Audio T Verdict
The Rega Fono Mini A2D MK2 is an affordable and straightforward way to connect a moving magnet turntable to an amplifier, active speaker or system without a suitable phono input.
It also includes a USB output, allowing records to be transferred to a compatible computer using suitable recording software. A front-panel Level control helps optimise the digital recording level and avoid clipping.
Its fixed moving magnet loading makes installation simple, while the compact case occupies very little space beside a turntable or amplifier.
The USB section is intended for convenient vinyl archiving rather than modern high-resolution recording. It is limited to 16-bit operation at 44.1 kHz, with 48 kHz as the maximum sample rate.
Rega Fono Mini A2D MK2 MM Phono Stage
The Rega Fono Mini A2D MK2 combines a dedicated moving magnet phono stage with a USB analogue-to-digital recording interface.
Its main RCA output allows a conventional turntable to connect to a normal line-level input on an amplifier, pre-amplifier, powered speaker or compatible all-in-one system.
The separate USB output can send the same record signal to a compatible computer, where suitable audio software can be used to record and save the music as digital files.
The current MK2 version uses Rega's compact restyled case with revised front and rear panels. Its established audio performance was retained when the cosmetic update was introduced.
What Does a Phono Stage Do?
A moving magnet cartridge produces a much smaller electrical signal than a CD player, network streamer or other conventional source.
Records are also manufactured using an RIAA frequency curve that reduces bass and increases treble during the cutting process.
The Fono Mini A2D therefore performs two essential tasks:
- It amplifies the low-level signal from the moving magnet cartridge
- It applies the required RIAA equalisation to restore the correct tonal balance
Its RCA output can then be connected to a normal line-level input marked AUX, CD, Line, Tuner or similar.
Dedicated Moving Magnet Design
The Fono Mini A2D MK2 is designed for moving magnet cartridges.
Its fixed input loading is 47 kO in parallel with 100 pF, following the standard loading used by a wide range of conventional moving magnet cartridges.
Input sensitivity is 5 mV for a 500 mV analogue output, making it particularly well suited to affordable and mid-priced moving magnet designs.
There are no cartridge-loading switches or gain adjustments to configure before listening. Connect the turntable, attach the output cable and power supply, and the phono stage is ready to use.
Compatible Rega Cartridges
The Fono Mini A2D is suitable for Rega moving magnet cartridges, including the Carbon and Nd range.
Rega Carbon
The
Rega Carbon
is fitted to turntables including the standard Planar 1 and selected Planar 2 packages.
The Fono Mini A2D provides a simple way to use these turntables with an amplifier or powered system that has no moving magnet phono input.
Rega Nd3
The
Rega Nd3
is a moving magnet cartridge using Rega's neodymium generator and a bonded elliptical stylus.
It is electrically compatible with the Fono Mini A2D and can be used in suitable Planar 2 and Planar 3 systems.
Higher-Level Nd Cartridges
The Nd5, Nd7 and Nd9 are also moving magnet cartridges and can operate with the Fono Mini A2D.
More revealing cartridges and turntables may also justify comparing the Fono Mini with the higher-performance Rega Fono MM Mk5.
Suitable Turntables
The Fono Mini A2D can be used with a suitable turntable fitted with a moving magnet cartridge and a conventional phono-level output.
Rega Planar 1
The
Rega Planar 1
includes a factory-fitted Carbon moving magnet cartridge.
Connect its fixed RCA cable directly to the input of the Fono Mini A2D.
Rega Planar 2
The
Rega Planar 2
can be partnered with the Fono Mini when fitted with a Carbon, Nd3 or another compatible moving magnet cartridge.
Rega Planar 3
The
Rega Planar 3
with a moving magnet cartridge can also use the Fono Mini A2D.
Customers building a more ambitious Planar 3 system should also compare it with the Fono MM Mk5.
Not Intended for the Rega Planar 1 Plus
The Rega Planar 1 Plus already contains its own phono stage and produces a line-level output.
It should connect directly to an AUX, CD or Line input and should not be connected through the Fono Mini A2D.
Moving Magnet or Moving Coil?
The Fono Mini A2D is intended for moving magnet cartridges.
Conventional low-output moving coil cartridges produce a much smaller signal and require substantially more gain together with different electrical loading.
