Rega Aura Reference MC Phono Stage | High-End Vinyl Playback at Audio T
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Rega Aura Reference MC Phono Stage

Rega Aura Reference MC Phono Stage

Audio T Verdict

The Rega Aura is the company's reference moving-coil phono stage, designed for customers who want to hear everything a high-performance turntable and low-output MC cartridge can provide.

Its three-stage, fully symmetrical circuit uses carefully matched ultra-low-noise FETs, Class A amplification, separate passive and active RIAA equalisation sections and a substantial discrete power supply.

Five resistance settings, five capacitance settings and two gain levels provide considerably greater cartridge-matching flexibility than the Fono MC Mk4 or Aos MC. Front-panel loading controls also make comparisons far easier when fine-tuning a cartridge.

RCA and balanced XLR outputs allow the Aura to work with a broad range of high-performance amplifiers and pre-amplifiers. At this system level, we strongly recommend a demonstration with your own turntable, cartridge and familiar records.

Rega Aura Reference MC Phono Stage

The Rega Aura Reference MC is a dedicated moving-coil phono pre-amplifier designed and assembled in the UK.

It amplifies the extremely small electrical signal produced by a low-output moving-coil cartridge and applies the RIAA equalisation required for accurate record playback.

Rega has designed the Aura specifically for moving-coil cartridges rather than combining moving magnet and moving-coil circuits within the same enclosure.

The substantial custom case contains a three-stage symmetrical audio circuit, discrete tracking power supply, local regulation for individual sections and front-panel controls for gain, loading, capacitance, mute and mono operation.

What Does a Moving-Coil Phono Stage Do?

A low-output moving-coil cartridge produces a signal measured in fractions of a millivolt.

This is far lower than the output from a CD player, network streamer or other conventional source and requires a substantial amount of low-noise amplification.

Records are also manufactured using an RIAA frequency curve which reduces bass and increases treble during the cutting process.

The Aura therefore performs two essential functions:

  • It amplifies the low-level moving-coil cartridge signal to a usable line level
  • It applies the inverse RIAA curve to restore the correct frequency balance

The amplified and equalised signal then connects to a normal analogue line input on an integrated amplifier or pre-amplifier.

Dedicated Moving-Coil Design

The Aura is intended for conventional low-output moving-coil cartridges.

It provides much more gain than a moving magnet phono stage and offers adjustable resistance and capacitance to suit different cartridge generators.

It is not suitable for moving magnet cartridges such as the Rega Carbon, Nd3, Nd5, Nd7 or Nd9.

Some high-output moving-coil cartridges are intended for use with a moving magnet input, so the cartridge manufacturer's instructions should always be checked before connection.

Low-Output Moving Coil

  • Suitable for the Rega Aura
  • Requires substantial low-noise gain
  • Resistance and capacitance should be matched
  • Includes Rega Ania, Ania Pro, Apheta 3 and Aphelion 2

Moving Magnet

  • Not suitable for the Rega Aura
  • Normally requires 47 kO loading
  • Produces a much higher output level
  • Consider a Rega Fono MM Mk5 instead

Three-Stage Fully Symmetrical Circuit

The Aura uses three symmetrical amplification stages.

The first stage provides the initial low-noise amplification and drives the passive high-frequency part of the RIAA equalisation network.

The second stage provides further amplification and forms the active low-frequency part of the RIAA equalisation.

The third stage creates the inverted signal required for the balanced XLR output while using the same core topology as the second stage.

  • Three-stage symmetrical amplifier
  • Complementary Class A input stage
  • Passive high-frequency RIAA equalisation
  • Active low-frequency RIAA equalisation
  • Dedicated balanced-output stage
  • RCA and balanced XLR outputs

Ultra-Low-Noise FET Input Stage

The first stage uses parallel-connected Linear Systems ultra-low-noise FET transistors.

These carefully graded and matched devices are configured as a symmetrical compound input pair.

FET transistors have an extremely high input impedance and do not require bias current to flow through the cartridge coil.

This helps avoid disturbing the delicate magnetic arrangement within the moving-coil cartridge.

