New amplifier (rega brio-r) knackered... please help!!

[eddie_fox]

Hi guys!!

Desperately need your help... I had purchased a Rega Brio-r online some time ago(about 2 months ago when I was still in UK, was listed as 'new'), but was only able to test it today here in Bangalore. I tried to audition some speakers at 'Music Ranch'.

I was shocked to find that the amp was unable to drive any speakers. It is not the technical ability of the amp itself that is a problem I assume as the specs are

Input sensitivities for rated output level:
Input 1 (Phono) input sensitivity: 2.1mV at 47KF In parallel with 220pF
Maximum Input 1 (Phono) input level: 100mV
Input 2 to 5 (Line) input sensitivity: 210mV at 47K
Maximum Input 2 to 5 (Line) input level: 10.25V

Power outputs at 230/115V supply voltage:
50Watts RMS both channels driven into the rated load of 8F
58Watts RMS one channel driven into the rated load of 8F
73Watts RMS both channels driven into the rated load of 4F
93Watts RMS one channel driven into the rated load of 4F
Continued high level use into 4F may cause the case to exceed 40 C above the ambient temperature.

Power consumption:
195Watts at 230/115V into the rated load of 8F
Record output level (with rated input levels): 210mV
Record output impedance: 470F
Frequency response:
Phono: 15Hz to 40KHz (-3dB points) / 27Hz to 20.5KHz (-1dB points).
RIAA accuracy: (100Hz to 10KHz) 0.4dB typically better than 0.3dB
Line: 12Hz (-1dB points) to 43KHz (-3dB points).

Dimensions: 13.5" x 8.5" x 3.25"
Weight: 13.5 Lbs'


I am wondering if my piece is faulty, as the volume even when fully turned up on the amp yields very low sound in any speaker combinations I tried. Even the technician at the store thought it could be a faulty piece.

I am devastated as I was very very keen on completing my set-up and now I don't have the main component in it.

Please help me by advising on my options for the moment, should I send it to a rega service centre (I don't know which is the nearest one to India, also ther website is not opening) or if anyone can recommend a reliable, good amp technician/service centre which might look into this problem, I don't mind doing that either.

please, please help... am completely heartbroken :sad:

 

[asliarun]

The first order of business would be to be double check the problem and the root cause.

You can view the manual here.

I really don't think the amp is capable of embarrassing itself in the manner you are suggesting.

Please double check that you connected the speakers in the correct sockets, with the correct polarity, and that the input to the amp was proper as well. One way to double check this is to use other equipment - meaning, of another amp works perfectly fine with the rest of the equipment, then it is indeed the amplifier that should hang its head in shame.

Perhaps, you might have better luck just calling the company. After all, international calls are not as extortionate as they once were. Their website is indeed taking an extended lunch break.

 

[omishra]

It happened to me with some other amplifier when I connected speakers between red-red and black-black instead of 2X(red-black) output terminals. Please double check that.

 

[eddie_fox]

The first order of business would be to be double check the problem and the root cause.

You can view the manual here.

I really don't think the amp is capable of embarrassing itself in the manner you are suggesting.

Please double check that you connected the speakers in the correct sockets, with the correct polarity, and that the input to the amp was proper as well. One way to double check this is to use other equipment - meaning, of another amp works perfectly fine with the rest of the equipment, then it is indeed the amplifier that should hang its head in shame.

Perhaps, you might have better luck just calling the company. After all, international calls are not as extortionate as they once were. Their website is indeed taking an extended lunch break.

Sadly, I did check with other setups/amps and they all seem fine...looks like my amp issue. Rega website is still down, but have located another number for them. I will call them and have a word. Thanks for the help.

 

[eddie_fox]

Guys,

Any recommendations for reliable expert technicians in Bangalore for my amp please? Desperate to get this sorted.... Ta!

 

[mpw]

eddie,

have been reading this thread...

am sorry for the predicament you find yourself in....

i know Akshay agarwal who is good with amps but in Mumbai.. there is one more guy in Mumbai who repairs naims i am told and i saw his name and number is another thread today..

try "naim repair mumbai " on HFV search and you should be able to lock on.

The above 2 guys are referred to in the forum and i know Akshay is a good hand but he is working and does this as a passion ( which is good - in my opinion ).

If you wish i can PM you akshays contact number unless you find someone in bangalore. I also do not know if he does specifically Rega's but i doubt you will find someone specialised in regas alone.

