Rega Aria: High-End MM/MC Phono Stage with Discrete Design & Ultra-Low Noise

Rega's compact phono preamplifier, the Aria, is housed in Rega's now-traditional “half-size” enclosure. Everything about it is neat—the enclosure, the assembly, and the minimalist design. The front panel features only two buttons: a power switch and a MM/MC toggle. The indicator lights—the logo and mode indicator—are also the familiar red, but somehow not at all irritating.

The rear panel features input jacks (two pairs—for MM and MC cartridges), a power cable jack, a pair of output jacks, and switches for adjusting the phono preamplifier. For MC cartridges, you can adjust the impedance, gain, and capacitance (which is unusual, as capacitance adjustments are more often reserved for MM cartridges). However, there are no adjustments for MM cartridges. However, the markings are somewhat confusing, so it's best to consult the manual for adjustments. But the important thing is that the device is designed to utilize both inputs equally and operate two different cartridges. Of course, a pair of universal inputs would be more interesting, but this is also fine. It's also worth considering that Rega equipment has a distinct synergy, and building the entire system on components from a single manufacturer (if we separate the developers' approaches to sound and ideology) is perfectly logical. However, the company has never produced turntables with dual tonearms.

A closer look inside and a closer look at the circuit diagram reveals a far more complex preamp than one might expect. Although everything is assembled on a single board, it appears that the MM and MC preamps are well separated. Another important point: everything is built using discrete components, no op amps. Plus, the components are solid, the power supply is well-designed and generously implemented, and the wiring is neat. Each stage of the Rega Aria is calculated and designed to maximize the potential of any system with a vinyl source. At the same time, the model remains simple and easy to set up. The enclosure reliably protects the select internal components from any radio frequency interference and noise.

To achieve high-quality analog sound, British engineers eliminated all unnecessary circuits from the signal path, leaving only the essentials. At the same time, it employs an innovative self-regulating servo control system designed to maintain the input circuits for the MC cartridges in optimal condition, regardless of the operating temperature inside the enclosure or the ambient temperature.

The moving coil circuit utilizes low-noise field-effect transistors (FETs) connected in parallel. Four dip-switch banks are located next to the MC input. These allow the desired input impedance (70, 100, 150, or 400 ohms), gain (63.5 or 69.3 dB), and capacitive load (1000, 2000, 3200, or 4200 pF) to be set for each

channel when working with MC cartridges. Low-noise bipolar transistors are used in the circuits for MM cartridges. A separate power supply is used for each channel, as well as Nichicon FG electrolytic capacitors. ICEL and Wima polypropylene capacitors are used in the signal path. To ensure the highest possible sound quality, only discrete components are used in the circuits.

The Rega Aria is a versatile device that accommodates all types of cartridges, takes up little shelf space, and delivers musical, well-balanced sound with minimal noise.

Rega Aria Specifications

• Supported Cartridge Types MM, MC
• Maximum Output Level 11 V
• Nominal Output Level 200 mV
• Output Impedance 100 Ohm
• Input Impedance for MC Cartridge (Switchable) 70, 100, 150, 400 Ohm
• Input Capacitive Load for MC Cartridge (Switchable) 1000, 2000, 3200, 4200 pF
• Gain (MC Cartridge) Switchable: 63.5 or 69.3 dB
• Frequency Response (MC) 13 Hz – 70 kHz (-3 dB, -0.2 dB)
• RIAA Curve Accuracy (MC) ±0.2 dB (70 Hz – 70 kHz, at 100 kOhm Output Load)
• Harmonic Distortion (MC) 0.035%
• Signal-to-noise ratio (for MC) 67 dB
• Input impedance for MM cartridge 47 kOhm (at 100 pF)
• Gain (MM cartridge) 41.4 dB
• Frequency range (for MM) 15 Hz – 100 kHz (- 3 dB, – 0.2 dB)
• RIAA curve accuracy (for MM) ± 0.2 dB (100 Hz – 100 kHz, at 100 kOhm load at the output)
• Harmonic distortion (for MM) 0.005%
• Inputs two RCA (for MM and MC cartridges)
• Outputs linear RCA
• Other switching ground terminal, socket for power cord
• Power consumption 10 W
• Dimensions (WxHxD) 220x80x310 mm