Rega ARIA MK3
Rega phono preamplifier with two fully separate stages, dedicated respectively to MM and MC cartridges, in a half-width aluminium chassis.
Description
The Aria Mk3 is a phono preamplifier from Rega, designed to amplify and equalise the signal from a turntable cartridge before it enters an amplifier or hi-fi system. It comes in a half-width chassis made entirely of aluminium, designed to isolate the internal circuit from radio-frequency interference.
Its distinctive feature lies in the presence of two fully independent phono stages, one dedicated to moving magnet (MM) cartridges and the other to moving coil (MC) cartridges, each with its own inputs and its own preamplification circuit. The MC stage benefits from an automatic-adjustment servo control that maintains the circuit's optimum operating point despite temperature variations. Switching between the two stages is carried out by relay, at high level and low impedance, in order to limit any signal degradation. The unit offers several input capacitive loading settings (1000, 2000, 3200 and 4200 pF) as well as different resistive loading values depending on the stage in use, allowing the preamplifier to be matched to the fitted cartridge. The bandwidth extends from 15 Hz to 100 kHz at -3/-0.2 dB, with harmonic distortion measured at 0.005% at 1V on the MM stage and a signal-to-noise ratio of -67 dB.
This phono preamplifier is aimed at vinyl enthusiasts with a turntable fitted with an MM or MC cartridge, who want a dedicated analogue preamplification stage, with no digital control circuitry, capable of making the most of the specific characteristics of each cartridge type without the compromises of a shared circuit.
Technical specifications
| Maximum output level | 11 V RMS |
| Nominal output level | 200 mV |
| Output resistance | 100 ohms |
| Minimum output resistance at 3 dB @ 15 Hz | 1 K ohms |
| Source impedance (MC) | 40 ohms |
| Input sensitivity (0 dB high gain) | 70 µV for 200 mV output |
| Input sensitivity ( 6 dB reduced gain) | 133 µV for 200 mV output |
| Input resistive loading (MM) | 47 K with 100 pF |
| Input capacitive loading | 1000, 2000, 3200 & 4200 pF |
| Max input level (0 dB) | 5.1 mV at 1 KHz |
| Max input level ( 6 dB) | 10 mV at 1 KHz |
| Gain (0 dB high gain setting) | 69.3 dB at 1 KHz |
| Gain ( 6 dB reduced gain setting) | 63.5 dB at 1 KHz |
| Bandwidth | 15 Hz (-3 dB) to 100 KHz (-0.2 dB) |
| RIAA curve | better than +/-0.2 dB from 100 Hz to 100 KHz |
| Harmonic distortion | 0.005% at 1V |
| Noise (100 Hz to 22 KHz) | -71 dBV unweighted |
| Signal to noise ratio | -67 dB |
| Input sensitivity (MC) | 1.7 mV for 200 mV output |
| Maximum input level (MC) | 93 mV at 1 KHz |
| Gain (MC) | 41.4 dB at 1 KHz |
| Noise at 150 ohms | -86 dBV unweighted |
| Weight | 3.1 kg |
| Connections | 1x MC phono input RCA stereo, 1x MM phono input RCA stereo, 1x RCA stereo line output |
What to check before buying used
The switching relays between the MM and MC stages are engaged every time the cartridge is changed: a poor contact can result in a loss of level or a missing channel. The MC stage's automatic servo control relies on components sensitive to ageing, which should be checked in case of abnormal background noise or gain drift. It is also advisable to check the condition of the input and output RCA connectors, as well as to listen for any hum or excessive hiss.
Looking for this reference: ARIA MK3 ?
Tell us what you are looking for: our merchants are notified, and one of them may have it in stock.