very dumb question

Thanks again for all the input.  And that Decware phono stage that tablejockey mentioned is certainly interesting if the Aria is too bright.

Good save:

I misread your post as owning an RP1.

The Aria has excellent reviews and should be a nice/synergistic match to the RP6/Exact combo.

On the plus side (for me) I have been considering an inexpensive full function SS integrated for CD/LP playback and your original post sparked me to read more about the Brio-R, which would seem to be a contender.

Previously I was looking @  the PS Audio Sprout, but wasn’t certain if the mid bass hump in the frequency response would work for me long term, plus I would have to use a mini-plug interconnect for the CD deck (not ideal as I really like the somewhat odd cables/connectors I’ve used for the last 12+ years). 

So I called and caught them before anything had shipped and cancelled the Brio. Was able to change it to an open box Rega Aria phono stage that they had.

Good for you.  I am glad you were able to cancel the order on the Brio and swing a deal on a standalone phono stage. 

I am sure the Aria will be just fine with your Rega Exact MM cartridge and you successfully kept your wish of keeping Rega with Rega.  Just follow the instructions and configure your phono stage accordingly for a MM cartridge as the Aria has MC capabilities too if you ever go down this road in the future.

Enjoy the new toys!

"Was able to change it to an open box Rega Aria phono stage that they had"

IIf you find the SS Rega uninspiring, for about the same retail cost are  2 tubed units that appear to get good reviews-Tavis Audagio
Decware Zen Triode.

Both should deliver the tube magic that SS won't match at your price point 

So I called and caught them before anything had shipped and cancelled the Brio.  Was able to change it to an open box Rega Aria phono stage that they had.  Originally that was what was in my mind at the original order I think (Brio, Aria, Brio, Aria - confusing).  Anyway I am using Exact cartridge with the RP6.  I wanted to get away from some dullness in my original setup.  Hopefully it will be a good match and seems to be a good fit for my music and needs (at the risk of being too bright but that is what Audiogon is for).  Thanks again for the help

I am very happy to hear that you can return the Brio.  Why pay for something that you don't need.

The phono stage should really be matched to the cartridge you have and not the TT.  So what cartridge are using with the RP6?  Also what is your budget for the phono stage and I am sure you'll get many good recommendations.

Thanks for all the responses and advice.  It was basically a screw up when I purchased the Brio-R.  I wanted to Rega RP6 so that is ok but then the conversation turned to the phono stage and there was a communication breakdown between me and the salesman on the phone.  That coupled with confusion on my part thinking that we were discussing a phono stage rather than an integrated amp with a phono stage led me to the purchase of the Brio.  I realized about two days later when i awoke suddenly in bed and said "wait a minute" and knew I had screwed it up.  I have not even received it yet so should be able to send back no problem and shop for the phono stage.  I am probably going to talk to the people at Needle Doctor for advice but any standouts for the phono stage that mates well with the RP6?

If we could still buy the Advent 300 receiver (new) assuming the same quality level it was back then, we would not need 1/2 the stuff being made these days.  What a honey of a receiver.

Rich 

Just connect it as described and enjoy.

Yes, there are better phono stages, but I assume your Rega/Rega will sound very nice.

Aside from that you have a complete backup amp (with phono) for the PL.

I used the phono section (only) of an Advent 300 receiver for years (patched through various tube gear) and was rewarded with super results through the 70’s/80’s.

If the Brio is new give it some time to bloom sound wise (same for the TT/cartridge if new as well).

Only talking about 25-50 hours of use, before sonic changes become apparent.

Now I have moved to Prima Luna Dialog HP Integrated without phono stage. I have purchased Rega RP6 with exact cartridge and to get the phono stage I bought the Rega Brio-R. This is an integrated amp with phono stage but I am basically just using it for the phono stage. Wanted to keep Rega with Rega as for TT and phono stage.

Ok, I can appreciate keeping Rega with Rega but I gotta ask the question...why buy a Rega integrated just to get the phono stage? And not use the Rega Brio’s amp capabilities because you already an integrated amp with the Prima Luna?

All you had to do was get a standalone Rega phono stage like this one...

http://www.needledoctor.com/Rega-Fono-Mini-Phono-Preamp_2?sc=2&category=35468

or this one...
http://www.needledoctor.com/Rega-Fono-MM-Phono-Preamp?sc=2&category=35468

Either would plug right into any available line level input on the Prima Luna.  And the best part is that there would be no redundancy. Can you take the Brio back?

I have two systems with turntables ... one system has the Rega Brio as its power source and the other has a PL Prologue 5 power amp paired with a Musical Fidelity CD PRE 24 preamp with a Schitt Mani phono amp.  Previously, I tried using an old Adcom GTP 500II preamp and a Parasound Z-phono preamp with the PL.  

To my ears, the Schitt Mani is better than the preamp section in the Brio and the Adcom and Parasound.  You can set-up the Brio as dekay outlined, but I doubt that you will be wild about the Brio to PL combination.

As you gathered, I am not that thrilled about the Brio's phono section.  I might be tempted to get the PL phono card for $250.  The Schitt is a no brainer at $150.

Rich     

+1 with Dekay's post; there is a record out on your unit.  that will bypass the volume control and give you the best sound from the unit.  After you live with it for a while (and perhaps try the Brio by itself rather than through the Prima Luna, much as I like that integrated) you can then decide if you want something different or not.

I have the PL HP. 

Do yourself a sonic favor. Invest in a decent phono stage.
Your table and ears deserve it.
There are plenty of choices in every price point.
That Rega will sound great with a tubed phono stage. 

Plug the TT into input one of the Brio and then patch the signal out to the PL via the the fixed output RCA’s of the Brio.

The fixed level outputs will be labeled “record out” (or something like that).