Moving Magnet Cartridge
- Suitable for the Fono Mini A2D
- Standard 47 kO loading
- Includes Rega Carbon and Nd cartridges
- No loading adjustment required
Low-Output Moving Coil Cartridge
- Not suitable for the Fono Mini A2D
- Requires substantially higher gain
- Requires appropriate moving coil loading
- Consider the Rega Fono MC Mk4 or another MC stage
Some high-output moving coil cartridges are designed to operate through a moving magnet input. Check the cartridge manufacturer's recommendation before connection.
USB Vinyl Recording
The USB output allows records to be transferred to a compatible computer.
The analogue signal from the cartridge is amplified and equalised by the phono stage before being converted into digital audio and sent through USB.
Recording software on the computer captures the incoming signal and allows the finished recording to be edited, divided into tracks and saved in a chosen file format.
Suitable software is required. Rega gives Audacity as one example of a digital audio editor that can monitor and record the incoming signal.
USB Recording Resolution
The Fono Mini A2D uses a straightforward USB recording interface intended for convenient vinyl archiving.
- Bit depth: 16-bit
- Standard sample rate: 44.1 kHz
- Maximum sample rate: 48 kHz
- Input required for full-scale digital output: 7.5 mV
It does not provide 24-bit, 96 kHz or 192 kHz recording.
The quality of the finished file will also depend on the record, cartridge, turntable setup, recording level and any editing applied afterwards.
Front-Panel Recording Level Control
The front-panel Level control adjusts the signal level supplied to the USB recording interface.
Recording software normally includes a level meter showing how close the signal is to the maximum digital level.
The control should be adjusted so that musical peaks remain below the clipping point. Setting the level too high can produce harsh digital distortion that cannot be repaired fully afterwards.
Setting it unnecessarily low reduces the available recording level and may make background noise more apparent.
Not a Listening Volume Control
The front Level control is provided to optimise USB recording.
Normal listening volume is controlled by the connected amplifier, powered speakers or audio system.
How to Record a Vinyl Record
- Connect the turntable to the RCA input on the Fono Mini A2D.
- Connect the Fono Mini to the supplied Rega power adaptor.
- Connect its USB output to a compatible computer using a suitable USB cable.
- Install and open suitable audio-recording software.
- Select the Fono Mini or USB audio input as the recording source.
- Choose the required sample rate supported by the unit.
- Play a loud section of the record and watch the software level meter.
- Adjust the front Level control so the loudest peaks remain below clipping.
- Return the record to the beginning and start recording.
- Lower the stylus and allow the complete side to play.
- Stop recording before editing, dividing and naming the tracks.
- Save an unedited master copy before creating additional compressed files.
Recording-Level Guidance
Different records can have noticeably different cutting levels, so a setting that works for one album may be too high or too low for another.
Check the level again when recording a particularly loud, quiet or dynamically wide record.
Leaving a small amount of headroom below the software's maximum level is safer than allowing peaks to reach or exceed the clipping point.
Record cleaning and correct turntable setup can also reduce clicks, distortion and unwanted background noise before the signal reaches the computer.
USB Is an Output Only
The USB connection sends digitised vinyl audio from the Fono Mini A2D to a computer.
It is not a USB DAC input and cannot receive music from a computer, phone, streamer or other digital source for playback through the RCA output.
It also does not store recordings internally. The connected computer and recording software are responsible for capturing and saving the files.
How to Connect the Fono Mini for Listening
- Switch off the amplifier or reduce its volume fully.
- Connect the turntable's RCA plugs to the Fono Mini input.
- Connect the turntable earth wire if one is provided.
- Connect a stereo RCA interconnect from the Fono Mini output to a normal amplifier line input.
- Connect the supplied Rega PS2 power adaptor.
- Confirm that the red power indicator is illuminated.
- Select the amplifier input used by the Fono Mini.
- Begin playing a record and raise the amplifier volume gradually.
Connect to a Line Input Only
The RCA output must connect to a normal line-level input marked AUX, CD, Line, Tuner or similar.
Do not connect it to an amplifier's Phono, Disc, MM or MC input. This would apply phono amplification and RIAA equalisation twice, causing severe overload and distortion.
Using the Fono Mini with Active Speakers
The Fono Mini A2D can be used with powered or active speakers provided they have a suitable analogue line input and their own working volume control.
The turntable connects to the Fono Mini, and the Fono Mini RCA output connects to the analogue input on the active speaker system.
