Rega Aria MK3 Phono Preamp
The Rega Aria MK3 is Rega's new reference level phono preamplifier suited to both Moving Coil and Moving Magnet Cartridges.
Housed within Rega's latest half width custom designed case, to give it a fresh new look and match the range, are two entirely separate, high performance phono stages. One fully adjustable, dedicated moving coil and one moving magnet. Each stage is designed and engineered to maximise the potential of your vinyl system whilst remaining easy to use and set up.
Advanced Technology: The Aria MK3 is an "all analogue amplifier" with no digital control circuitry. The fully aluminium case screens the internal circuit from any stray RFI signals. Rega designers have avoided including any superfluous gadgets as they obstruct the signal path and degrade the sound quality. The Aria incorporates many innovative design ideas including a self-adjusting servo control to keep the MC input circuit at its optimum, compensating for any variations in ambient or operating temperature. Both stages have their own separate input sockets and input pre-amplifier circuitry. This enabled them to design bespoke input circuitry for each cartridge type without compromise. Signal switching is performed at high level and low impedance (via relays) ensuring there is no degradation of the signal.
Moving Coil Stage Design & Features: The MC input uses parallel connected low noise FET's (Field Effect Transistor's) configured as a compound pair. The use of FET transistors ensures there is no bias current flowing in the cartridge coil so as not to upset the delicate magnetic geometry of the cartridge. The MC input has the provision for selecting resistive input loading of 70 Watts to 400 Watts and capacitive loading of 1000pF to 4200pF. The input sensitivity can be changed by 6dB, via the back panel.
Moving Magnet Stage Design & Features: The MM input uses low noise bipolar input transistors also configured as a compound pair. There are two separate power supplies for each channel and further sub power supplies for each of the low noise input circuits. Nichicon FG electrolytic capacitors have been used in critical positions throughout the power supplies. Polypropylene capacitors have been used in the signal path and equalization networks. Discrete circuitry is used throughout the signal path ensuring full control of the circuit design.
Aria In The News
In Stereophile's sister publication Analog Planet, Michael Fremer heartily recommends the Rega Aria and says "Rega's versatile Aria phono stage combines quality, flexibility and dynamic capabilities more commonly found in more expensive phono preamplifiers. Add to that black backgrounds, ample gain and very high build quality and Rega's latest is easy to recommend."
Aria MK3 Receives StereoNet Applause Award: "As an affordable, mid-price phono stage that's highly configurable and flexible, it is excellent. Musical, engaging and tonally smooth, there's an awful lot to like here, for the money." David Price, StereoNet
Main Features & Specifications
- Design: Reference Quality Phono Preamplifier
- High performance switchable MC & MM stage
- Fully adjustable MC stage
- MC input uses parallel connected low noise FET's
- MM input uses low noise bipolar transistors
- Custom designed case
- All analogue amplifier
- Bespoke input circuitry for MM & MC
- Lifetime warranty against manufacture defects
- Note: If you have an integrated amplifier or preamplifier with a built in phono stage, DO NOT connect the Aria to this input. The Aria MK3 needs to be connected to a line level input.
General
- Moving Coil Load Settings
- Rega MC Load Resistance L & R: 100 Ω
- Rega MC Loading Capacitance L & R: 1000 pF
- Rega MC Gain L & R: 69.3 dB 9 (High setting for Rega MC models)
- Inputs: 1 x Moving Coil, 1 x Moving Magnet
- Output: RCA jacks
- Detachable IEC Power Cord: Allows for upgrade. See our power cable range here
- Maximum Output Level: 11V RMS
- Rated Output Level: 200mV
- Output Resistance: 100Ω
- Minimum Output Resistance for a –3dB point at 15Hz: 1K
- AC Supply: 230V / 50Hz
- Power Consumption: 10 Watts
- Ambient Operating Temperature: 5 to 35°C
- Removable Power Cable: Upgrade to a Premium Power Cable for better performance
- Finish: Black
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 218 x 78 x 315mm
- Weight: 3.1kg
- Manufacturer's Warranty: 3 Years covering full parts & labour and a lifetime warranty against manufactured defect
- Learn more about Rega
Note: Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE