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Rega IO (What doesn't it work with?)

2246 Views 5 Replies 3 Participants Last post by b curry, Dec 8, 2021

hifisurfer

Discussion Starter · May 23, 2021

I've used the Rega IO with Wharfedale Diamond 225, ELAC UB5, ELAC UB5 Slim, B&W 607 & the OG Kef LS50.

And the IO sounded great with all of them.

So my questions (And please know that I've also used the Rega Elex-R, Denon X1600H, and a few other 'powerful' amps).

Are there any speakers that the Rega IO doesn't pair well with?

Are there any speakers (not mentioned) that it pairs really well with?

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moving_in_stereo

· #2 · Dec 8, 2021

hifisurfer said:
Are there any speakers (not mentioned) that it pairs really well with?

Second this question. This amp caught my attention recently as it seems to fit my criteria as a Hi-Fi newbie: small footprint, unassuming, affordable, musically involving. Perfect for my small room.

There are also some minor concerns like the hum/buzz (not sure how widespread this is or how to prevent it) and the fact that it can run very warm and has no heatsinks (again, not sure what the long-term effects of that could be in terms of reliability).

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b curry

· #3 · Dec 8, 2021

moving_in_stereo said:
Second this question. This amp caught my attention recently as it seems to fit my criteria as a Hi-Fi newbie: small footprint, unassuming, affordable, musically involving. Perfect for my small room.

There are also some minor concerns like the hum/buzz (not sure how widespread this is or how to prevent it) and the fact that it can run very warm and has no heatsinks (again, not sure what the long-term effects of that could be in terms of reliability).

I'm not aware of any hum or buzz. Usually this is associated with improper grounding or grounding between components.

Actually, it does have heatsinks. I've circled them here strapped across the Sanken output devices.

It's a class AB design with a rather robust power supply for its size and output built inside a half width case and will generate some heat. Additionally, the metal case/enclosure itself is part of the units heatsink. It's not uncommon to use the case in this way. In other words, you should expect it to run warm as it's by design.

The IO is clearly a throw back to the old, original, Naim Nait design in almost every way.

This is a great little amplifier at a fantastic price point IMHO.

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b curry

· #4 · Dec 8, 2021

hifisurfer said:
I've used the Rega IO with Wharfedale Diamond 225, ELAC UB5, ELAC UB5 Slim, B&W 607 & the OG Kef LS50.

And the IO sounded great with all of them.

So my questions (And please know that I've also used the Rega Elex-R, Denon X1600H, and a few other 'powerful' amps).

Are there any speakers that the Rega IO doesn't pair well with?

Are there any speakers (not mentioned) that it pairs really well with?

The IO will produce higher SPL with speakers of higher sensitivity ratings, but that's also true of any amplifier.

Realistically, I cannot think of any speaker that it would not work with at normal listening levels.

It's built with a robust power supply as well as good quality parts at an almost unbelieve price point.

It's clearly a throw back to the old, original, Naim Nait in almost every way. FWIW, I used a Naim Nait to drive a pair of Quad ESL-57 speakers with more than satisfying results.

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moving_in_stereo

· #5 · Dec 8, 2021 (Edited)

b curry said:
Realistically, I cannot think of any speaker that it would not work with at normal listening levels.

I suppose you're right but Rega recommends pairing it with 6-8 ohm speakers so I'm leaning in that direction (benign impedance, higher efficiency). Considering it runs pretty warm anyway, I fear under 4 ohm loads it could get too hot.

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b curry

· #6 · Dec 8, 2021

moving_in_stereo said:
I suppose you're right but Rega recommends pairing it with 6-8 ohm speakers so I'm leaning in that direction (benign impedance, higher efficiency). Considering it runs pretty warm anyway, I fear under 4 ohm loads it could get too hot.

Opinions vary.

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