphone socket?
Yes. A 3.5mm headphone socket is located on the front panel. Connecting headphones automatically switches off the loudspeaker outputs.
Is a remote control included?
Yes. A Rega mini system remote control and two AAA batteries are included.
Can it power 4-ohm speakers?
Yes, but Rega recommends nominally 6 to 8-ohm speakers. Sustained high-level use with 4-ohm or difficult lower-impedance loads can make the amplifier very hot and activate thermal protection.
Does the io have a subwoofer output?
No. An active subwoofer may still be usable when it provides suitable high-level speaker connections, but compatibility should be checked before purchase.
Does it have a preamplifier or record output?
No. The io does not provide a variable preamplifier output or fixed-level record output.
Does it have automatic standby?
No. The amplifier is switched on and off using the front-panel power button.
How much ventilation does it need?
Leave open space around the amplifier and do not place it on carpet, fabric or another soft surface. Other equipment should not be stacked directly on top.
Can I arrange a demonstration?
Yes. Contact your local Audio T store to hear the io with suitable turntables, streamers and loudspeakers.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Specialist advice from experienced in-store teams
- Help matching the io with suitable loudspeakers
- Turntable and moving magnet cartridge compatibility advice
- Guidance on choosing between WiiM, Bluesound and other streamers
- Help connecting a CD player, external DAC or television
- Headphone matching advice
- Demonstrations available through selected Audio T stores
- Help building a complete entry-level Hi-Fi system
- Part exchange available on suitable equipment
- Ongoing support from the UK's oldest independent specialist Hi-Fi retailer
Contact your local Audio T store
to arrange a demonstration or discuss whether the Rega io is the right amplifier for your system.