Rega Launches Mercury Pre-Amplifier and Solis Power Amplifier
All Image Credit: Rega
Rega has announced two reference grade amplifiers, the Mercury pre-amplifier and the Solis power amplifier.
Mercury Pre-Amplifier
The Mercury employs fully discrete symmetrical circuitry throughout its signal path with each stage employing complementary Class A output stage amplifiers. According to Rega, “Critical amplification stages use Linear Systems ultra-low noise FET (Field Effect Transistor) transistors in the differential quad pair input stages.”
The “active” volume control use the Alps Blue Velvet RK27 potentiometer that is paired with symmetrical common base driver stage amplifiers providing improved drive capability.
Digital processing is handled by Wolfson DACs running in a parallel configuration. The asynchronous USB input is galvanically isolated with its own dedicated power supply, while S/PDIF inputs handle up to 24-bit/192kHz PCM and USB support to 32-bit/192kHz PCM and DSD64 via DoP.
The discrete headphone amplifier uses the same symmetrical common base driver stage circuitry as the power amplifier providing sufficient drive for both low and high impedance headphones with 2.5W into 33 Ohms or 0.5W into 240 Ohms. With control available using the front panel full-colour IPS display and associated rotary controls and the supplied custom backlit Orbit remote control.
Rear panel stereo analogue connectivity includes; 1 x XLR and 4 x RCA line inputs and 1 x RCA record in. Analogue outputs are 1 x RCA record and 1 x XLR and 1 x RCA pre-amp. Digital input connectivity is offered using; 2 x SPDIF optical and coaxial plus 1 x USB. Control is available using the 12VDC 3.5mm trigger I/O.
Features At A Glance:
- Fully discrete symmetrical circuitry in the core signal path
- High performance DAC with S/PDIF and USB inputs
- Galvanically isolated asynchronous USB input
- Discrete headphone amplifier
- Full colour IPS display
- Custom backlit Orbit remote control
- Standby mode
- Lifetime warranty against manufacture defects
Specifications:
- INPUT – S/PDIF Co-ax and Optical: 16-24 bit @ 32/44.1/48/88.2/96/176.4/192kHz
- INPUT – USB: 16-32 bit @ 44.1/48/88.2/96/176.4/192kHz PCM or DSD64 (DoP), Asynchronous, Power Consumption 0W (<0.5mA)
- PRE-AMP – THD+N: Typically 0.001% @ 1kHz 2V Unbalanced or 4V Balanced 0dB gain
- PRE-AMP – Frequency Response: 8Hz (-0.5dB point) to 28kHz (-0.5dB point) at 0dB gain Balanced Input/ Output
- DAC – THD+N: Typically 0.0045% @ 1kHz 0dBFS 2V Pre Out
- HEADPHONE AMP – Max Level 33Ω: 9V / 2.5W @ 0.1% THD+N (230V/120V)
- HEADPHONE AMP – Max Level 240Ω: 10.85V / 0.5W @ 0.1% THD+N (230V/120V)
- HEADPHONE AMP – THD+N: Typically 0.0035% @ 1kHz 2V into 240Ω or 33Ω
- Power Consumption: 50W
- Power Consumption (Standby): 0.4W (activated automatically if no signal present after 20 minutes)
- Dimensions W x H x D: 435 x 97 x 380mm (17 x 3.8 x 15in)
- Weight: 14kg (31lbs)
Solis Power Amplifier
The Solis delivers 168wpc into 8 Ohms and 305wpc into 4 Ohms through twelve Sanken 130W output transistors, six per channel, configured in a “triple high-current output stage”. Two custom 330VA toroidal transformers and 40,000µF of capacitive storage provide stable power delivery during peak musical demands. Protection circuits monitor speaker DC levels and device temperature, with a microcontroller-based slow-start minimising transformer inrush current upon start-up.
According to the Rega; “the Solis uses a fully symmetrical circuit throughout with a differentially driven, low distortion, high linearity and bandwidth common base voltage amplifier driver stage. Its cascoded differential input amplifier uses two, low noise, LED referenced, current generators. The open & closed loop feedback levels and gain bandwidth product components are optimised to give a tight and controlled sound stage, especially at the low frequency end of the audio range. Nichicon audio grade capacitors are used in critical bypass and decoupling positions. Electrolytic capacitors have been bypassed with polyester capacitors where necessary, improving on the HF performance. HTR non-inductive resistors are used in the output stage.”
Rear panel signal connectivity includes the obligatory two pairs of speaker binding posts and two pairs XLR and RCA analog inputs. Control is available using the 2.5mm 12VDC trigger I/O and there is a switch to select between balanced and unbalanced input.
Features At A Glance:
- Fully symmetrical discrete circuitry in the signal path
- Balanced and unbalanced inputs
- 168W into 8Ω / 305W into 4Ω
- Short circuit protection
- Thermal cut-out and DC Protection
- Standby mode (user selectable)
- 12V trigger
- Independent MUTE function
- Compatible with Mercury pre-amplifier and Aethos stereo amplifier
- Lifetime warranty against manufacture defects
Specifications:
- Power Amplifier Output (at rated 230/120V supply voltage) @ 1kHz 0.1% THD
- 168W RMS per channel into 8Ω
- 305W RMS per channel into 4Ω
- THD+Noise at 100W into 8Ω measurement bandwidth 22Hz to 22.4 kHz: Typically 0.015% at 1kHz
- Unbalanced Input Sensitivity: 820mV at 35kΩ
- Balanced Input Sensitivity: 1.64V at 26kΩ
- Power Amplifier Gain: 33.3dB
- Frequency Response at 100W into 8Ω (Unbalanced input): 15Hz (-0.5dB point) to 30kHz (-0.5dB point)
- Power Supply (as marked): AC supply 230V / 220V / 120V / 100V nominal ±10%
- Power Consumption: Power Consumption 500W at 1/8 rated power (42.5 W into 4Ω)
- Power Consumption in Standby: 0.4W (activated automatically if no signal present after 1 hour)
- Unbalanced Input Sensitivity / Impedance: 820 mV at 35kΩ
- Balanced Input Sensitivity / Impedance: 1.64V at 26kΩ
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 435 x 140 x 385mm (17 x 5.5 x 15in)
- Weight: 24.8 kg (54.7lbs)
Typical Price (Mercury/Solis):
- UK: £6,950/£6,950
- US: $10,495/$10,495
For more information visit the Rega website.
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