The input circuit also avoids using a coupling component between the cartridge output and the first-stage FET transistors.

  • Parallel-connected Linear Systems FETs
  • Carefully graded and matched input devices
  • Symmetrical compound-pair arrangement
  • No cartridge-coil bias current
  • No input coupling component
  • Designed for extremely low cartridge output levels

Passive High-Frequency RIAA Equalisation

The first amplification stage drives the passive high-frequency section of the Aura's RIAA equalisation network.

Handling this part of the correction passively allows the high-frequency response to be established without placing the entire RIAA curve inside one amplifier feedback loop.

One per cent tolerance polypropylene capacitors are used within the RIAA equalisation sections to maintain accurate and stable component values.

Class A Second Amplification Stage

The second stage is a symmetrical Class A differential amplifier with a common-base driver section.

It provides further gain while operating as the active amplifier within the low-frequency part of the RIAA equalisation.

Dividing the RIAA correction between passive high-frequency and active low-frequency sections allows each part of the curve to be handled by an appropriate circuit.

Third Stage for Balanced Output

The third stage uses the same core circuit topology as the second stage.

It inverts the signal to create the complementary phase required by the balanced XLR output.

The balanced output therefore provides both positive and negative signal connections rather than using a simple connector conversion from an unbalanced circuit.

Discrete Tracking Power Supply

The Aura uses a symmetrical discrete tracking power supply with fast rectifier diodes and a low-noise voltage reference.

Individual stages receive localised power supplies and LED-referenced current generators to reduce interaction between different sections of the circuit.

The operating voltage is approximately 60 per cent higher than would normally be found within a conventional phono pre-amplifier.

This provides additional headroom when reproducing high recorded levels and demanding musical peaks.

  • Symmetrical discrete tracking supply
  • Fast rectifier diodes
  • Low-noise voltage reference
  • Localised supplies for individual stages
  • LED-referenced current generators
  • Higher operating voltage for increased headroom

Selected Signal-Path Components

High-quality polypropylene capacitors are used throughout the principal signal path.

One per cent tolerance polypropylene capacitors are fitted within the RIAA equalisation stages.

Audio-grade capacitors are used throughout the remaining circuit where appropriate.

Gain, Mute and Mono switching is carried out using high-quality relays rather than routing the signal through unnecessary electronic control circuits.

Five Resistance Settings

Cartridge-load resistance is selected using a front-panel control.

Resistance affects the electrical damping applied to the moving-coil generator and can influence tonal balance, transient response and perceived openness.

The following settings are available:

50 O

The heaviest resistance loading available from the Aura.

Use this where recommended by the cartridge manufacturer or when experimenting with a cartridge that benefits from stronger electrical damping.

100 O

The setting optimised for Rega's current moving-coil cartridges.

This is the natural starting point for the Ania, Ania Pro, Apheta 3 and Aphelion 2.

150 O

An intermediate setting for cartridges whose recommended load falls between the standard 100 O and higher values.

300 O

A lighter loading option for compatible cartridges requiring a higher input resistance.

400 O

The lightest available resistance loading.

Rega also identifies this as useful when recreating the loading used by some earlier phono pre-amplifiers.

Five Capacitance Settings

The front-panel capacitance selector provides five input values.

Begin with the value recommended by the cartridge manufacturer. Where no value is specified, controlled experimentation may help establish the preferred result within the complete system.

1000 pF

The setting optimised for Rega moving-coil cartridges.

2000 pF

Provides a moderate increase in capacitive loading for compatible cartridges.

3200 pF

A central setting within the available adjustment range.

4300 pF

Provides higher capacitance for cartridges or systems where this is recommended or preferred.

5700 pF

The highest capacitance setting.

Rega identifies this value as useful for matching the behaviour of some earlier phono pre-amplifiers.

Begin with the Cartridge Manufacturer's Settings

Use the cartridge manufacturer's recommended resistance, capacitance and gain as the initial configuration.

Change only one setting at a time and listen at a controlled volume before making another adjustment.

Two Gain Settings

A front-panel Gain control selects between two amplification levels.

