Rega Aria mk3 MM / MC Phono stage

The Aria MK3 phono preamplifier now comes with a new all-aluminum housing that protects the internal circuitry from any stray RFI signals. This is a “purely analog amplifier” without a digital control circuit. The designers avoided including unnecessary devices as they block the signal path and degrade sound quality. The Aria incorporates many innovative design ideas, including a self-adjusting servo control to keep the MC input circuit optimal and to accommodate fluctuations in ambient or operating temperature.

Both stages (MC and MM) have their own separate input jacks and input preamp circuits. This made it possible to develop tailor-made input circuits for each pickup system without compromise. The signal switching takes place at high level and low impedance (via relays) to ensure that the signal is not affected.

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MC Stage Design & Features

The MC input uses low-noise FETs (Field Effect Transistors) connected in parallel that are configured as a composite pair. The use of FET transistors ensures that no bias current flows in the system so as not to disturb the sensitive magnetic geometry of the system. The MC input offers the option of selecting a resistive input load from 70 ohms to 400 ohms and a capacitive load from 1000 pF to 4200 pF. The input sensitivity can be changed by 6 dB via the rear.

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MM Stage Design & Features

The MM input uses low noise bipolar input transistors, which are also configured as a composite pair. There are two separate power supplies for each channel and additional sub-power supplies for each of the low-noise input circuits. Nichicon FG electrolytic capacitors have been used in critical positions in all power supplies. Polypropylene capacitors have been used in signal path and equalization networks. Discrete circuitry is used throughout the signal path giving complete control over the circuit design.

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Technical specifications

Phono preamplifier

Separate phono inputs for MM / MC

MC input adaptable by means of a switch

[(different impedances (70, 100, 150, 400 Ohm)

as well as capacities (1000, 2000, 3200, 4200 pF)]

MC input:

Input sensitivity: 70 µV (0 dB) / 133 µV (-6 dB)

for 200 mV output voltage

Total gain: 69.3 dB or 63.5 dB

MM input:

Input sensitivity: 1.7 mV for 200 mV output voltage

Input impedance: 47 kOhm / 100 pF

Available color variant: black

Dimensions H x W x D: 78 x 218 x 315 mm (“half format”)