rega Aura Phono Stage MC Reference User Manual

rega Aura Phono Stage MC Reference

Product Information

Specifications

• Product Name: AURA PHONO STAGE (MC) REFERENCE
• Languages: Dansk, Svenska, Polski, English, Deutsch, Italiano, Nederlands

Safety Precautions

The lightning flash with the arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of un-insulated ‘dangerous voltage’ within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons. The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance instructions in the service literature relevant to this appliance.

Important Information

Service: With the unit disconnected from the mains, clean only with a microfiber cloth (lightly damp if necessary). Do not remove any coverings; there are no user-serviceable parts inside. If the unit performs erratically or emits smoke or odor, disconnect from the power supply and take it to a qualified service technician. Product Packaging: Please do not dispose of the product packaging. The original packaging must be used if returning a product to your dealer or distributor for inspection or repair. Warranty: Please visit the homepage of www.rega.co.uk for further warranty details.

Compliance Information

This symbol indicates that electronic equipment at the end of its life should not be disposed of as general household waste. The equipment must be removed via a collection point for discarded electrical and electronic equipment in accordance with national legislation and Directive 2012/19/EU. For more information on disposing of your discarded electronic equipment, please contact your municipality or the retailer where you purchased the product.

Product Usage Instructions

Safety Precautions

Before using the product, please read and understand the safety precautions mentioned in the user manual.

Cleaning

1. Ensure that the unit is disconnected from the mains before cleaning.
2. Use a microfiber cloth to clean the product. If necessary, lightly dampen the cloth.
3. Do not remove any coverings as there are no user-serviceable parts inside.
4. If the unit performs erratically, emits smoke, or odour, disconnect it from the power supply and take it to a qualified service technician for inspection and repair.

Product Packaging

When returning the product to your dealer or distributor for inspection or repair, please use the original packaging to ensure safe transportation.

Warranty

For detailed warranty information, please visit the homepage of www.rega.co.uk.

Disposal of Electronic Equipment

Do not dispose of the electronic equipment as general household waste. Follow the national legislation and Directive 2012/19/EU for proper disposal. Contact your municipality or the retailer where you purchased the product for more information on how to dispose of your discarded electronic equipment.

FAQ

Q: How should I clean the product?

A: Use a microfiber cloth to clean the product. If necessary, lightly dampen the cloth. Ensure that the unit is disconnected from the mains before cleaning.

Q: What should I do if the unit performs erratically or emits smoke or odor?

A: Disconnect the unit from the power supply and take it to a qualified service technician for inspection and repair.

Q: Can I dispose of the product packaging?

A: Please do not dispose of the product packaging. The original packaging must be used when returning the product to your dealer or distributor for inspection or repair.

Q: Where can I find further warranty details?

A: Visit the homepage of www.rega.co.uk for more information on the warranty.

Q: How should I dispose of the electronic equipment?

A: Do not dispose of the electronic equipment as general household waste. Follow the national legislation and Directive 2012/19/EU for proper disposal. Contact your municipality or the retailer where you purchased the product for more information on how to dispose of your discarded electronic equipment.

Please be sure to carefully read this manual before using this product. This ensures that you are getting the most out of your product. Please scan the QR Code to access the multilingual user manual via the product web page. For user instructions in your language, please visit www.rega.co.uk and go to the download section of your chosen product page.

Safety precautions

• The lightning flash with the arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of un-insulated ‘dangerous voltage’ within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
• The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance instructions in the service literature relevant to this appliance.

Important information

Service

With the unit disconnected from the mains, clean only with a micro fibre cloth (lightly damp if necessary). Do not remove any coverings; there are no user- serviceable parts inside. If the unit performs erratically or emits smoke or odour, disconnect from the power supply and take it to a qualified service technician.

Lifetime Limited Warranty

Every product we make is designed and assembled in the UK to the highest possible standard. This warranty covers confirmed manufacturing defects. This warranty does not cover wear and tear, or parts that are con-sidered consumable. Any unauthorised modifications or failure to follow the Rega recommended guidelines in the product manual may invalidate the warranty. Due to local laws, warranties may vary by country in which units are sold. Please contact your Rega retailer or distributor for warranty details. Your statutory rights are not affected.
Please do not dispose of the product packaging. The original packaging must be used if returning a product to your dealer or distributor for inspection or repair.
Please visit the homepage of www.rega.co.uk for further warranty details.

