Rega Brio-R Break-in time.

Unfortunately, I think my ears agree with Mezzanine. I just replaced my hk3490 with Brio-R today. The sound has improved measurably across the board. Finally, my Vienna Acoustic Bach 6ohm speakers have come alive! There's more detail, more composure, more control, and the bass has gone from bloated mush to firm and taut; EXCEPT --and I really hate to say it --- I can't listen to this damn thing! I keep turning the volume down, the brightness just gives me a headache...

I listened to some vinyl, which calmed things a little. Then I spun Getz Au Go Go and I realized it -- the coupe de grace for me -- somehow the magic had gone mostly missing from the sax of Stan Getz and the voice of Astrud Gilberto. Honestly, they sounded a little dry, boring, and absent the smoothness/sweetness I'm use to hearing.

I plan on running the Brio-R all week to see if either my ears adjust or it breaks in; if not. I'm pretty sure I have a 30 day return policy to make use of.

So.. recommendations for an integrated for $500-1000 with a smooth/lush-neutral character anyone?

Thanks for the suggestions, Mezzanine. I've read about the Primare I21 + Vienna combination quite a few times, so it must be pretty good. I saw one on ebay, but I wanted a built in a phono stage and the reassurance of a warranty so I opted for the Rega Brio-R instead. I didn't see the Vincent you mentioned on audioadvisor, but they do seem like nice products -- would love to try tubes with the VAs! I have considered the peachtree products (as integrated or preamp/dac) and also the Primaluna prologue one (the only primaluna I could afford and the one that never comes up used).

Anyway, back on topic, I called the folks at needledoctor.com today to return the Brio-R, but the fellow on the phone (extremely helpful and friendly customer service btw) assured me that the store's Brio-R sounded "brutal" out of the box and suggested that I break it in for a good 50-100 hours. I've already put about 35+ hours in, so I'm going to give it a shot before I decide what to do.

Funnily enough, I stumbled upon the Stereophile review of the Brio-R last night; I believe the reviewer described the amp as "smooth and non fatiguing" which mirrors some of the comments I've seen on this forum. I guess we'll see...

Just an update: I returned the Brio-R after putting around 150 hours on it (can't say I noticed any real change past the 60-70 hour mark); it was still too bright for me to live with. Upon return, my dealer confirmed that my unit sounded fine to him...well, everyone hears differently.