Rega Mercury
Rega stereo preamplifier with integrated DAC, headphone amplifier and comprehensive analogue and digital connectivity, for a demanding hi-fi system.
Description
The Mercury is a stereo preamplifier from Rega, designed as the heart of a complete hi-fi system. It combines an analogue preamplification section with an integrated digital-to-analogue converter, allowing analogue and digital sources to be centralised on a single unit ahead of the power stage.
The fully discrete balanced circuit on the main signal path aims to preserve the finesse of sound detail, even during the quietest passages. The integrated DAC supports PCM up to 192 kHz/32-bit as well as DSD64, with an asynchronous USB input featuring galvanic isolation intended to limit electrical interference between the digital source and the preamplifier. The frequency response extends from 8 Hz to 28 kHz (-0.5 dB) and the stated total harmonic distortion is 0.001% at 1 kHz, two indicators of a reproduction intended to be faithful and uncoloured.
The Mercury's connectivity is designed for use as a central preamplifier: one XLR input, five RCA inputs including a recorder loop, as well as five digital inputs split between coaxial, optical and USB-B. On the output side, it offers an XLR connection, an RCA output, a 6.35 mm headphone jack and a 12V trigger for both input and output, for integration with other components in the system.
This preamplifier is aimed at a hi-fi system built around several sources, both analogue and digital, where the user wants a central hub capable of handling a turntable connected to an external phono stage, a network player, a computer or a standalone DAC, as well as headphone listening thanks to the built-in amplifier.
Technical specifications
| Type | Stereo preamplifier |
| Frequency response | 8 Hz to 28 kHz (-0.5 dB) |
| Total harmonic distortion | 0.001% at 1 kHz |
| DAC | PCM 192/32, DSD64 |
| Input connectivity | 1x analogue XLR, 5x analogue RCA (incl. 1x recorder loop), 5x digital (2x coaxial, 2x optical, 1x USB-B), 12V trigger |
| Output connectivity | 1x analogue XLR, 1x analogue RCA, 1x 6.35 mm headphone jack, 12V trigger |
| Dimensions (H × W × D) | 97 x 435 x 380 mm |
| Weight | 14 kg |
What to check before buying used
The discrete balanced circuit and capacitors in the analogue section warrant careful listening on both channels, as a slight imbalance or hum could indicate ageing components. Each digital input (coaxial, optical, USB-B) should also be tested, along with the recorder loop, whose RCA sockets and selector may oxidise over time. Finally, checking the 12V trigger and the 6.35 mm headphone jack confirms that all outputs are functioning correctly.
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