Gain I: 69.5 dB

Gain I provides the higher amplification setting.

Input sensitivity is 67 µV for a rated unbalanced output of 200 mV.

This is the normal starting point for Rega's current low-output moving-coil cartridges when using the RCA output.

Gain II: 63.5 dB

Gain II provides 6 dB less amplification and greater input headroom.

Input sensitivity is 131 µV for a rated unbalanced output of 200 mV.

Rega recommends starting with this lower setting and moving to Gain I only when additional level is required.

More gain is not automatically better. Excessive gain can reduce headroom, make background noise more apparent and make the amplifier volume control unnecessarily sensitive.

Mute Before Changing Gain

Activate the Aura Mute function or reduce the amplifier volume fully before changing between Gain I and Gain II.

This reduces the risk of an audible switching transient reaching the loudspeakers.

Factory Settings for Rega MC Cartridges

The following settings provide the recommended starting point for Rega's current low-output moving-coil cartridge range:

  • Input resistance: 100 O
  • Input capacitance: 1000 pF
  • RCA output gain: Gain I at 69.5 dB
  • Balanced output: Gain II may provide a more appropriate starting point because the XLR output is effectively 6 dB higher

Final gain selection also depends on the sensitivity of the connected amplifier, normal listening volume and the noise level of the complete system.

Rega Cartridge Compatibility

Rega Ania

The Rega Ania is electrically compatible with the Aura's standard Rega settings.

The Aura can reveal the cartridge's performance, although the Fono MC Mk4 or Aos MC may provide a more proportionate system match in many installations.

Rega Ania Pro

The Rega Ania Pro uses a Vital-profile nude diamond stylus and can benefit from the Aura's low noise floor and loading flexibility.

It is a suitable partner in a revealing Planar 8 system, although the Aos MC should also be compared.

Rega Apheta 3

The Rega Apheta 3 is one of the most natural cartridge partners for the Aura.

It is commonly used with the Planar 8 and Planar 10 and employs the standard 100 O, 1000 pF and high-gain Rega configuration.

Rega Aphelion 2

The Rega Aphelion 2 is Rega's reference production moving-coil cartridge.

Partnered with the Planar 10 or Naia, it forms the most appropriate complete Rega source for the Aura.

Compatible Third-Party Cartridges

The Aura is designed to work with many typical low-output moving-coil cartridges from other manufacturers.

Before selecting the settings, check the cartridge manufacturer's specifications for:

  • Nominal output voltage
  • Internal generator impedance
  • Recommended input resistance
  • Recommended input capacitance
  • Recommended phono-stage gain

Not every cartridge will specify values that correspond exactly with the Aura controls. Audio T can check compatibility and recommend an appropriate starting configuration.

Suitable Rega Turntables

Rega Planar 8

The Rega Planar 8 can be specified with an Ania Pro or Apheta 3 moving-coil cartridge.

The Aura can reveal the full capability of the Apheta 3, although the Aos MC should also be compared when balancing the complete system.

Rega Planar 10

The Rega Planar 10 is a natural source partner for the Aura.

It can be specified with the Apheta 3 or Aphelion 2 and provides a suitable platform for assessing the benefits of the reference phono stage.

Rega Naia

The Rega Naia is Rega's highest-performance production turntable.

The Naia with factory-fitted Aphelion 2 and Aura Reference MC forms Rega's flagship production vinyl source.

RCA Moving-Coil Input

The turntable connects to the Aura through a stereo pair of RCA input sockets.

The white socket carries the left channel and the red socket carries the right channel.

The Aura does not provide a balanced XLR cartridge input. Its balanced connections are outputs for connection to a compatible amplifier or pre-amplifier.

A separate turntable signal-earth terminal is provided for tonearms that use an independent earth wire.

RCA and Balanced XLR Outputs

The Aura provides both unbalanced RCA and balanced XLR line-level outputs.

Either output can connect to a suitable line input on an integrated amplifier or pre-amplifier.

The balanced output provides a rated level of 400 mV, compared with 200 mV from the RCA output. It is therefore effectively 6 dB higher.

