rega Aria MK3 Phono Stage Instruction Manual

: June 10, 2024
: Rega

Table of Contents

rega Aria MK3 Phono Stage
INTRODUCTION
TECHNOLOGY
INSTALLATION
BACK PANEL CONNECTIVITY
SETUP
FRONT PANEL INDICATORS
MC CARTRIDGE ADJUSTMENT
SPECIFICATIONS
References
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rega Aria MK3 Phono Stage

For user instructions in your language, please visit www.rega.co.uk and go to the download section of your chosen product page.

INTRODUCTION

The function of a phono pre-amplifier is to match the output from a pick up cartridge to the input of a line level amplifier. It is required to amplify the very low signals produced by the cartridge and also to equalise the frequency curve in accordance with RIAA record cutting standard.

Moving coil (MC) and moving magnet (MM) cartridges require different types of phono pre- amplifiers to achieve optimum performance. The Aria uses two separate circuits dedicated to both moving coil and moving magnet cartridges and avoids compromises.

The Aria is an “all analogue amplifier” with no digital control circuitry. The fully aluminium case screens the internal circuit from any stray RFI signals.

We have avoided including any superfluous gadgets as they obstruct the signal path and degrade the sound quality. The Aria incorporates remarkable and innovative design ideas. These innovations are described more fully in the technology section of this manual.

Alternatively, you can simply switch on, sit back and let your Aria sing for itself.

TECHNOLOGY

The Aria has two entirely separate high performance phono stages. One fully adjustable dedicated moving coil and a moving magnet stage. Each stage has its own separate input sockets and input pre-amplifier circuitry. This enables Rega to design bespoke input circuitry for each cartridge without compromise. The MM/MC signal switching is performed at a high level and a low impedance using relays, thus not causing any degradation of the signal.

The MC input uses parallel connected, low noise FET’s (Field Effect Transistor) configured as a compound pair configuration. 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 to 400 Ω and capacitive loading of 1000 to 4200 pF. The input sensitivity can be changed by 6 dB, via the back panel.

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 in the power supplies. ICEL and Wima polypropylene capacitors have been used in the signal path and equalisation networks. Discrete circuitry is used throughout the signal path ensuring full control of the circuit design.

INSTALLATION

The Aria will work well on most surfaces, provided there is sufficient air around it to prevent overheating. To avoid any possible magnetic interference and increased hum levels, position the Aria as far away from the turntable as the tonearm lead will allow; this ensures all delicate electronics are kept away from other transformers and motors etc. Try not to stack other hi-fi components directly on top of each other. Given the nature of sensitive high gain phono amplifiers, the Aria may need placing away from high power amplifiers that use large transformers. If in the rare event that low level noise should become overly intrusive, try using the lower gain setting, and move the unit away from possible noise sources as described.

The minimal heat produced by the Aria is dissipated by the case, particularly the left hand side. Try to ensure that the case has an uninterrupted air passage around it. The Aria circuit has been carefully designed to work with a minimal “warm up” period of just a few minutes as the sensitive input circuits stabilise and reach their optimal operating conditions. The MC input circuit uses a self-adjusting servo control to keep the MC input circuit at its optimum operating point, compensating for any variations in ambient and operating temperature.

BACK PANEL CONNECTIVITY

rega Aria MK3 Phono Stage 1

SETUP

Separate inputs are used for moving magnet and moving coil cartridges. Connect your turntable’s tonearm cable to the appropriate input sockets on the back of the Aria. If your tonearm has a separate earth, this should be firmly connected to the earth terminal shown on the rear panel in the diagram above.

Connect the Aria to your amplifier via the sockets marked Output to the appropriate line level input on the back of your amplifier. Use a high quality phono cable such as the Rega Couple 2 (not supplied). The mains power lead (supplied) should be connected to the IEC socket on the right hand side located above the fuse holder.
N.B. Always switch both pre and power amps off before changing any connections.

