The Rega Brio is the latest iteration with upgraded and new components, enabling it to provide better sonic performances over its predecessors. It still has a small footprint and will be an ideal integrated amplifier for a desktop sound system setup or for listening rooms with tight spaces. The minimalistic design and compact size of the Brio amplifier allow it to fit nicely in most rooms without causing unwanted distractions. The Rega Brio is a talented entry-level integrated amplifier but it does have its own limitations.
The power output of the Rega Brio is only good enough to drive mainly bookshelf speakers which are not demanding. Such stand-mounters usually have limited bass performance and more than likely are unable to produce very deep low frequencies. Going with highly efficient and easy-to-drive floor-standing speakers will be an option but they are very expensive and will cost way more than the Rega Brio amplifier. We can choose to connect a powered subwoofer to supplement the bass reproduction of the sound system and the connected sub can also deliver the missing low ends. Higher quality and more powerful subwoofers are able to produce subterranean bass frequencies with prominence.
There is no dedicated subwoofer output and likely you will need to use the Record output. This means you will need to adjust the volume of the subwoofer separately. For instance, whenever you adjust the volume of the Rega Brio amp, you will also need to adjust the volume of the subwoofer to a level that you prefer or to be on par with the current speakers’ volume level. You can invest in an Anti-Mode 8033 Automatic Subwoofer Equalizer and an attenuation cable to resolve this. This may also help to improve your subwoofer’s bass performance in your room as the Anti-Mode 8033 will automatically calibrate and correct the sub’s frequency response.
More Details at Amazon – Rega Brio – Integrated Amp
Rega Brio is an award-winning energetic integrated amplifier with an alacrity music performance and has amazing agility too. Integrating a subwoofer may help to add more punch and impact into the overall sound reproduction, providing you with a more entertaining music delivery. The overall bass performance of the Brio amplifier is tight, rich, and with depth. If you are listening to bass-heavy soundtracks or have musical instruments which will produce very deep bass frequencies, then it will be ideal to have an active subwoofer by your side. There are plenty of subwoofers to choose from and to find the right sub for the job, we will need to learn more about your main requirements as they will influence your subwoofer choice.
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Rega Brio Specifications
- Power Output: 50 Watts into 8 Ohms
- Inputs: 4 Line inputs, 1 Phono input
- Outputs: Record out
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 216mm x 78mm x 345mm | 8.5″ x 3.1″ x 13.6″
- Weight: 5.1kg (11.2lbs)
Main Subwoofer Requirements
The size of your listening room will influence the size and power of the subwoofer that you should get. If your listening room is big then you will need a larger and powerful active sub to fill the space with sonic energy efficiently. For listeners who are using the Rega Brio as part of a desktop sound system or will be listening to their music by sitting near to the speakers (nearfield) then you probably will just need a compact size subwoofer with decent amplifier power. This is also a good time to check your room for available space, the more the merrier as you can do a subwoofer crawl and look for the best spot for your powered sub where it can provide you with optimal bass performance.
We will suggest going with sealed subwoofers for music playbacks due to their accuracy and agility is more suited in this area. Unless you prefer bass output and higher max SPL then a ported subwoofer will be the better option. The type of music you are listening to will also be a factor, music such as movie soundtracks, EDM, trance, dubstep, etc., involves high output and very deep bass responses. Going with a powered subwoofer that can deliver down to 20Hz bass extension (flat) will be ideal. If you prefer more midbass punch, you can choose a mid-bass module subwoofer instead.
How much budget you are allocating will determine the quality of the subwoofer which you can go for. If you have a tight budget, we will suggest waiting and saving till you can get a decent quality subwoofer instead of a low-quality budget subwoofer. Since it will take up a permanent space in your home and will be quite stand out as well, you might want to ask for your spouse’s approval. Do feel free to add in more requirements of your own, you can treat this as a checklist, and will be great if it is as thorough as possible. Once you are confident of what kind of subwoofer you want, please do check out the list of the best subwoofers to pair with your Rega Brio integrated amplifier.