This difference should be considered when comparing connections. Gain II may be the more appropriate starting point when using XLR, depending on the sensitivity of the connected amplifier.

RCA Output

  • Rated output of 200 mV
  • Output resistance of 100 O
  • Rega RCA interconnect supplied
  • Compatible with conventional analogue line inputs

Balanced XLR Output

  • Rated output of 400 mV
  • Output resistance of 200 O
  • Pin 2 positive
  • Pin 3 negative
  • Effectively 6 dB higher than the RCA output

A balanced connection is not automatically superior in every system. Cable length, input design, system gain and the partnering amplifier should all be considered.

Audio T can arrange a comparison between the RCA and XLR outputs where the amplifier provides both connection types.

Front-Panel Mute Control

The Mute function temporarily silences the Aura output without requiring the connected amplifier volume to be changed.

It is useful when:

  • Changing the Aura gain setting
  • Lowering or lifting the stylus
  • Changing records
  • Cleaning the stylus
  • Checking turntable connections

Muting the phono stage does not switch it off or change the selected cartridge loading.

Front-Panel Mono Control

The Mono function allows a mono record to be reproduced using a conventional stereo moving-coil cartridge.

Combining the channels can reduce unwanted out-of-phase surface noise on a true mono recording and stabilise the presentation in the centre of the stereo image.

The function should normally be disengaged when playing a stereo record.

How to Connect the Aura

  1. Check the cartridge manufacturer's recommended resistance, capacitance and gain.
  2. Switch off the Aura, integrated amplifier, pre-amplifier and power amplifier.
  3. Connect the turntable RCA plugs to the Aura input sockets.
  4. Connect the turntable earth wire if the tonearm provides one.
  5. Select the required input resistance and capacitance.
  6. Connect either the RCA or balanced XLR outputs to a suitable amplifier line input.
  7. Connect the supplied shielded Rega mains lead.
  8. Reduce the amplifier volume fully.
  9. Switch on the Aura before switching on the amplifier or power amplifier.
  10. Begin with Gain II and increase to Gain I only when additional level is required.
  11. Select the amplifier input used by the Aura and raise the listening volume gradually.

Connect the Output to a Line Input

The Aura output must connect to an analogue line input marked AUX, CD, Line, Tuner or another suitable line-level connection.

Do not connect it to another MM or MC phono input. Doing so would apply excessive gain and RIAA equalisation twice, causing severe overload and distortion.

Turntable Earthing

The Aura uses a Class I mains-earth arrangement in which the metal case is connected to the safety earth through the mains lead.

The internal signal earth is linked through a network designed to reduce the risk of earth loops while providing a discharge path for static electricity generated by the cartridge.

Connect a separate tonearm earth wire to the rear terminal where one is provided.

Rega tonearms normally earth through the signal cable and do not require a separate wire, so the earth terminal may remain unused in a complete Rega system.

Power-Up and Switch-Off Sequence

Rega recommends switching on the Aura before the connected power amplifier.

When switching the system off, turn off the power amplifier before switching off the Aura.

This order helps reduce the risk of start-up or shutdown transients being reproduced through the loudspeakers.

The central Rega logo illuminates red while the Aura is operating.

Warm-Up Time

The Aura has been designed to reach its full operating performance in less than ten minutes.

Playing music can help the circuit reach its normal operating condition more quickly.

Rega does not recommend leaving the phono stage switched on permanently and advises switching it off after use.

Positioning and Reducing Hum

Moving-coil cartridge signals are extremely small and can be affected by electromagnetic fields from nearby equipment.

Position the Aura as far from the turntable as the tonearm lead reasonably allows.

Rega suggests placing it to the left of the turntable where possible and arranging components side by side rather than stacking them.

Keep the Aura away from:

  • Power amplifiers and large transformers
  • Turntable motor power supplies
  • Mains distribution blocks
  • Wireless routers and network equipment
  • Speaker cables carrying high current

Keep the turntable signal cable away from mains leads. Where power and signal cables must cross, arranging them at approximately a right angle may reduce induced hum.

Equipment Support and Ventilation

The Aura weighs 13 kg and requires a strong, stable and level equipment support.