LOADING SETTINGS (adjustable via back panel)
LEFT/RIGHT MC LOADING RESISTANCE 1 and 2 off = 400 Ω
1 only on = 100 Ω
2 only on = 150 Ω
1 and 2 on = 70 Ω

CAPACITANCE
3 and 4 off = 1000 pF
3 only on = 2000 pF
4 only on = 3200 pF
3 and 4 on = 4200 pF

LEFT/RIGHT MC GAIN
1 off and 2 on low gain = 63.5 dB
1 on and 2 off high gain = 69.3 dB

FRONT PANEL INDICATORS

rega Aria MK3 Phono Stage 2

POWERING UP
The Aria is activated by pressing the On/Off button situated to the left of the control panel. The REGA logo will glow RED. It is recommended to activate the Aria before the power amplifiers and deactivate after they have been switched off.

N.B. The unit will be muted for approximately
5 seconds when powered-up or switching between inputs. MM or MC inputs are selected by pressing the input button on the front panel. The LED indicator will show the selected input. When switching between MM & MC, the Aria goes into mute briefly to avoid any intrusive switching noise whilst the circuitry settles. When switching between MC and MM, both LED’s will temporarily light, with a short delay in the audible ‘click’ of the relay. This is a function of the mute and relay contact cleaning / activation circuit and is normal.

MC CARTRIDGE ADJUSTMENT

rega Aria MK3 Phono Stage 3

IMPORTANT: Turn off the Aria before changing any of the settings on the back, especially the MC gain setting which causes the MC input circuit to re- adjust. This may cause a big ‘thump’ through the speakers if the amplifier is on and the Aria is the source component. The MC input has the provision for selecting resistive input loading of 70 to 400 Ω and capacitive loading of 1000 to 4200 pF. The input sensitivity can also be changed by 6 dB. You must adjust each channel (left and right) individually, via the use of the dip switches located on the back panel. Your cartridge manufacturer will state the recommended loading for the MC cartridge you have chosen.

All Rega MC models require the following settings:
LEFT/RIGHT MC LOADING RESISTANCE: 1 only on = 100 Ω
LEFT/RIGHT MC LOADING CAPACITANCE: 3 and 4 off = 1000 pF

LEFT/RIGHT MC GAIN:
1 on and 2 off high gain = 69.3 dB
*The Aria will be factory set to the above settings by default.

SPECIFICATIONS

| SPECIFICATIONS| …
---|---|---
Maximum output level| 11 V RMS|
Rated output level| 200 mV|
Output resistance| 100 Ω|
Minimum output resistance for a

-3 dB point at 15 Hz

setting)

| 70 µV for 200 mV output
| Input sensitivity (-6 dB low gain

setting)

setting)

| 5.1 mV at 1 kHz
| Maximum input level (-6 dB high

gain setting)

load)

Bandwidth 100 Hz to 22 kHz

| Noise (15 Ω terminator and -6 dB

low gain setting)

| Typically -71 dB V un-weighted

100 Hz to 22 kHz

| Signal to noise ratio (un-weighted 100 Hz – 22 kHz bandwidth and 0 dB

high gain setting)

| -67 dB using 1 kHz 5 cm/sec track on the HFS69 test record and Rega MC cartridge

fitted to a Rega turntable.

load)

| 15 Hz (-3 dB) to 100 kHz (-0.2 dB)
| RIAA accuracy (100 kΩ output load)| Better than ± 0.2 dB 100 Hz to

100 kHz

| THD+Noise| Typically 0.005% at 1 V

Bandwidth 100 Hz to 22 kHz

| Noise (150 Ω terminator on input)| Typically -86 dB V un-weighted 100

Hz to 22 kHz

Allow adequate air circulation around the left hand side of the unit as this houses the heat sink for the power supply. It will typically run 5 °C above the ambient temperature. Recommended distance between this side and other units is 60 mm. This unit is intended for use in moderate climates.

To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock or product dam-age, do not expose the unit to rain, moisture, dripping or splashing and ensure that no objects filled with liquids, such as vases are placed upon it. Do not remove the case covers, there are no user serviceable parts inside.

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