Best Subwoofers to match with Rega Brio
The Rythmik Audio L12 will be one of the best subwoofers to match with your Rega Brio amplifier. It is an entry-level sealed subwoofer with a modest price tag and has exceptional sonic performance. The L12 uses a 12″ high excursion driver powered by a Class D amplifier that outputs 300 Watts RMS. It can reach down to 18Hz and this is an impressive feat for a sealed subwoofer at this price point. The Rythmik Audio L12 is also capable of delivering an articulate and clear bass performance which is amazing for music playbacks. The tight bass delivery will complement the Rega Brio as well.
The HSU Research ULS-15 MK2 is one of the best subwoofers to pair with the Rega Brio especially if you need a mid-bass module from time to time. This sealed cabinet subwoofer has two operating modes, giving you the flexibility to either uses the ULS-15 MK2 regularly or as a mid-bass module for more chest-pounding low-frequency reproduction. The versatility of this subwoofer will be a suitable match for the Rega Brio amplifier. It is also very powerful, with up to 2000 Watts power (short term), and can dig deep down to 20Hz, producing the ultra-low frequencies prominently.
If you require a ported subwoofer, the SVS PB-1000 Pro will be an excellent choice for you and your Rega Brio integrated amplifier. This is an upgraded version of a very successful entry-level subwoofer, the latest iteration has a better overall bass performance and can deliver subterranean low frequencies of down to 17Hz. The Sledge STA-325D amplifier of the PB-1000 Pro provides a peak power of 820+ Watts. This 12″ ported subwoofer will excel in a home theater environment and deliver low rumbling bass that will excite your home cinematic experience, not to mention, it has a modest price tag too.
More Info at Amazon – SVS PB-1000 Pro Ported Subwoofer
For listeners who are unsure of whether to go for a ported or sealed cabinet subwoofer, you can check out HSU Research VTF-3 MK5 HP. This is an extremely powerful hybrid subwoofer where you switch between sealed or ported mode with 1 or 2 ports opened. With such versatility, you can easily change the main bass performance of the VTF-3 MK5 HP to suit your preference and match the Rega Brio integrated amplifier. As mentioned earlier, it is very powerful with up to 2000 Watts short-term power and delivers subterranean low frequencies down to 17Hz bass extension with 1 port open (ported mode).
Another amazing subwoofer that can give you two operating modes will be the SVS PB-2000 Pro and it will be a great match for your Rega Brio integrated amplifier. Using the Variable Port Tuning Modes feature, you can switch between sealed and ported with their own customized frequency response curves. With SVS PB-2000 Pro at your disposal, you can change the setting to suit your current use such as a sealed mode for music and ported for movies. Versatility is one thing, the PB-2000 Pro has power as well as the Sledge STA-550D amplifier is providing up to 1500+ of Peak power.
More Info at Amazon – SVS PB-2000 Pro 12″ Ported Subwoofer
If you do not wish to spend too much on an active subwoofer then perhaps the Klipsch R-100SW will be a fine choice to go for. It may be affordable but it does have a good bass performance. This is a highly rated 10″ ported subwoofer with up to 300 Watts peak power and is very well-regarded by its users. The Klipsch R-100SW is able to deliver clean and deep bass frequencies which will complement the Rega Brio well. For listeners who have really tight budgets, the Klipsch R-12SW will be a more affordable option. This 12″ budget subwoofer with a rear-firing bass port is very highly rated too.
More Info at Amazon – Klipsch R-100SW 10″ Subwoofer
More Information at Amazon – Klipsch R-12SW
To Conclude
We have taken the subwoofers’ price points into consideration when selecting them for this list. They are all worthy of your time to have a look and you can pick 1 or more for an audition. During the auditioning of the subwoofers, it will be easier for you to determine if their bass performance and quality are to your liking. You can also use this list as a reference when comparing it with other subwoofer brands and/or models. Do take your time to test these subwoofers out and enjoy the process.