Note - i have no commercial connection with either only extending contacts i know.

mpw

 

[Thad E Ginathom]

There's Sayeed in Chennai. A bit closer than Mumbai.

HFVers here have been using him for a long time, and he was a guest at our meet.

He did some nice work for me very recently.

 

[eddie_fox]

eddie,

have been reading this thread...

am sorry for the predicament you find yourself in....

i know Akshay agarwal who is good with amps but in Mumbai.. there is one more guy in Mumbai who repairs naims i am told and i saw his name and number is another thread today..

try "naim repair mumbai " on HFV search and you should be able to lock on.

The above 2 guys are referred to in the forum and i know Akshay is a good hand but he is working and does this as a passion ( which is good - in my opinion ).

If you wish i can PM you akshays contact number unless you find someone in bangalore. I also do not know if he does specifically Rega's but i doubt you will find someone specialised in regas alone.

Note - i have no commercial connection with either only extending contacts i know.

mpw

I am sure you are not a commercial PR guy, and thanks so much for the details and tips. Can you please PM me the number. I will try to find someone in Bangalore first though and if I can't i will contact Akshay. I doubt there are any Rega specialists in India, so will have to rely on a good hand (after all, rega can't be exceptionally different or complex than a Naim)
Thanks a lot for your help and thanks in advance for the PM.

 

[eddie_fox]

There's Sayeed in Chennai. A bit closer than Mumbai.

HFVers here have been using him for a long time, and he was a guest at our meet.

He did some nice work for me very recently.

Thanks a lot, Thad. Can you please PM me Sayeed's number, if you have it. I will contact him if I cant find anyone in Bangalore soon. Thanks!

 

[magma]

is there a "mute" control of the rega

if so
there is a good chance that the muting ckt is blown

this has happened to a couple clients ( their problem was the same as yours vis a vie they had the same symptoms you describe )

its not great deal to get repaired
at least not im mumbai

If you cant find someone in Banglore send the amp
take mpw;s help if needed

A cap change will cost 500 bucks
the entire muting ckt change will cost 1400-2000 bucks

 

[anilva]

Philips of Lizzner Electronics In Bangalore is very good. Both me and GeorgeO (another moderator) highly recommend him.

We are not related to him though

Cheers.

 

[mpw]

eddie,

the gents from bangalore on this thread are senior members and i am sure their suggestions will be good.

Magma's point is to be kept in mind also.

Please PM me absolutely if you decide on Mumbai. ( Logistics will be a hassle here though )

mpw

 

[eddie_fox]

Hi all,

Good news!!!!!!!!!
Rega is sorted now. I am well happy. Thanks for all your advice. I found a good technician associated with the HT store in J.P Nagar, Bangalore. He knew his stuff and found out quickly that the problem was with the pre-amp circuit (sorry, i don't know what exactly it was) and sorted it in a day. It works well now, in fact, it is brilliant!

Love the musicality of this amp, paired with almost any speaker, but after a load of auditioning found that the amp was a wee bit on the bright side and pairs well with slightly warm speakers. I love it with KEF Q500 speakers and am planning to order them from ProFx. Any hints at good deals to be had on these anywhere else will be greatly appreciated... thanks

Anyway, Rega sorted, which is a huge relief and onwards now with my hi-fi journey....ta!

 

[canchi]

Hi all,

I love it with KEF Q500 speakers and am planning to order them from ProFx. Any hints at good deals to be had on these anywhere else will be greatly appreciated... thanks

You should ask Lokesh at HT Store itself, bought my KEF Q300s through him for a price better than Profx was willing to offer !
Cheers.

 

[nandac]

hi eddie, glad your brio is sorted out.

can you pls pass on the details about the guy who helped you with it?

that would be invaluable information for many members here I would think. thanks.

 

[eddie_fox]

hi eddie, glad your brio is sorted out.

can you pls pass on the details about the guy who helped you with it?

that would be invaluable information for many members here I would think. thanks.

Hi,

I contacted Lokesh from the Home Theatre store in J.P Nagar, Bangalore. He seems fairly knowledgeable, but he vouches for his technician, who works on-off for him. i don't know his name, but he has apparently worked on all the amps/speakers as a hi-fi store technician in Dubai. I just trusted Lokesh and was not dissatisfied.
Hope this helps others.

Ta!