Rega Releases AOS MC Phono Amplifier
All Image Credit: Rega
Rega has just released the AOS MC, a dedicated moving coil phono stage positioned as a significant step up from its Fono models. This latest design is a fully adjustable moving coil pre-amplifier using a circuit design based heavily on their Aura reference MC phono stage. Described as a no-compromise, fully adjustable moving coil pre-amplifier it is housed in a custom half-width fully aluminium black enclosure that provides effective RFI shielding and mechanical rigidity.
At the core of the AOS MC is a two-stage, all-analogue design with no digital control circuitry in the signal path. Rega’s engineers have focused on a low-noise topology, symmetry and thermal stability. The circuit is based heavily on the Aura MC and uses parallel-connected, ultra-low-noise FETs configured as compound pairs. According to Rega, the use of FET devices means no bias current flows through the cartridge coil, avoiding any disturbance to the cartridge’s magnetic geometry.
The first gain stage is a symmetrical, complementary Class A amplifier that uses carefully graded and matched ultra-low noise FET (Field Effect Transistor) transistors that drive the passive high-frequency portion of the RIAA equalisation network. The second stage is a symmetrical and Class A differential amplifier with a common-base driver that handles the low-frequency portion of the RIAA equalisation. A self-adjusting servo compensates for variations in ambient and operating temperature, maintaining stability without introducing additional signal-path complexity.
Changes to loading and gain are made using rear panel DIP switches. Users can select resistive loading at 70, 100, 150, or 400 ohms, capacitive loading at 1000 or 4300 pF and gain can be switched between 69.3 dB and 63.5 dB, allowing the AOS MC to accommodate a broad range of moving coil cartridges. RIAA equalization accuracy is rated at better than ±0.2 dB from 65 Hz to 70 kHz, with a frequency response extending from 17.5 Hz to 100 kHz, and THD specified at 0.03 percent. A defeatable automatic standby function is available that puts the unit to sleep after a period without signal.
Rear panel connectivity is only one stereo pair each of single-ended RCA in and out. There are no balanced options available.
Features At A Glance:
- Dedicated moving coil phono stage
- All analogue design – no digital control cicyuitary
- Fully adjustable for loading
- Factory pre-set for use with all Rega MC cartridges
- Circuit design based on the Reference Aura MC
- Custom aluminium design half width case
- Automatic standby function
- Lifetime warranty against manufacture defects
Specifications:
- Input Load: 70, 100, 150, & 400Ω
- Capacitive Load: 1000, 4300pF
- RIAA Accuracy (100kΩ output load): Better than ±0.2dB 65Hz to 70kHz
- Frequency Response: 17.5 Hz (-3 dB) to 100 kHz (-0.2 dB)
- THD: 0.03%
- Input Sensitivity: 69.3 dB (Gain Setting I), 63.5 dB (Gain Setting II)
- Load settings for adjustable MC stages
- Gain (0dB high gain setting): 69.3dB at 1kHz
- Gain (-6dB low gain setting): 63.5dB at 1kHz
- Power consumption in Standby: 0.4W
- Power Consumption: 20W
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 220 x 80 x 330 mm
- Weight: 2.9Kg
MSRP:
- UK: £1,500.00
- US: $2,299.00
- EU: €2,007.00
For more information visit the Rega web site.
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