Description
Rega Aura Moving Coil Phono Preamplifier
The Ultimate Expression of Vinyl Playback
The Rega Aura is the reference Moving Coil phono preamplifier from Rega, representing the culmination of decades of electronic design development and an uncompromising commitment to extracting the very best performance from a Moving Coil cartridge and vinyl playback system. A three-stage, fully symmetrical preamplifier of extraordinary sophistication, the Aura is dedicated exclusively to Moving Coil cartridges, with no concessions to versatility that would introduce compromise into its signal path. Built into a completely redesigned custom enclosure, the Aura is, quite simply, the finest phono stage Rega has ever produced.
Three-Stage Symmetrical Circuit Architecture
The Aura’s first stage is a symmetrical, complementary Class A amplifier employing parallel-connected Linear Systems ultra-low-noise FET transistors configured as a symmetrical compound pair input stage. The use of FET transistors ensures no bias current flows in the cartridge coil, preserving the delicate magnetic geometry of the cartridge, while the input circuit configuration eliminates the need for any coupling components between the cartridge output and the input stage transistors. The FETs are carefully graded and matched for optimum performance. This stage drives the passive high-frequency portion of the RIAA equalisation stage.
The second stage is a symmetrical Class A differential amplifier with a common base driver stage, serving as the active amplifier in the low-frequency portion of the RIAA equalisation stage. The third stage inverts the signal to provide the balanced output alongside the output of the second stage, using the same circuit topology as the second stage for complete symmetry throughout. Each stage has its own localised power supply and LED-referenced current generators, while the symmetrical discrete tracking power supply uses fast diodes and a low-noise voltage reference. To maximise headroom, the Aura operates at a power supply voltage 60% higher than typically found in preamplifiers of this type.
Comprehensive and Precise Adjustability
The Aura offers a level of adjustability befitting its reference status. Two gain settings are provided: Gain I at 69.5dB and Gain II at 63.5dB, delivering input sensitivities of 67 microvolts and 131 microvolts respectively for an output level of 200mV unbalanced and 400mV balanced. Five input capacitance settings of 1,000pF, 2,000pF, 3,200pF, 4,300pF, and 5,700pF allow precise matching to any cartridge specification, with the 1,000pF setting optimised for Rega’s own Moving Coil cartridge range. Five input load settings of 50, 100, 150, 300, and 400 ohms provide equivalent flexibility for resistive loading, with 100 ohms optimised for Rega MC cartridges. Gain, Mute, and Mono switching are all implemented using high-quality relays throughout.
Uncompromising Component Selection
Every component within the Aura’s signal path reflects the same philosophy of zero compromise that defines its circuit architecture. Very high-quality polypropylene capacitors are used throughout the signal path, with 1% tolerance polypropylene capacitors specified for the RIAA equalisation stages and audio-grade capacitors used in the remainder of the circuit. Superfluous functions have been deliberately avoided, as Rega’s designers recognise that any unnecessary component in the signal path introduces degradation. The result is a preamplifier of remarkable transparency, resolution, and musical engagement that rewards the most demanding vinyl enthusiast.
KEY FEATURES:
- Reference Moving Coil dedicated phono preamplifier, representing the pinnacle of Rega’s electronic design development
- Three-stage, fully symmetrical circuit architecture with complementary Class A amplification throughout
- Parallel-connected Linear Systems ultra-low-noise FET input transistors, carefully graded and matched for optimum performance
- Power supply voltage 60% higher than conventional designs for maximum headroom
- Symmetrical discrete tracking power supply with fast diodes and low-noise voltage reference
- Dedicated localised power supply and LED-referenced current generators for each stage
- 1% tolerance polypropylene capacitors in RIAA equalisation stages, polypropylene capacitors throughout the signal path
- Gain settings: 69.5dB (Gain I) and 63.5dB (Gain II)
- Balanced XLR output (400mV) and unbalanced RCA output (200mV)
- Five input capacitance settings: 1,000pF, 2,000pF, 3,200pF, 4,300pF, and 5,700pF
- Five input load settings: 50, 100, 150, 300, and 400 ohms
- Mute function for silent gain switching and record changes
- Mono function for playback of mono recordings via a stereo cartridge
- Gain, Mute, and Mono switching via high-quality relays
- Fully redesigned custom enclosure
