Rega Planar 3 RS + Brio Mk7 + Neat Iota II System

The Rega Planar 3 RS Edition (Rega Special) is constructed using a brand-new aluminium metal skin HPL laminate to create the stiffest plinth at Planar 3 level Rega has produced. This stunning dark brushed metallic plinth, edged in high gloss black creates a stunning platform for the iconic Planar 3. The RS Edition includes a custom matched Neo MK2 PSU with each motor vibration circuit hand tuned to each individual motor. This low noise 24v motor drives the sub platter via our Reference EBLT drive belt for ultimate accuracy in speed control. Finally, the legendary handmade RB330 tonearm is mounted and supplied with the all award winning Nd5 moving magnet cartridge. 

Rega has pioneered the use of lightweight, ultra rigid plinths over many years. Rega's use of lightweight particulate core with a highly rigid phenolic resin skin became the foundations of the high level of performance achieved by the now iconic original Planar range. 

The new Planar 3 RS Edition takes this design philosophy to the next level using a High Pressure Laminate, (HPL) usually reserved for the Planar 6, Planar 8 and Planar 10 models for increased rigidity.  In addition, this premium HPL has a stunning brushed metal dark aluminium skin with a beautiful satin finish. You will also find our double brace system mounted specifically where the increased rigidity is required (between the tonearm mounting and the main hub bearing) which forms a structurally sound “stressed beam” assembly. 

This complex plinth design prevents energy absorption and unwanted resonance, which will add unnatural distortions to the music. Equally, heavier mass can transfer more unwanted energy, such as motor or bearing noise directly into the rotating record. The use of braces allows double thickness phenolic resin in these key areas which directly addresses the issue of mass absorption and unwanted energy transmission.

Features

• Brushed metal dark aluminium HPL laminated plinth
• RB330 Precision tonearm
• Nd5 MM cartridge factory fitted
• Neo turntable PSU MK2 included (speed control + anti vibration circuit)
• Supplied with and hand tuned to the Neo PSU Mk2 power supply 
• 24 V low noise, low vibration motor, 
• CNC machined custom pulley
• Reference EBLT drive belt fitted as standard
• Double brace technology
• 12 mm float glass opti-white polished platter
• Supplied with a smoked dust cover as standard.
•  Lifetime warranty against manufacture defects
  
  
  

The Rega Brio MK7 is a meticulously crafted, high-performance stereo integrated amplifier, designed for discerning audiophiles. As the latest iteration of Rega's best-selling amplifier, the MK7 offers unparalleled advancements and a host of new features. The team of engineers behind this model has completely reworked the Brio circuit, optimising it for superior performance while significantly reducing distortion. Encased in a compact, custom-built aluminium chassis, the Brio MK7 delivers an impressive 50W per channel into 8Ω and 72W per channel into 6Ω, providing more than enough power to drive even the most demanding loudspeakers. Additionally, it now includes an onboard Rega-designed DAC with two digital inputs, expanding its compatibility with a range of other devices. The unit is also equipped with a mini system remote, offering control over the standby function, allowing users to power the amplifier on or off remotely.

Features

• Integrated Rega moving magnet phono stage
• Rega DAC with two digital inputs
• Headphone socket
• Custom Mini system remote control
• Custom designed case
• Standby and Auto Standby functionality
• 50 W into 8 Ω & 72 W into 6 Ω
• Short circuit protection
• Thermal cut-out
•  Lifetime warranty against manufacture defects
  
  

Design and Build Quality

Throughout the design process, no detail has been overlooked in the Brio MK7's development. From the choice of materials to the advanced manufacturing techniques, every aspect of this amplifier has been enhanced to deliver the best possible performance. The MK7 is the most advanced Brio to date, featuring an integrated Rega DAC, standby and auto-standby functions, and a thermal cut-out. The connections on the Brio MK7 are versatile, offering three line inputs and a dedicated phono stage for vinyl enthusiasts. The phono input benefits from improved isolation between stages, alongside high-spec operational amplifiers that provide gain for attached cartridges. The Brio circuit has long been regarded as one of the most musically rewarding in its class, and the MK7 continues this tradition, offering even more refinement and exceptional performance through its headphone output.

Re-Laid Circuit

Significant upgrades have been made to the Brio MK7's circuit to ensure it meets higher specifications. The PCB layout has been fully redesigned to improve handling of critical components, and a second raw power supply has been introduced.

This provides greater isolation between the output stage and the driver stage, as well as the line and phono amplifiers, which enhances the overall signal integrity. Higher-specification MUSES operational amplifiers have been employed in the line, DAC, and phono stages, further elevating the performance of the amplifier and ensuring a cleaner, more precise sound.

Headphone Circuit Design

The Brio MK7 also includes an onboard circuit specifically designed to drive standard hi-fi headphones. This circuit has been cleverly integrated into the amplifier without compromising the main signal path, ensuring the overall sound quality remains unaffected. Special attention has been given to the switch that deactivates the main speakers when the headphone socket is in use. This thoughtful design ensures a seamless transition between speaker and headphone listening, offering audiophiles the flexibility to enjoy their music through either medium without any degradation in sound quality.

Auto-Standby and Protection

For added convenience, the Brio MK7 is equipped with an auto-standby function, which automatically puts the amplifier into standby mode after approximately one hour of inactivity. This energy-saving feature can be disabled if preferred. Additionally, the Brio MK7 is protected by an advanced thermal protection system. Should the amplifier reach a temperature that could cause internal damage, the system will disable the speaker output, signalled by the illumination of the MUTE LED and the deactivation of the input LED indicator. If the overtemperature condition persists, the amplifier will shut itself down. Furthermore, the Brio MK7 includes fold-back short circuit protection, safeguarding the output stage from excessive currents caused by speaker lead shorts, without impacting the sound quality, as the protection is not placed in the audio signal path.

Neat IOTA II Speakers

The revised Neat IOTA II, which was originally launched in 2011 features an upgraded bass/midrange drive unit and a revised crossover. The original Iota delivered performance far beyond what might be expected from such a compact two-way design, and these refinements provide improved bass extension and a sense of scale that appears to challenge expectations.

As with all Neat loudspeakers, internal components are carefully selected to ensure ideal matching of the drive units. The crossover network includes low-tolerance air-core inductors and polypropylene capacitors, all hard-wired to reduce disruption to the signal path. The IOTA II delivers an impressive sense of scale that suggests a much larger speaker, while remaining highly versatile in terms of placement. Its compact and elegant cabinet can be used on stands, bookshelves, and desktops in most domestic environments.

Planar 3 Turntable Specifications

Brio Mk7 Integrated Amplifier Specifications

IOTA II Specifications