Rega Aria User Manual

Aria

MM / MC Phono Stage

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION 1

TECHNOLOGY 2

BACK PANEL CONNECTIVITY 3

FRONT PANEL INDICATORS 4

MC CARTRIDGE ADJUSTMENT 5

INSTALLATION, VENTILATION & WARM UP 6

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 7-9

LOADING SETTINGS 10

IMPORTANT NOTES 11

OWNERS LOG 12

INTRODUCTION

The function of a phono pre amplifier is to match the output from a pick up cartridge
to the input of a line level amplifier. It is required to amplify the very low signals
produced by the cartridge and also to equalise the frequency curve in accordance
with RIAA record cutting standard.

Moving coil (MC) and moving magnet (MM) cartridges require different types of
phono pre amplifiers to achieve optimum performance. The Aria uses two separate
circuits dedicated to both moving coil and moving magnet cartridges and avoids
compromises.

The Aria is an “all analogue amplifier” with no digital control circuitry. The
fully aluminium case screens the internal circuit from any stray RFI signals.

We have avoided including any superfluous gadgets as they obstruct the signal path
and degrade the sound quality. The Aria incorporates remarkable and innovative
design ideas. These innovations are described more fully in the technology section of
this manual.

Alternatively, you can simply switch on, sit back and let your Aria sing for itself.

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TECHNOLOGY

The Aria has two entirely separate high performance phono stages. One fully
adjustable dedicated moving coil and a moving magnet stage. Each stage has its own
separate input sockets and input preamplifier circuitry. This enables Rega to design
bespoke input circuitry for each cartridge without compromise. The MM/MC signal
switching is performed at a high level and a low impedance using relays thus not
causing any degradation of the signal.

The MC input uses parallel connected low noise FET’s (Field Effect Transistor)

configured as a compound pair configuration. 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 70 to 400Ω and capacitive loading of 1000 to 4200pF. The

input sensitivity can be changed by 6dB, via the back panel.

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 in the power supplies. ICEL and Wima
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.

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