Rega Aria MM/MC Phono Stage MK3
The Rega Aria Mk3 is housed within the latest half width custom designed case to give it a fresh new look and match the Rega range. Inside 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.
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 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 Rega 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.
MC Stage Design & Features
The MC input uses parallel connected, low noise FET (Field Effect Transistor) 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 ohms to 400 ohms and capacitive loading of 1000pF to 4200pF. The input sensitivity can be changed by 6dB via the back panel.
MM 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.
Our stores who stock the Aria report that it has an even handed sound with excellent clarity and the ability to assist with the rejection of background noise. The other consistent comment is that it has that rather difficult to explain term "Musicality" by the bucket load!
HTML Image as link
Maximum output level = 11v RMS
Rated output level = 200mV
Output resistance = 100Ù
Minimum output resistance for a –3dB point at 15Hz = 1K
AC supply 230v & 115v Nominal +/- 10%
230v 20mm Fuse T250mAL
115v 20mm Fuse T500mAL
Power Consumption = 10 Watts
Ambient operating temperature 5 to 35°C
Dimensions: W 220mm x D 340mm x H 78mm