Rega Aura MC Reference Moving-Coil Preamplifier

$6,695.00

Free Lifetime Technical Assistance
SKU: Aura MC
Brand: Rega

Description

Aura
reference moving coil pre-amplifier.

The reference Aura MC stage is the
culmination of decades of electronic design development. We have
created the ultimate, fully adjustable, three stage, all symmetrical
pre-amplifier designed purely to extract the very best performance
from your moving coil cartridge and vinyl playback system.

Built into a completely re-designed custom case,
the Aura is dedicated to moving coil cartridges and stays clear of any
compromises. We have avoided including any superfluous functions as they
obstruct the signal path and degrade the sound quality. The Aura phono pre-amp
incorporates remarkable and innovative design ideas. If you are a vinyl
connoisseur, then the Aura MC is an absolute must for
demonstration.

Introduction and
Design Innovation

The Rega Aura is a three stage, all symmetrical
pre-amplifier. The first stage is a symmetrical, complementary class A
amplifier, using parallel connected Linear Systems ultra-low noise FET (Field
Effect Transistor) transistors configured as a symmetrical compound pair input
stage. 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 input circuit configuration also alleviates the use of any
coupling components between the cartridge output and the input stage FET
transistors, which would degrade the sound. The complementary ultra-low noise
FET transistors are carefully graded and matched for optimum performance. This
stage drives the passive high frequency part of the RIAA equalisation stage.

The second stage is a symmetrical, class A, differential
amplifier with a common base driver stage; this is also used as the active
amplifier in the low frequency part of the RIAA equalisation stage. The third
stage inverts the signal to provide the balanced output along with the output
of the second stage; the third stage uses the same circuit topology as used in
the second stage. The power supply is a symmetrical, discrete tracking power
supply using fast diodes and a low noise voltage reference. Each stage has its
own localised power supply and LED referenced current generators. To maximise
headroom, the Aura has a power supply voltage, which is 60% higher than
normally found in such a pre-amplifier. Very high quality, polypropylene
capacitors have been used in the signal path. 1% tolerance polypropylene
capacitors are used in the RIAA EQ stages and audio grade capacitors are used
in the rest of the circuit. Gain, Mute and Mono switching is implemented using
high quality relays.

Gain

Please note: mute or turn the volume control to minimum when
changing the gain setting. The gain setting switch selects the voltage gain of
the phono amplifier. Gain I selects 69.5 dB (switch out) and Gain II selects
63.5 dB (switch in); this will provide an input sensitivity of 67 μV and 131 μV
respectively for an output level of 200 mV unbalanced and 400 mV balanced. The
balanced output is effectively 6 dB higher than the unbalanced output. It is
advisable to start with the lower gain setting II and if
necessary, increase the gain level to I if more level is required for
lower output cartridges. Because the balanced output is effectively 6 dB
higher, it could be advisable to select gain II setting when using the balanced
output; this will also depend greatly on the sensitivity of the connected
amplifier.

Capacitance

There are five different input capacitance settings of 1000
pF, 2000 pF, 3200 pF, 4300 pF & 5700 pF. Select the required capacitance to
match to that specified by the manufacturer in the cartridge specifications. It
is permissible to try different loading conditions as sometimes changing the
capacitance gives a different sonic performance more suited to your personal
taste; this also applies if there is no loading capacitance specified by the
manufacturer. To match some ‘legacy’ pre-amplifiers, select 5700 pF. The 1000
pF setting is optimised for the Rega range of MC cartridges.

Load Settings

There are five different input load settings of 50 Ω, 100 Ω,
150 Ω, 300 Ω & 400 Ω. Select the required load to match to that specified
by the manufacturer in the cartridge specifications. It is permissible to try
different loading conditions as sometimes changing the load gives a different
sonic performance more suited to your personal taste. To match some ‘legacy’
pre-amplifiers, select 400 Ω. The 100 Ω setting is optimised for the Rega range
of MC cartridges.

Mute

Allows you to mute the signal when changing the gain
setting, in-between tracks or when changing records.

Mono

This function allows you to play mono recordings
via a stereo cartridge.

Additional information

Weight 0.00000000 lbs

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