Safety Instructions

Do not use this unit near liquids or expose to moisture. Do not use near sources of heat such as radiators, vents, stoves, or candles. Ensure adequate ventilation around the product, at least 10cm in all directions, and avoid placing the unit on soft surfaces such as long carpets and fabric. Do not open the product enclosure or force objects into openings in the unit. Place the unit on a fixed-level surface where it will not fall or tip. The unit should only be used in moderate climates between 5°C (41°F) and 35°C (95°F). Keep packaging material and small pieces out of reach of children. Unplug the power supply if the unit is unused for extended periods of time.

Compliance information

This symbol indicates that the electronic equipment bearing it should not be disposed of as general household waste at the end of its life. The equipment should be disposed of at a collec-tion point for waste electrical and electronic equipment in accordance with national legislation and Directive 2012/19/EU. For more information about how to dispose of your waste electronic equipment, please contact your local authority or retailer where you purchased the product. In the UK, please return your product to the retailer.

• CE Mark
  • This symbol indicates that this product complies with the relevant European Directives.
• UKCA Mark
  • This symbol indicates that this product complies with the UK conformity safety requirements.
• Eurasian Conformity Mark (EAC)
  • This product meets Russia, Byelorussia and Kazakhstan electronic safety approvals.
• Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM)
  • This symbol indicates that this product meets Australia, New Zealand Safety, EMC and Radio Communications requirements.

Introduction and design innovation

The function of a phono pre-amplifier is to match the output from a pickup cartridge to the input of a line-level amplifier. It is required to amplify the very low signals produced by the cartridge and to equalise the sound in accordance with the RIAA record-cutting standard. Rega believes that moving coil and moving magnet cartridges require different types of phono pre- amplifiers to achieve optimum performance. The Aura is therefore dedicated to moving coil cartridges and stays clear of any compromises. We have avoided including any superfluous functions as they obstruct the signal path and degrade the sound quality. The Aura phono pre-amp incorporates remarkable and innovative design ideas. For those interested in the technical details, these innovations are described more fully in the next section of this manual. Alternatively, you can simply switch on, sit back and let the Aura speak for itself. The Rega Aura is a three-stage, all-symmetrical pre-amplifier. The first stage is a symmetrical, complementary class A amplifier, using parallel connected Linear Systems ultra-low noise FET (Field Effect Transistor) transistors configured as a symmetrical compound pair input stage. 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 input circuit configuration also alleviates the use of any coupling components between the cartridge output and the input stage FET transistors, which would degrade the sound. The complementary ultra-low noise FET transistors are carefully graded and matched for optimum performance. This stage drives the passive high-frequency part of the RIAA equalisation stage. The second stage is a symmetrical, class A, differential amplifier with a common base driver stage; this is also used as the active amplifier in the low frequency part of the RIAA equalisation stage. The third stage inverts the signal to provide the balanced output along with the output of the second stage; the third stage uses the same circuit topology as used in the second stage. The power supply is a symmetrical, discrete tracking power supply using fast diodes and a low noise voltage reference. Each stage has its own localised power supply and LED-referenced current generators. To maximise headroom, the Aura has a power supply voltage, which is 60% higher than normally found in such a pre- amplifier. Very high quality, polypropylene capacitors have been used in the signal path. 1% tolerance polypropylene capacitors are used in the RIAA EQ stages and audio-grade capacitors are used in the rest of the circuit. Gain, Mute and Mono switching is implemented using high-quality relays.

Earth grounding

The Aura uses a Class I earth system, where the case metalwork is connected to the line safety earth, by means of the mains lead. The internal signal earth is linked to this earth by the use of a network to eliminate the risk of earth/ground loops. This earth method provides a safe and efficient discharge path for any static charge generated by the cartridge.

Installation

The Aura will work well on most surfaces, such as a shelf or a table, provided there is sufficient air around it to prevent overheating. To avoid any possible magnetic interference and increased hum levels, position the Aura as far away from the turntable as the tonearm lead will allow. If possible, try to place the Aura to the left of the turntable. Ideally equipment should be placed next to one another in a line. This keeps the most delicate electronics away from other transformers. Try not to stack other hi-fi components, on top of, or directly beneath the Aura. If this is unavoidable, use an equipment stand. The heat produced by the amplifier, although minimal, is dispersed to the air by the case, particularly the underside. Ensure that the case has an uninterrupted air passage around it.
The Aura weighs 13kg, so take great care when lifting and please ensure the shelf or stand you are using can safely support this weight. Please refer to your stand manufacturer’s manual for maximum load capacity.

