Rega Aura MC Phono Stage

The Aura MC Phono stage works with three stage pre-amplification, using complementary Class A amplifiers, connected in parallel linear systems field effect transistors. The FETs are ultra-low noise and ensure no bias current is flowing in the cartridge coil, which may upset the delicate magnetic geometry. The second and third stages use the same circuit topology, with the second stage being used as the active amplifier, and the third stage produces a balanced output. The power supply is a discrete PSU with a low noise voltage reference.

With a power supply that is 60% higher than usual, the Aura allows for maximised headroom. High quality polypropylene capacitors are used in the signal path, with 1% tolerance capacitors in the RIAA EQ stages, and audio grade components in the rest of the circuitry. The gain, mute and mono switches are operated with high quality relays.

The Aura phono stage contains three variable settings to allow you to get the best from your vinyl records and MC cartridge, or simply to tailor to your musical preference. Two gain options are available, Gain I at 69.5 dB and a lower Gain II at 63.5 dB. The lower gain setting is advised by Rega to begin, and the balanced output operates effectively 6 dB higher than the unbalanced output.

Five choices for capacitance are provided on the Aura phono stage, from 1000pF all the way up to 5700pF. The capacitance should be matched with the value specified on your accompanying MC cartridge, however, if none is specified, the capacitance can be selected based on the various sonic properties relating to each value. For example, at 5700pF the Aura matches some legacy pre-amplifiers in tone. The 1000pF setting is optimised for Rega’s range of MC cartridges.

The load settings vary from values of 50 Ohms, up to 400 Ohms, in order to match the load specified by the manufacturer of your MC cartridge. Different loading conditions can also alter the sonic performance from the cartridge, to suit your personal taste. 400 Ohms will give a sound similar to some legacy pre-amplifiers, while Rega recommends 100 Ohms for their MC cartridges.

• Rega Aura MC Phono Stage with symmetrical, three stage design
• Class A Amplifier with ultra-low noise Field Effect Transistors
• Discrete power supply with low noise voltage
• 1% tolerance polypropylene capacitors used in the RIAA EQ stages
• Adjustable settings for Gain, Capacitance and Load to match MC cartridges
• Settings can be tailored to suit the listener’s preference