A suitable RCA cable or RCA-to-3.5 mm cable may be required depending on the connections provided by the speakers.
The Fono Mini does not drive passive speakers directly.
Turntable Earthing
An earth terminal is provided on the rear panel for turntables or tonearms with a separate signal-earth wire.
Loosen the earth terminal only far enough to fit the wire securely.
Many Rega turntables earth the tonearm through the signal cable and do not use a separate wire. It is therefore normal for the earth terminal to remain unused with many Rega models.
If the system produces noticeable hum, check the RCA plugs, earth arrangement and cable routing before increasing the amplifier volume.
Positioning and Reducing Hum
Cartridge signals are very small and can pick up unwanted electrical noise from nearby equipment.
Position the Fono Mini away from large amplifier transformers, mains distribution blocks, power adaptors and wireless equipment where possible.
Keep the turntable signal cable separate from mains leads and speaker cables. Where they must cross, arranging them approximately at right angles can reduce induced hum.
Do not place the PS2 power adaptor directly beside the turntable cartridge, tonearm base or phono cable.
Fono Mini A2D or Fono MM Mk5?
Rega Fono Mini A2D MK2
- Dedicated moving magnet phono stage
- Compact and affordable design
- USB output for recording vinyl
- Front recording-level control
- 16-bit digital conversion
- Ideal when USB recording is required
Rega Fono MM Mk5
The
Rega Fono MM Mk5
is a higher-performance dedicated moving magnet phono stage without a USB recording output.
- Fully discrete input stage
- Two-stage RIAA equalisation
- Larger matching Rega enclosure
- No analogue-to-digital conversion
- Natural choice when playback quality takes priority over recording
Choose the Fono Mini when affordability, compact size and USB recording are important. Compare it with the Fono MM Mk5 when the main priority is improving vinyl playback within a more revealing system.
What the Fono Mini A2D Does Not Include
No Low-Output Moving Coil Input
- Designed for moving magnet cartridges
- No moving coil gain setting
- No MC resistance adjustment
- Use a suitable MC phono stage instead
No Cartridge Adjustments
- Fixed input loading
- Fixed analogue gain
- No resistance switches
- No capacitance switches
No High-Resolution Recording
- No 24-bit conversion
- No 96 kHz recording
- No 192 kHz recording
- Maximum sample rate of 48 kHz
No Digital Playback Input
- USB connection is an output
- Cannot operate as a computer DAC
- No optical input
- No coaxial digital input
No Listening Volume Control
- Front Level control is for recording
- Requires an amplifier or powered speakers
- No headphone output
- Cannot drive passive speakers
No Automatic Track Separation
- Does not name tracks automatically
- Does not store music internally
- Editing is handled by computer software
- Record sides may need dividing manually
Who Is the Rega Fono Mini A2D For?
A Good Choice If You:
- Use a moving magnet cartridge
- Need to connect a turntable to a line-only amplifier
- Want to digitise part of your record collection
- Want an affordable external phono stage
- Own a Rega Carbon or Nd cartridge
- Have a Planar 1, Planar 2 or Planar 3
- Want a compact product that is simple to install
- Need an analogue output and USB recording output
- Are happy with 16-bit recording
Consider Another Option If You:
- Use a conventional low-output moving coil cartridge
- Need adjustable gain or cartridge loading
- Want 24-bit high-resolution recording
- Need a USB DAC for digital playback
- Want a headphone output
- Need balanced XLR connections
- Own a Planar 1 Plus with its internal phono stage
- Want the strongest possible playback performance from a higher-level MM cartridge
Key Features
- Dedicated moving magnet phono stage
- Compatible with moving magnet cartridges
- Circuit based on Rega's established Fono MM design
- Fixed 47 kO and 100 pF input loading
- Stereo RCA phono input
- Stereo RCA line-level output
- Rear turntable earth terminal
- USB analogue-to-digital recording output
- Front-panel USB recording-level control
- 16-bit digital conversion
- 44.1 kHz recording sample rate
- 48 kHz maximum sample rate
- Compact restyled case
- Clear front and rear-panel layout
- Red power indicator
- Rega PS2 24 V AC power adaptor
- Lifetime limited warranty against confirmed manufacturing defects
Included Accessories
- Rega Fono Mini A2D MK2 MM Phono Stage
- Rega PS2 24 V AC power adaptor
- User documentation
A separate stereo RCA interconnect is required between the Fono Mini and the amplifier unless a suitable cable is already available.