Check the load capacity of the shelf or rack before installation.

Heat is dispersed through the case, particularly through the underside, so sufficient open air must remain around the enclosure.

Do not position another component directly above or below the Aura where this would restrict cooling or place additional transformer fields close to the sensitive phono circuitry.

Retain the original packaging in case the product needs to be moved or returned for inspection.

Fono MC, Aos MC or Aura?

Rega Fono MC Mk4

The Rega Fono MC Mk4 is the most affordable dedicated Rega moving-coil stage.

  • Compact enclosure
  • External 24 V power supply
  • Four resistance settings
  • Two capacitance settings
  • Two gain levels
  • RCA input and output

Rega Aos MC

The Rega Aos MC incorporates Aura-derived circuitry within a smaller half-width enclosure.

  • Two-stage symmetrical Class A circuit
  • Internal mains power supply
  • Four resistance settings
  • Two capacitance settings
  • Two gain levels
  • Automatic standby

Rega Aura Reference MC

  • Three-stage fully symmetrical circuit
  • Five resistance settings
  • Five capacitance settings
  • Two gain levels
  • Front-panel loading controls
  • Mute and Mono functions
  • RCA and balanced XLR outputs
  • Reference power supply and casework

The best phono stage depends on the turntable, cartridge, amplifier and resolution of the wider system. Audio T can arrange a direct comparison between the Fono MC, Aos MC and Aura.

What the Rega Aura Does Not Include

No Moving Magnet Input

  • Moving-coil input only
  • No 47 kO MM setting
  • Not suitable for Rega Carbon or Nd cartridges
  • Use a dedicated moving magnet stage instead

No Digital Connections

  • No USB input or output
  • No optical connection
  • No coaxial digital connection
  • No analogue-to-digital conversion
  • No computer recording interface

No Balanced Cartridge Input

  • Turntable connects through RCA
  • Balanced XLR sockets are outputs
  • No XLR tonearm input
  • Separate earth terminal provided

No Volume or Headphone Control

  • Not a conventional pre-amplifier
  • No listening-volume adjustment
  • No headphone socket
  • Requires an integrated amplifier or pre-amplifier

No Remote or App Control

  • No remote handset
  • No network connection
  • No Bluetooth
  • No application
  • Controls are operated from the front panel

No Automatic Standby

  • Manual power control
  • Designed to warm up quickly
  • Rega advises switching it off after use
  • No trigger input or output

Who Is the Rega Aura For?

A Good Choice If You:

  • Use a high-performance low-output moving-coil cartridge
  • Own a Rega Apheta 3 or Aphelion 2
  • Have a Planar 8, Planar 10 or Naia
  • Want Rega's reference phono stage
  • Need flexible front-panel cartridge loading
  • Want both RCA and balanced XLR outputs
  • Need a choice of two gain settings
  • Play mono records using a stereo cartridge
  • Want a convenient output Mute function
  • Have a system capable of revealing small source improvements
  • Can provide a strong equipment support and sufficient installation space

Consider Another Option If You:

  • Use a moving magnet cartridge
  • Use a high-output MC intended for an MM input
  • Need a smaller and lighter phono stage
  • Do not require balanced outputs
  • Want automatic standby
  • Need USB recording or digital outputs
  • Want remote or application control
  • Need a built-in headphone amplifier
  • Cannot provide a shelf rated for its 13 kg weight
  • Would achieve better system balance with the Fono MC or Aos MC

