Audio T Verdict
The Rega Couple 3 is a carefully engineered analogue interconnect rather than an unnecessarily bulky or complicated cable.
Its low-capacitance oxygen-free copper conductors are particularly well suited to connecting a phono stage to an amplifier, while the flexible outer jacket and strain-relieved Neutrik RCA plugs make it practical to install behind a busy equipment rack.
It is a natural choice for a Rega system, but its conventional RCA connections allow it to be used between compatible components from any manufacturer.
Rega Couple 3 RCA Analogue Interconnect
The Rega Couple 3 is a stereo RCA interconnect designed for carrying line-level analogue audio between compatible Hi-Fi components.
It uses a low-capacitance, multi-strand oxygen-free copper cable originally developed for use within Rega's reference Aura moving-coil phono stage.
Each cable is hand assembled by Rega and terminated with gold-plated Neutrik RCA plugs featuring built-in mechanical strain relief.
Low-Capacitance Cable Design
Every analogue cable has a measurable amount of capacitance between its conductors.
Excessive capacitance can interact with the output of the source component, particularly when the signal is being produced by a phono stage or another sensitive analogue circuit.
Rega specifies a capacitance of 80pF for the Couple 3. This has been chosen to complement the electrical characteristics of the custom tonearm cables used throughout the Rega turntable range.
Ideal Between a Phono Stage and Amplifier
The Couple 3 is particularly appropriate for connecting the output of an external phono stage to a normal line-level input on an integrated amplifier or preamplifier.
Suitable amplifier inputs may be labelled AUX, CD, Line or Tuner. The output of a phono stage should not be connected to another phono input because the signal would be amplified and equalised twice.
The Couple 3 can also be used with CD players, streamers, DACs, tuners, cassette decks and other equipment fitted with conventional stereo RCA connections.
Suitable Connections
- Phono stage to amplifier
- CD player to amplifier
- Streamer or DAC to amplifier
- Pre-amplifier to a compatible power amplifier
- Other fixed or variable line-level RCA equipment
Check Before Ordering
- Both products use stereo RCA connections
- The selected length reaches without tension
- The cable will not be tightly bent behind the rack
- A separate turntable earth lead is retained where required
Multi-Strand Oxygen-Free Copper
The signal conductors are made from 28 strands of oxygen-free copper with a combined cross-sectional area of 0.22mm².
Using multiple fine strands allows the cable to remain flexible, making it easier to route through a crowded equipment rack without placing unnecessary pressure on component sockets.
The conductors are surrounded by an ultra-flexible outer jacket and shielding that provides a stated 100 per cent shield factor.
Gold-Plated Neutrik RCA Plugs
The Couple 3 is fitted with high-quality gold-plated Neutrik RCA plugs.
The plugs are designed to provide a secure electrical connection while remaining straightforward to insert and remove during installation.
Mechanical strain relief protects the cable where it enters each plug, reducing the likelihood of damage caused by accidental pulling, repeated movement or the weight of the cable behind the system.
Available Lengths
Rega manufactures the Couple 3 in 1m, 1.5m and 2m lengths.
Choose the shortest length that reaches comfortably between the components without being stretched or forcing a sharp bend behind either product.
A small amount of slack is useful for moving equipment safely, but excess cable should not be tightly coiled alongside mains leads or power supplies.
Installation Guidance
Switch off both connected components before fitting or removing the interconnect.
Connect the red plugs to the right-channel sockets and the remaining plugs to the left-channel sockets at both ends of the system.
Push each plug firmly into place without twisting or forcing it. When removing the cable, grip the plug body rather than pulling on the cable itself.
Keep low-level analogue cables away from mains adapters, power-supply transformers and tightly bundled power leads where practical.
Hand Assembled by Rega
The Couple 3 is assembled in-house by Rega rather than being supplied as a generic finished cable carrying Rega branding.
Its conductor, capacitance, shielding and plug arrangement have been selected to complement the electrical requirements of Rega source components and phono stages.
Key Features
- Stereo RCA analogue interconnect
- Low-capacitance cable construction
- 80pF stated capacitance
- 28-strand oxygen-free copper conductors
- 0.22mm² conductor size
- 100 per cent shielding factor
- Ultra-flexible outer jacket
- Gold-plated Neutrik RCA plugs
- Mechanical plug strain relief
- Hand assembled by Rega
- Available in 1m, 1.5m and 2m lengths
- Lifetime limited warranty against confirmed manufacturing defects
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Rega Couple 3 used for?
It carries stereo analogue audio between products fitted with conventional RCA connections.
Is it suitable for a phono stage?
Yes. Its 80pF low-capacitance design is particularly well suited to connecting a phono stage to an amplifier.
Can it connect a turntable directly?
Only when the turntable provides detachable RCA outputs and the required cable arrangement is compatible. Most Rega tonearms already have a captive cable fitted.
Does it carry a turntable earth connection?
No. It is a stereo audio interconnect. Any separate earth lead required by the turntable must be connected independently.
Can it be used with non-Rega equipment?
Yes. It can connect compatible RCA-equipped products from other manufacturers.
Which length should I choose?
Choose the shortest length that reaches comfortably without stretching the cable or placing pressure on the sockets.
Are the plugs gold plated?
Yes. The Couple 3 uses gold-plated Neutrik RCA plugs with mechanical strain relief.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Genuine Rega analogue interconnect
- Help choosing the correct cable length
- Advice on phono-stage and amplifier connections
- System cable-routing guidance
- Compatibility advice for Rega and third-party equipment
- Ongoing support from the UK's oldest independent specialist Hi-Fi retailer
Contact your local Audio T store
for help choosing the correct Couple 3 length or connecting your phono stage and amplifier.