Hi,

I think the Musical Fidelity components are comparable to Rega. I own the Rega Planet 2000 player, the Apollo's predecessor, and I love it. It's one of the most musical players out there. I was under the same dilemma, trying to figure out whether to get the MF components or Rega. I loved them both. The MF was a bit more detailed and brighter, Rega was warmer and more musical. The differences are subtle enough that I think you will be happy with any of the choices.

As far as the Integrated is concerned, that decision should be driven by your speakers. If your speakers are efficient, easy to drive, go for the Brio. If they're harder to drive, go for the MF and more power.

Re: Monitor silver, I love those speakers. They have no bass, but everything else is absolutely lovely. They're able to reproduce subtleties and delicate musical details that very few speakers in this price range can.

FWIW, I own a Brio and can't get enough of it.

You might consider the Mira, though, as it is a little more powerful (not that the Brio is weak by any means), and has a remote.

I have Paradigm speakers at home, but, if I were buying new, I'd be seriously looking at Rega speakers also, particularly the R3 or R5.

I would also seriously consider and listen to the Epos M16, Dali Ikon 6, Paradigm Studio 60 or Monitor 11 and the Triangle Altea EX.

Hey, I'm a newbie, too, and am in no position to dispense advice, but I've recently heard Musical Fidelity and Rega integrateds. One more vote for Rega for me, as I prefer the treble of Regas over the MFs... more natural and musically involving, especially if you're seriously into classical music. Good luck!

I own the Rega Apollo and am quite happy with it. From the way you describe you like your music to sound, I think it will fill the bill nicely.
For an integrated amp, you may want to consider Cambridge Audio or NAD.