Key Features

  • Reference moving-coil phono stage
  • Designed and assembled in the UK
  • Dedicated low-output moving-coil input
  • Three-stage fully symmetrical pre-amplifier
  • Symmetrical complementary Class A first stage
  • Parallel-connected Linear Systems ultra-low-noise FETs
  • Carefully graded and matched input devices
  • Symmetrical compound input-pair configuration
  • No cartridge-coil bias current
  • No input coupling component
  • Passive high-frequency RIAA equalisation
  • Symmetrical Class A differential second stage
  • Common-base driver stage
  • Active low-frequency RIAA equalisation
  • Third symmetrical stage for balanced output
  • Discrete symmetrical tracking power supply
  • Fast rectifier diodes
  • Low-noise voltage reference
  • Localised supplies for individual stages
  • LED-referenced current generators
  • High-voltage design for increased headroom
  • Polypropylene signal-path capacitors
  • One per cent tolerance polypropylene RIAA capacitors
  • Five selectable resistance settings
  • 50 O, 100 O, 150 O, 300 O and 400 O loading
  • Five selectable capacitance settings
  • 1000 pF, 2000 pF, 3200 pF, 4300 pF and 5700 pF
  • Two selectable gain settings
  • 69.5 dB and 63.5 dB gain
  • Front-panel Mute function
  • Front-panel Mono function
  • Stereo RCA moving-coil input
  • Stereo RCA line output
  • Balanced XLR line output
  • Separate turntable earth terminal
  • Custom reference aluminium case
  • Shielded Rega mains lead supplied
  • Rega low-capacitance RCA interconnect supplied
  • Lifetime limited warranty against confirmed manufacturing defects

Included Accessories

  • Rega Aura Reference MC Phono Stage
  • Rega fully shielded high-current mains lead
  • Rega double-shielded low-capacitance RCA interconnect
  • User documentation

Balanced XLR output cables are not listed as standard accessories and are required separately when using the balanced outputs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Rega Aura do?

It amplifies the extremely low-level signal from a moving-coil cartridge and applies the correct RIAA equalisation before passing the signal to a normal analogue amplifier input.

Is the Aura suitable for moving magnet cartridges?

No. Moving magnet cartridges require a dedicated moving magnet phono stage such as the Rega Fono MM Mk5.

Can it be used with a high-output moving-coil cartridge?

Some high-output moving-coil cartridges are designed for a moving magnet input. Check the cartridge manufacturer's recommendation before using one with the Aura.

Which Rega cartridges are compatible?

The Aura is suitable for the Rega Ania, Ania Pro, Apheta 3 and Aphelion 2.

What are the recommended Rega cartridge settings?

Begin with 100 O resistance, 1000 pF capacitance and Gain I when using the RCA output. Gain II may be more suitable with the higher-level balanced output.

Can it be used with third-party cartridges?

Yes. It is compatible with many typical low-output moving-coil cartridges whose gain and loading requirements fall within the available settings.

Which resistance settings are available?

The Aura provides 50 O, 100 O, 150 O, 300 O and 400 O settings.

Which capacitance settings are available?

The available values are 1000 pF, 2000 pF, 3200 pF, 4300 pF and 5700 pF.

How much gain does it provide?

Gain I provides 69.5 dB and Gain II provides 63.5 dB.

Should I always use Gain I?

No. Rega advises beginning with the lower Gain II setting and selecting Gain I only when additional level is required.

Should I mute the Aura before changing gain?

Yes. Activate Mute or reduce the connected amplifier volume fully before changing the gain setting.

What does the Mono button do?

It allows a mono record to be reproduced using a stereo cartridge and may reduce out-of-phase surface noise on true mono pressings.

What does the Mute button do?

It temporarily silences the output and is useful when changing gain, lowering the stylus or changing records.

Where does the turntable connect?

Connect the turntable RCA plugs to the stereo RCA inputs on the rear of the Aura.

Does the Aura have a balanced turntable input?

No. The cartridge input uses RCA connections. The balanced XLR sockets are line-level outputs.

Where does the Aura output connect?

Connect the RCA or XLR output to a normal analogue line input on an integrated amplifier or pre-amplifier.

Can it connect to the MC input on my amplifier?

No. The Aura is already a complete moving-coil phono stage and must connect to a line-level input.

Should I use RCA or XLR?

This depends on the connected amplifier, cable length and system gain. The XLR output is effectively 6 dB higher, so the gain setting should be checked when comparing connections.

Is an RCA cable included?

Yes. Rega supplies a double-shielded low-capacitance RCA interconnect developed and used during the design of the Aura.

Are XLR cables included?

Balanced XLR cables are not listed as standard accessories and are normally purchased separately.

Do I need to use the earth terminal?

