Rega Brio Mk7 vs Arcam A5 Review: Which Stereo Amplifier Reigns Supreme?

Explore the Rega Brio Mk7 vs Arcam A5 showdown to find out which stereo amplifier offers superior sound and features.

Introducing the Contenders: Rega Brio Mk7 and Arcam A5

When it comes to stereo amplifiers, the Rega Brio Mk7 and the Arcam A5 are two models that have captured the attention of audiophiles seeking quality and power. Both pack 50 watts per channel but have distinct features that make the competition fierce.

Rega Brio Mk7 Highlights

• Power: 50 watts per channel
• Inputs: 3 line-level, optical, coaxial
• Outputs: Speaker outputs
• Phono Stage: Yes (moving magnet)
• Bluetooth: No
• Headphone Jack: Yes (3.5mm)

Launched this year, the seventh-generation Rega Brio Mk7 has raised the bar beyond its predecessors, boasting a price premium but promising a five-star audio experience. But can it topple the competition from Arcam?

Arcam A5 Features

• Power: 50 watts per channel
• Inputs: 3 line-level, optical, 2 coaxial
• Outputs: Preamp output
• Phono Stage: Yes (moving magnet)
• Bluetooth: Dual aptX Adaptive
• Headphone Jack: Yes (3.5mm)

The Arcam A5 has already earned two What Hi-Fi? awards, proving its staying power in the market. It remains a favorite for its versatility and sound quality.

Price Comparison: Clashing at Similar Levels

Initially priced at £749 (~$940) in 2023, the Arcam A5 holds steady without price changes. The Rega Brio Mk7, tested earlier this year at £799 (~$1000), also remains at its launch price. The slight price gap—about $60—makes them neck and neck in affordability.

Overall, the Arcam A5 edges out slightly on cost, with occasional discounts making it even more accessible.

Winner: Arcam A5

Design and Build: Modern vs Functional

Hi-Fi components often follow a design formula to blend in with others. Arcam’s A5, however, stands out with a fresh, modern look enhanced by stylish yellow accents and a sleek aluminum chassis. The controls feel premium, although the matte screen slightly blurs text.

On the other hand, the Rega Brio Mk7 opts for a functional aesthetic, which some may appreciate, but it feels less striking beside the Arcam. Both come with simple, user-friendly remote controls—modest but fitting for their price points.

Size-wise, the half-width Rega suits smaller spaces better, while the full-size Arcam fits well with larger setups. Rega’s lighter weight (4.9 kg vs. Arcam’s 8 kg) offers easier handling but probably won’t influence placement much.

Winner: Arcam A5

Features and Connectivity: A Close Race

Both amplifiers pack nearly identical specs:

• 50W per channel output
• Three line-level inputs
• One optical input
• 3.5mm headphone jack
• Moving magnet phono stage

Rega Brio Mk7 is the first in its lineup with a built-in DAC, offering one optical and one coaxial input, whereas Arcam A5 has two coaxial inputs for digital sources.

Neither has a USB input for direct laptop connection, but this omission is common at their price points.

The big functional advantage goes to the A5 with its dual aptX Adaptive Bluetooth support, enabling high-quality two-way wireless audio streaming — perfect if you want quick access to music from your phone or tablet without extra gear.

Winner: Arcam A5

Sound Quality Showdown: Finding the Tone that Moves You

Both models have earned rave five-star reviews for their sound, but do they deliver distinct experiences?

The Arcam A5 shines as a versatile player, delivering clean, deep, and engaging sound with authoritative yet nimble bass and a broad, detailed soundstage. As one review put it:

You feel the amp’s total control, showing impressive composure as music demands increase. It never sounds strained or overloaded, even at high volumes... Large-scale dynamic swings come through convincingly, and the scale is top-notch.

The DAC offers three filters, with a preference for the second, all yielding clear, rich audio. Its phono stage, headphone output, and Bluetooth connection are solid performers, though wired connections still edge wireless for quality.

The Rega Brio Mk7 is no mere update of an older model; it’s a worthy competitor. Its robust and confident build inspires trust in its performance.

It sounds balanced and cooperates well with a variety of equipment. While not the most expansive, it maintains tight control over instruments even in complex passages.

As noted:

There’s never any doubt about the emotions the performer wants to evoke. This has long been a strong point of the Rega Brio series, and the Mk7 only strengthens this tradition.

Its phono stage impresses, leveraging Rega’s turntable expertise, while the DAC ranks among the best at this price, and the headphone jack performs admirably.

When pitted head-to-head, it comes down to taste: Arcam’s sound is smoother, more open, and grander in scale, handling dynamic shifts with finesse. Rega offers more power and drive, with a richer low end that compellingly conveys rhythm and energy.

Winner: Tie

Final Verdict: A Tough Duel

Though the Rega Brio Mk7 didn’t clinch first place in any individual category, the battle was far closer than scores suggest. Both are powerful stereo amplifiers delivering excellent sound that’s hard to distinguish at first glance.

Specs might be the only way to separate the two objectively, but for most buyers, personal preference will be the deciding factor. Some reviewers favor Arcam’s look and feel; others appreciate Rega’s compact size. The sound quality, equally stellar, is a matter of taste.

Either choice promises a five-star product we highly recommend. However, the award-winning Arcam A5 takes the points lead—just barely.

Check out REGA PLANAR 3 RS EDITION + NEAT IOTA II + REGA BRIO MK7: The Perfect Trio

FAQs

• Which amplifier is better for Bluetooth streaming?
  The Arcam A5 supports dual aptX Adaptive Bluetooth, offering high-quality wireless streaming, unlike the Rega Brio Mk7 which lacks Bluetooth.
• Do both amplifiers have a phono stage for turntables?
  Yes, both feature a moving magnet phono input allowing direct connection of turntables without needing an external preamp.
• How do these amplifiers compare in size and weight?
  The Rega Brio Mk7 is more compact and lighter (4.9 kg), suitable for smaller spaces. The Arcam A5 is larger and heavier (8 kg), fitting better in bigger setups.
• Is there a big difference in sound quality?
  Both deliver excellent sound, but the Arcam is smoother and more spacious, while the Rega offers more power and bass drive. Choice depends on personal taste.
• Are both units remote controllable?
  Yes, both come with simple but functional remote controls for convenient operation.

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