Aria MM / MC Phono Stage
CONTENTS INTRODUCTION 1 TECHNOLOGY 2 BACK PANEL CONNECTIVITY 3 FRONT PANEL INDICATORS 4 MC CARTRIDGE ADJUSTMENT 5 INSTALLATION, VENTILATION & WARM UP 6 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 7-9 LOADING SETTINGS 10 IMPORTANT NOTES 11 OWNERS LOG 12
INTRODUCTION The function of a phono pre amplifier is to match the output from a pick up cartridge to the input of a line level amplifier. It is required to amplify the very low signals produced by the cartridge and also to equalise the frequency curve in accordance with RIAA record cutting standard. Moving coil (MC) and moving magnet (MM) cartridges require different types of phono pre amplifiers to achieve optimum performance.
TECHNOLOGY The Aria has two entirely separate high performance phono stages. One fully adjustable dedicated moving coil and a moving magnet stage. Each stage has its own separate input sockets and input preamplifier circuitry. This enables Rega to design bespoke input circuitry for each cartridge without compromise. The MM/MC signal switching is performed at a high level and a low impedance using relays thus not causing any degradation of the signal.
BACK PANEL / CONNECTIVITY Setup Separate inputs are used for moving magnet and moving coil cartridges. Connect your turntable’s tonearm cable to the appropriate input sockets on the back of the Aria. If your tonearm has a separate earth this should be firmly connected to the earth terminal shown on the rear panel in the diagram above. Connect the Aria to your amplifier via the sockets marked Output to the appropriate line level input on the back of your amplifier.
FRONT PANEL INDICATORS Powering Up The Aria is activated by pressing the On/Off button situated to the left of the control panel. The REGA logo indicator below it will glow RED. It is recommended to activate the Aria before the power amplifiers and deactivate after they have been switched off. NB. The unit will be in MUTE for approximately 5 seconds when powered-up or switching between inputs. MM or MC inputs are selected by pressing the input button on the front panel.
MC CARTRIDGE ADJUSTMENT Loading Settings Left and Right MC loading Resistance 1 and 2 off = 400Ω 1 only on = 100Ω 2 only on = 150Ω 1 and 2 on 70Ω Capacitance 3 and 4 off = 1000pF 3 only on = 2000pF 4 only on = 3200pF 3 and 4 on = 4200pF Left and Right MC Gain 1 off and 2 on low gain = 63.5dB 1 on and 2 off high gain = 69.3dB IMPORTANT Turn off the Aria before changing any of the settings on the back, especially the MC Gain setting which causes the MC input circuit to re-adjust.
INSTALLATION The Aria will work well on most surfaces, provided there is sufficient air around it to prevent overheating. To avoid any possible magnetic interference and increased hum levels, position the Aria as far away from the turntable as the tonearm lead will allow, this ensures all delicate electronics are kept away from other transformers and motors etc. Try not to stack other Hi-Fi components directly on top of each other.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Maximum output level = 11V RMS. Rated output level = 200mV. Output resistance = 100Ω. Minimum output resistance for a –3dB point at 15Hz = 1K. AC supply 230V & 115V Nominal +/- 10%. 230V / 20mm Fuse / T250mAL 115V / 20mm Fuse / T500mAL Power Consumption = 10 Watts. Ambient operating temperature 5 to 35°C TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION / MC INPUT Generator source resistance = 15Ω. Loading set to 100Ω and 4200pF. Input sensitivity (0dB high gain setting) = 70uV for 200mV output.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION / MC INPUT CONTINUED Resistive Input loading = 70, 100, 150 & 400Ω. Capacitive Input loading = 1000, 2000, 3200 & 4200pF. Maximum input level (0dB high gain setting) = 5.1mV at 1KHz. Maximum input level (-6dB high gain setting) = 10mV at 1KHz. Gain (0dB high gain setting) = 69.3dB at 1KHz. Gain (-6dB low gain setting) = 63.5dB at 1KHz. Frequency response (100KΩ output load) = 13Hz (-3dB) to 70KHz (-0.2dB). RIAA accuracy (100KΩ output load) = better than +/-0.2dB 70Hz to 70KHz.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION / MM INPUT Generator source resistance = 40Ω. Input sensitivity = 1.7mV for 200mV output. Input loading = 47K in parallel with 100pF. Maximum input level = 93mV at 1KHz. Gain = 41.4dB at 1KHz. Frequency response (100KΩ output load) = 15Hz (-3dB) to 100KHz (-0.2dB). RIAA accuracy (100KΩ output load) = better than +/-0.2dB 100Hz to 100KHz. THD+Noise = typically 0.005% at 1V Bandwidth 100Hz to 22KHz. Noise (150Ω terminator on input) = typically –86dBV un-weighted 100Hz to 22KHz.
LOADING SETTINGS Adjustable via back panel Left and Right MC Loading Resistance 1 and 2 off = 400 Ω 1 only on = 100 Ω 2 only on = 150 Ω 1 and 2 on = 70 Ω Capacitance 3 and 4 off = 1000pF 3 only on = 2000pF 4 only on = 3200pF 3 and 4 on = 4200pF Left and Right MC Gain 1 off and 2 on low gain = 63.5dB 1 on and 2 off high gain = 69.
IMPORTANT NOTES Allow adequate air circulation around the left hand side of the unit as this houses the heat sink for the power supply. It will typically run 5°C above the ambient temperature. Recommended distance between this side and other units is 60mm. This unit is intended for use in moderate climates.
OWNERS LOG (1) Owner……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Date…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………... Where purchased……………………………………………………………………………………………… (2) Owner……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Date…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………... Where purchased……………………………………………………………………………………………… (3) Owner……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Date…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………... Where purchased……………………………………………………………………………………………...
Rega Research Ltd, exceptional Hi-Fi designed and made in ENGLAND.
