Rega Research Exon 3 Owners manual
Contents
Important..................................................................................1
Introduction..............................................................................2
Design Innovation....................................................................3
General Description.................................................................4
Installation................................................................................5
Amplifier and Speaker Protection............................................6
Short Circuit Protection............................................................7
Power Amplifier Inputs.............................................................8
Input Connections....................................................................9
Loudspeakers........................................................................10
In Use.....................................................................................11
Specifications.........................................................................12
Troubleshooting................................................................13-16
Owners Log...........................................................................17
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1
Important
The Exon 3 is a unique amplifier where ingenious design has allowed an
unusually high output from an exceptionally small size. Listen to its superlative
sound quality and you will understand why we say “unique”.
The Exon 3 can comfortably produce power levels in excess of 200 watts and
therefore good ventilation MUST be provided around the case top and bottom.
We advise the following.
1. Do not stack the amplifiers on top of each other.
2. If Exons need to be stacked vertically use a specialist non enclosed
equipment stand. Keep the Exons away from other heat producing equipment.
3. Alternatively place the amplifiers side by side with at least 40mm between
them.
4. Do not place the Exon 3 on any carpet, bedding or any other material that
will obstruct the heat sink fins underneath.
5. Keep the Exons away from any heat source such as radiators, fires, heaters
or sunlight.
When in use the case will feel warm to the touch. This is normal. If the Exons
are used with insufficient air circulation and the case temperature rises too
high (approximately 60
o
C) the amplifier will automatically switch off and will
reset once a correct working temperature is reached.
If the Exon 3 is required to be used in extreme applications such as very low
impedance loudspeakers or P.A. applications, additional fan cooling may be
used and/or the amplifiers stacked on their sides (or upside down) to allow the
heat sinks underneath to work more efficiently.
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2
Introduction
Your Rega Mono-block has been designed to reproduce music
effectively and easily. The Exon 3 has been built to Rega's
discriminating standards of reliability and quality to ensure many
years of musical enjoyment.
A Monoblock's function is to drive loudspeakers in partnership with a
pre-amplifier unit. It is vital that the amplifier achieves this without
changing the signal, which 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.
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.
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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3
Design Innovation
In common with all Rega products, the Exon 3 mono-block has been
designed without compromise. Our time and money has been spent
on developing the unique circuit design and using unusually high
quality components. However, we have included useful features to
further enhance your listening pleasure.
The Exon 3 features completely Rega designed circuitry developed
in-house with the aid of CAD circuit simulation, computer modeling
and extensive listening.
The output stage is fully protected with DC and short circuit protection,
with mains fuse monitoring; all ensuring that your speakers are not
damaged by mains spikes or faulty source components.
This Rega amplifier includes extremely high quality components not
normally found in a power-amplifier of this price. These include high
tolerance polypropylene capacitors, and two generously rated toroidal
transformers, enabling the Exon 3 to drive even the most awkward of
speaker systems.
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4
General Description
The Rega Exon 3 Power Amplifier is a 120 Watt 8Ω/200 Watt 4Ω high
performance, symmetrical circuit, Mono Block power amplifier, which
is housed in the Rega custom built extruded aluminium case and high
thermal efficiency heat sink. The Exon 3 amplifier has a fully protected
output stage, with DC and electronic thermal protection & supply
monitor for both transformers. High quality Evox polypropylene
capacitors have been used in the signal path.
Circuit
The Exon 3 power amplifier uses a fully symmetrical circuit topology
throughout, with a low distortion high linearity & bandwidth common
base voltage amplifier driver stage. This type of circuit topology will
provide the necessary voltage swing, to enable the Exon 3 to drive the
speaker system with the minimum of distortion. Four Sanken 200 Watt
output transistors are used in a high current output stage, thus
enabling the Exon 3 to drive the most awkward of speaker systems.
The Exon 3 uses two generously rated toroidal transformers for each
rail of the power supply, and with 37,600µF of parallel connected
smoothing capacitors, will provide more than enough current to drive
the hardest of loads. All input and driver stages are fed from a fully
regulated supply providing a stabilized voltage, ensuring the highest
level of sonic purity.
The improvements to the power supply and the internal wiring
plus the up-grades to the capacitors & transistors, all combine
to give a significant improvement to the over all performance of
this already high performance amplifier.
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5
Installation
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
pre-amp as the lead will allow. If possible, place it to the left of the preamp.
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.
Ventilation
The heat produced by the amplifier is dispersed to the air via the case,
particularly from the base. Ensure that the case has an unobstructed
air passage around it.
It is perfectly acceptable for the amplifier to become warm to the
touch.
Never place the amplifier on carpet, rugs, bedding or other hi-fi
equipment.
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