A suitable USB cable and compatible computer recording software are also required when digitising records.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Rega Fono Mini A2D do?
It amplifies and equalises the signal from a moving magnet cartridge so it can connect to a normal line input. It also provides a USB output for recording vinyl to a compatible computer.
What does A2D mean?
A2D means analogue to digital. The Fono Mini can convert the analogue record signal into digital audio for transfer through USB.
Is this the MK2 version?
Yes. The current restyled version is officially described by Rega as the Fono Mini A2D MK2.
Which cartridges can I use?
It is designed for moving magnet cartridges, including the Rega Carbon, Nd3, Nd5, Nd7 and Nd9.
Can it be used with a moving coil cartridge?
It is not suitable for conventional low-output moving coil cartridges. These require a dedicated moving coil stage with the correct gain and loading.
Does it have adjustable cartridge loading?
No. Loading is fixed at 47 kO in parallel with 100 pF.
Where does the turntable connect?
Connect the turntable's RCA plugs to the input sockets on the rear of the Fono Mini.
Where does the RCA output connect?
Connect it to a normal line input marked AUX, CD, Line, Tuner or similar.
Can it connect to the Phono input on my amplifier?
No. The Fono Mini is already a complete phono stage and its output must connect to a line-level input.
Can I use it if my amplifier already has a phono input?
Yes. Connect the Fono Mini to a spare line input and compare it with the amplifier's built-in phono stage.
Does it work with the Rega Planar 1?
Yes. The standard Planar 1 has a factory-fitted Carbon moving magnet cartridge suitable for the Fono Mini.
Does it work with the Rega Planar 1 Plus?
No. The Planar 1 Plus already contains an internal phono stage and provides a line-level output.
Does it work with the Rega Planar 2?
Yes, when the Planar 2 is fitted with a suitable moving magnet cartridge such as the Carbon or Nd3.
Does it work with the Rega Planar 3?
Yes. A Planar 3 fitted with a moving magnet cartridge can use the Fono Mini, although the Fono MM Mk5 should also be considered for a higher-performance system.
What recording resolution does it support?
The USB output operates at 16-bit and 44.1 kHz, with 48 kHz as the maximum supported sample rate.
Does it record at 24-bit or 96 kHz?
No. The USB recording interface is limited to 16-bit operation with a maximum sample rate of 48 kHz.
What does the front Level control do?
It adjusts the level sent to the USB recording interface so the incoming signal can be kept below digital clipping.
Does the Level control change listening volume?
No. Listening volume is controlled by the connected amplifier or powered speaker system.
Which recording software should I use?
Rega gives Audacity as one example. Other compatible audio-recording applications may also be used.
Does it divide recordings into tracks automatically?
No. Track division, naming, editing and file export are handled by the computer software.
Can the USB connection play computer audio through my system?
No. The USB connection is an output for recording vinyl and is not a digital audio input or playback DAC.
Can it be used with active speakers?
Yes, provided the speakers have a suitable analogue line input and their own working volume control.
Can it drive passive speakers directly?
No. Passive speakers require a separate amplifier.
Does it have a headphone output?
No. Headphones must connect to the amplifier, powered speakers or a separate headphone amplifier.
Do I need to use the earth terminal?
Use it if the turntable or tonearm has a separate earth wire. Many Rega turntables 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 power supplies and amplifier transformers.
Is the power supply included?
Yes. The correct Rega PS2 24 V AC power adaptor is included.
Is an RCA interconnect included?
An output interconnect is not listed among the standard accessories, so a suitable stereo RCA cable is normally required.
Can Audio T help me record my vinyl collection?
Yes. Our store teams can explain the required connections, help set a suitable recording level and advise on turntable setup and record care.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Specialist advice from experienced in-store teams
- Help confirming moving magnet cartridge compatibility
- Planar 1, Planar 2 and Planar 3 system demonstrations
- Guidance on connecting the Fono Mini to an amplifier or active speakers
- USB recording and level-setting advice
- Help comparing the Fono Mini A2D with the Fono MM Mk5
- Turntable setup, cartridge alignment and tracking-force support
- Advice on earthing, cable routing and reducing hum
- Record-cleaning and vinyl-care guidance
- 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 whether the Rega Fono Mini A2D MK2 is right for your turntable and recording requirements.