Rega previewed the Aria MK3 switchable phono stage at the Bristol Hi-Fi Show back in February.

They have now announced this new product is now in full production and available to order now. This is a cosmetic facelift intended to bring it in line with the latest Rega electronics such as Planar 10 PSU and the Aethos amplifier with which many will be partnered.

Technology

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. 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’s (Field Effect Transistor’s) 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 70ohms to 400ohms 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.

Pricing

UK SSP £899.00

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