Rega FONO MM MK5
Rega phono preamplifier dedicated to moving magnet cartridges, with discrete input stage and compact aluminium casing.
Description
The Fono MM MK5 is a phono preamplifier designed specifically for moving magnet (MM) cartridges. It sits between the turntable and the amplifier to amplify and equalise the phono signal according to the RIAA curve, thereby allowing music engraved on record to be reproduced correctly.
Its input stage relies on fully discrete complementary amplification arranged in cascade, an architecture designed to make the most of the signal from an MM cartridge. The gain of 41.4 dB at 1 kHz converts an input sensitivity of 1.7 mV into an output of 200 mV, with a load resistance of 47 kohms and a capacitance of 100 pF suited to moving magnet cartridges. RIAA accuracy, guaranteed to +/-0.2 dB from 100 Hz to 100 kHz under a 50 kohm output load, along with a frequency response extending from 15 Hz to 100 kHz, reflect particular care given to reproduction fidelity. The dual RIAA equalisation combines polyester capacitors in the signal path with polypropylene capacitors in the equalisation circuits.
This phono preamplifier is aimed at turntable users fitted with moving magnet cartridges who want a dedicated phono stage that is compact and easy to integrate. Its aluminium casing follows the design of Rega's recent electronics range, intended to fit easily into an existing hi-fi setup.
Technical specifications
| Input sensitivity | 1.7 mV (200 mV output) |
| Load resistance | 47 kohms (100 pF capacitance) |
| Max. input level | 60 mV (at 1 kHz) |
| Gain | 41.4 dB (at 1 kHz) |
| Output impedance | 200 ohms |
| Minimum recommended output impedance | 5 kohms |
| Frequency response | 15 Hz (-3 dB) to 100 kHz (-0.2 dB), 50 ohm output load |
| RIAA accuracy | 100 Hz to 100 kHz (+/-0.2 dB), 50 kohm output load |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 18 x 5 x 15.5 cm |
What to check before buying used
The polyester and polypropylene capacitors in the RIAA stage generally age well, but checking equalisation accuracy remains worthwhile after several years of use. Also check the condition of the input and output RCA connectors as well as the earth terminal, which are used every time a turntable is connected. Testing with a known MM cartridge helps confirm that the gain and reproduction of low and high frequencies still match the original specifications.
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