Rear panel connections

The input can be made via RCA (phono) connectors and the output via either RCA (phono) connectors or balanced XLR connectors (pin2 positive and pin3 negative). The input and output sockets are marked by colour to indicate left and right channels, White for LEFT and Red for RIGHT. If your turntable has a separate Earth wire, firmly connect it to the terminal provided on the rear panel. N.B. Always switch both pre and power amplifiers off before changing the leads.

Mains Lead (Supplied)

A Rega-designed, fully shielded, high current capacity mains power lead is included.

High-Quality Interconnect (Supplied)

A Rega-designed high-quality RCA (phono), unbalanced interconnect is included. It was used throughout the design and development of the product and can be considered as a component rather than an accessory. The Rega cable is double shielded and exhibits an extremely low capacitance offering uniquely high levels of quality and performance.

Cartridge Selection

The Aura phono pre-amplifier is not suitable for use with any moving magnet (MM) cartridges; it can only be used with moving coil (MC) cartridges. The Aura has been designed to work with most manufacturers’ moving coil cartridges. There are five different input load and capacitance settings. Select the required load and capacitance to match to that specified by the cartridge manufacturer.
Note: It is permissible to try different loading capacitance conditions as sometimes changing the resistive and capacitive loading gives a different sonic performance more suited to your personal taste. Your Rega dealer will be able to give guidance to help match your specific cartridge to the correct gain settings. It is worth noting some ‘legacy’ pre-amplifiers exhibit higher resistive and capacitive loading.

Front panel controls

• Powering up – The Aura is activated by depressing the ON/OFF switch situated to the left of the front panel. Power on is indicated by the REGA LOGO in the centre illuminating red. It is recommended to activate the Aura before the power amplifiers and deactivate after they have been switched off. After switching off, the indicator will extinguish. This Rega pre-amplifier circuit has been carefully designed to work with a minimal “warm up” period. Some manufacturers and retailers may recommend leaving amplifiers permanently switched on. Rega cannot condone such practice in these environmentally sensitive times. We would recommend that your Rega amplifier is always switched off after use. Full sound quality is attained after less than ten minutes (a process speeded up by playing music).
• Mono – This function allows you to play mono recordings via a stereo cartridge.
• Mute – Allows you to mute the signal when changing the gain setting, in between tracks or when changing records.
• Gain – Please note: Mute or turn the volume control to a minimum when changing the gain setting. The gain setting switch selects the voltage gain of the phono amplifier. Gain I selects 69.5dB (switch out) and Gain II selects 63.5dB (switch in); this will provide an input sensitivity of 67μV and 131μV respectively for an output level of 200mV unbalanced and 400mV balanced. The balanced output is effectively 6dB higher than the unbalanced output. It is advisable to start with the lower gain setting II and if necessary; increase the gain level to I if more level is required for lower output cartridges. Because the balanced output is effectively 6dB higher, it could be advisable to select gain II setting when using the balanced output; this will also depend greatly on the sensitivity of the connected amplifier.
• Capacitance – There are five different input capacitance settings of 1000pF, 2000pF, 3200pF, 4300pF & 5700pF. Select the required capacitance to match to that specified by the manufacturer in the cartridge specifications. It is permissible to try different loading conditions as sometimes changing the capacitance gives a different sonic performance more suited to your personal taste; this also applies if there is no loading capacitance specified by the manufacturer. To match some ‘legacy’ pre-amplifiers, select 5700pF. The 1000pF setting is optimised for the Rega range of MC cartridges.
• Load – There are five different input load settings of 50Ω, 100Ω, 150Ω, 300Ω & 400Ω. Select the required load to match to that specified by the manufacturer in the cartridge specifications. It is permissible to try different loading conditions as sometimes changing the load gives a different sonic performance more suited to your personal taste. To match some ‘legacy’ pre-amplifiers, select 400Ω. The 100Ω setting is optimised for the Rega range of MC cartridges.

Specifications

Rega Research Ltd.

6 Coopers Way Temple Farm Industrial Estate Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS2 5TE

• www.rega.co.uk

References

• Rega – award winning hi-fi, designed and made in England since 1973.
• Rega – award winning hi-fi, designed and made in England since 1973.
• Rega – award winning hi-fi, designed and made in England since 1973.

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