Cursa 3
Cursa 3 manual.qxd 10/12/2002 15:23 Page 1
Introduction.............................................................................1
Design Innovation...................................................................2
Installation...............................................................................3
DC Protection..........................................................................4
Pre-Amp Outputs....................................................................5
Input Connection..................................................................6-8
In Use................................................................................9-10
Input Selection.......................................................................11
Output Level and Gain change..............................................12
Power Amp Connections......................................................13
Specifications.......................................................................14
Troubleshooting...........................................................15-19
Owners Log......................................................................20
Contents
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Your Rega pre-amplifier has been designed to reproduce music
effectively and easily. The Cursa 3 has been built to Rega’s
discriminating standards of reliability and quality to ensure many
years of musical enjoyment.
A pre-amplifier's function is to act as a control and switching unit for
a variety of sources, and to boost the tiny signal generated by a
cartridge, CD player, or other source to a level suitable for input into
a power amplifier; which in turn boosts it to a higher level to drive the
loudspeakers. It is vital that the amplifier achieves this without
changing the signal, as this would distort the music. We have avoided
superfluous gadgets such as tone controls or a headphone socket as
they obstruct the signal path and degrade the produced sound
quality.
The Rega amplifiers incorporate remarkable and innovative design
ideas. For those interested in the technical details, these innovations
are described more fully in this manual. Alternatively, you can simply
switch on, sit back, and let your amplifier speak for itself...
Introduction
1
Mission Statement
Rega’s philosophy is to make high quality products at sensible prices, as a means
of reproducing music as faithfully as possible. Rega is committed to the design
and development of new and existing products, both in hi-fi and other areas, that
will perpetuate Rega’s values of quality and value for money.
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Design Innovation
In common with all Rega products, the Cursa 3 pre-amplifier has
been designed without compromise. Our time and money has been
spent on developing the unique circuit design and sourcing unusually
high quality components. However, we have included useful features
to further enhance your listening pleasure.
The Cursa 3 amplifier has digitally controlled analog switched
resistor network volume control.
The Cursa 3 is a programmable gain pre-amplifier
The Cursa 3 amplifier features REGA designed circuitry, developed
in-house with the aid of CAD circuit simulation, computer modeling
and extensive listening.
The Cursa 3 amplifier includes extremely high quality components
not normally found in a pre-amplifier of this price. These include high
tolerance polypropylene capacitors, and a toroidal transformer.
2
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The amplifier will work well on most surfaces, such as a shelf or a
table, provided there is sufficient air around it to prevent overheating.
To avoid magnetic interference, site the amplifier as far away from the
turntable as the tonearm lead will allow. If possible, place it to the left
of the turntable.
Keep other equipment, such as tuners, cassette decks or CD players
away from the amplifier. Never stack other hi-fi components on top of
the amplifier.
Due to the layout of Rega’s amplifier circuit designs, they are virtually
insusceptible to electro magnetic interference, and by virtue of the
extruded aluminium case, emit practically no electro magnetic
radiation. However, placing any electronic equipment close together
may impair the performance of one or both items.
Installation
3
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The amplifier has a circuit which protects the power amplifier
connected to the pre-amplifier output, from direct current in the event
of a major failure of the system.
The use of this sophisticated DC protection circuit in conjunction with
a servo correction stage, (on all line inputs) allows the amount of
capacitors in the signal path to be kept at a minimum. This prevents
unnecessary sound degradation at this crucial line level stage,
providing true musical accuracy and the flexibility to drive up to 5
power amplifiers.
DC Protection
4
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Pre-Amp Outputs
The pre-amplifier can drive at least 5 power amplifiers, sub bass units
etc.
The 2 parallel pre-amp outputs use RCA type (phono) connectors.
The output is at standard line level of 0.83V, but your Rega dealer will
be able to modify the output level to accomodate a range of power
amplifiers. See specifications on page 13 for further details.
5
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Input Connections
All inputs and outputs are made via RCA (phono) type connectors.
The sockets on the Rega amplifiers are clearly marked red and white.
Right: always the lower row and marked in RED.
Left: always the upper row and marked in WHITE.
Rear Panel Connections
Ground Screw
Phono CD Tuner Line1 Line2
Rega Research Ltd., England
Tape
In 1
Pre
Tape
Tape
Tape
Out 1
In 2
Out 2
Pre
Amp
Amp
Out 1
Out 2
POWER IN
6
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