Use it when the turntable or tonearm has a separate earth wire. Rega tonearms normally earth through the signal cable and do not require one.

What should I do if the system hums?

Check the RCA connections, separate earth wire where applicable, cable routing and the distance from nearby transformers, motors and mains equipment.

Which component should be switched on first?

Switch on the Aura before the power amplifier. When switching off, turn off the power amplifier before the Aura.

How long does the Aura take to warm up?

Rega states that full sound quality is reached in less than ten minutes and advises switching the unit off after use.

Does the Aura have automatic standby?

No. It is switched on and off using the front-panel power control.

Does it include USB recording?

No. The Aura is a purely analogue phono stage and does not include analogue-to-digital conversion.

Does it have a headphone output?

No. Headphones must connect to the integrated amplifier, pre-amplifier or a separate headphone amplifier.

How strong must the equipment rack be?

The supporting shelf must safely carry the Aura's 13 kg weight and provide enough open space for ventilation.

Should I choose the Aos MC or Aura?

The Aos MC provides much of the Aura's core circuit philosophy in a smaller and more affordable product. The Aura adds a third stage, wider loading adjustment, balanced outputs, front-panel controls, Mute and Mono functions and a larger reference power supply.

Can Audio T configure the Aura for my cartridge?

Yes. Provide the cartridge make and model and our store teams can check the recommended resistance, capacitance and gain settings.

Why Buy From Audio T?

  • Specialist reference turntable and moving-coil cartridge advice
  • Help confirming cartridge output and loading requirements
  • Front-panel resistance, capacitance and gain setup support
  • Demonstrations with Rega Apheta 3 and Aphelion 2 cartridges
  • Planar 8, Planar 10 and Naia system matching
  • Comparisons with the Rega Fono MC Mk4 and Aos MC
  • RCA and balanced XLR output comparisons
  • Turntable setup, cartridge alignment and tracking-force guidance
  • Advice on earthing, cable routing and reducing hum
  • Help matching the Aura to your amplifier and wider system
  • Home demonstrations may be available depending on location and system requirements
  • Part exchange available on suitable equipment
  • Ongoing support from the UK's oldest independent specialist Hi-Fi retailer

Contact your local Audio T store to arrange a demonstration or discuss the correct Aura settings for your moving-coil cartridge.

  • Product type: Reference low-output moving-coil phono stage
  • Input connection: Stereo RCA
  • Unbalanced output: Stereo RCA
  • Balanced output: Stereo XLR
  • Earth connection: Turntable signal-earth terminal
  • Input resistance settings: 50 O, 100 O, 150 O, 300 O or 400 O
  • Input capacitance settings: 1000 pF, 2000 pF, 3200 pF, 4300 pF or 5700 pF
  • Gain I: 69.5 dB
  • Gain II: 63.5 dB
  • Input sensitivity at Gain I: 67 µV for 200 mV unbalanced output
  • Input sensitivity at Gain II: 131 µV for 200 mV unbalanced output
  • Input overload at Gain I: 4.9 mV at 1 kHz
  • Input overload at Gain II: 9.6 mV at 1 kHz
  • Rated unbalanced output: 200 mV
  • Rated balanced output: 400 mV
  • Maximum unbalanced output: 14.5 V RMS
  • Maximum balanced output: 29 V RMS
  • Unbalanced output resistance: 100 O
  • Balanced output resistance: 200 O
  • Minimum unbalanced output load: 500 O
  • Minimum balanced output load: 1000 O
  • Frequency response: 13.5 Hz at -3 dB to 100 kHz at -0.2 dB
  • RIAA accuracy: Better than 0.2 dB from 100 Hz to 50 kHz
  • Total harmonic distortion: Typically 0.03 per cent at 1 V
  • Output noise at Gain I: -77 dBV, A-weighted
  • Output noise at Gain II: -82 dBV, A-weighted
  • Power consumption: 15.3 W
  • UK mains requirement: 230 V AC nominal, plus or minus 10 per cent
  • Dimensions (W x H x D): 350 x 88 x 435 mm
  • Weight: 13 kg
  • Finish: Black