Rega Aria MM / MC Phono stage Specifications

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. The Aria uses two separate
circuits dedicated to both moving coil and moving magnet cartridges and avoids
compromises.
The Aria is an “all analogue amplifier” with no digital control circuitry. The
fully aluminium case screens the internal circuit from any stray RFI signals.
We have avoided including any superfluous gadgets as they obstruct the signal path
and degrade the sound quality. The Aria incorporates remarkable and innovative
design ideas. These innovations are described more fully in the technology section of
this manual.
Alternatively, you can simply switch on, sit back and let your Aria sing for itself.
1
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.
The MC input uses parallel connected low noise FET’s (Field Effect Transistor)
configured as a compound pair configuration. The use of FET transistors ensures
there is no bias current flowing in the cartridge coil so as not to upset the delicate
magnetic geometry of the cartridge. The MC input has the provision for selecting
resistive input loading of 70 to 400Ω and capacitive loading of 1000 to 4200pF. The
input sensitivity can be changed by 6dB, via the back panel.
The MM input uses low noise bipolar input transistors also configured as a compound
pair. There are two separate power supplies for each channel and further sub power
supplies for each of the low noise input circuits. Nichicon FG electrolytic capacitors
have been used in critical positions in the power supplies. ICEL and Wima
polypropylene capacitors have been used in the signal path and equalization
networks. Discrete circuitry is used throughout the signal path ensuring full control
of the circuit design.
2
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. Use a high quality phono
cable such as the Rega Couple 2 (not supplied). The mains power lead (supplied)
should be connected to the IEC socket on the right hand side located above the fuse
holder.
NB. Always switch both pre and power amps off before changing any connections.
3
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. The LED indicator will show the selected input. When
switching between MM & MC the Aria goes into mute briefly to avoid any intrusive
switching noise whilst the circuitry settles. When switching between MC and MM both
LED’s will temporarily light, with a short delay in the audible ‘click’ of the relay. This is
a function of the mute and relay contact cleaning / activation circuit and is normal.
4
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. (This
may cause a big ‘thump’ through the speakers if the amplifier is on and the Aria is
the source component). The MC input has the provision for selecting resistive input
loading of 70 to 400Ω and capacitive loading of 1000 to 4200pF. The input sensitivity
can also be changed by 6dB. You must adjust each channel (left and right)
individually. Via the use of the dip switches located on the back panel. Your
cartridge manufacturer will state the recommended loading for the model MC
cartridge you have chosen.
If you are using the Rega Apheta MC we recommend the following settings:
Left and Right MC Loading Resistance - 1 only on = 100 Ω
Left and Right MC Loading Capacitance - 3 and 4 off = 1000pF
Left and Right MC Gain - 1 on and 2 off high gain = 69.3dB
5
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. Given the nature of sensitive high gain phono amplifiers the Aria may need
placing away from high power amplifiers that use large transformers. If in the rare
event that low level noise should become overly intrusive, try using the lower gain
setting (see page 5), and move the unit away from possible noise sources as
described.
Ventilation
The minimal heat produced by the Aria is dissipated by the case, particularly the left
hand side. Try to ensure that the case has an uninterrupted air passage around it.
Warm up
The Aria circuit has been carefully designed to work with a minimal “warm up”
period of just a few minutes as the sensitive input circuits stabilise and reach their
optimal operating conditions. The MC input circuit uses a self-adjusting servo control
to keep the MC input circuit at its optimum operating point compensating for any
variations in ambient and operating temperature.
6
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.
Input sensitivity (-6dB low gain setting) = 133uV for 200mV output.
Resistive Input loading = 70, 100, 150 & 400Ω.
7
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.
THD+Noise(-6dB low gain setting) = typically 0.035% at 1V Bandwidth 100Hz to 22KHz.
Noise (15Ω terminator and -6dB low gain setting) = typically –71dBV un-weighted 100Hz to 22KHz.
Signal to noise ratio (un-weighted 100Hz-22KHz bandwidth and 0dB high gain setting) = -67dB using
1KHz 5cm/sec track on the HFS69 test record and Apheta cartridge fitted to a RP8 turntable.
Notes on test record levels.
The output will be 1.35V using the 1KHz 5cm/sec track on the HFS69
test record using the Apheta cartridge and the 0dB high gain setting.
8
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.
9
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 = 69.3dB
10
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.
Warning
To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock or product damage do not expose the unit
to rain, moisture, dripping or splashing and ensure that no objects filled with liquids,
such as vases shall be placed upon it.
Do not remove the case covers, there are no user serviceable parts inside.
.
11
OWNERS LOG
(1)
Owner………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Date…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
Where purchased………………………………………………………………………………………………
(2)
Owner………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Date…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
Where purchased………………………………………………………………………………………………
(3)
Owner………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Date…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
Where purchased……………………………………………………………………………………………...
12
Rega Research Ltd, exceptional Hi-Fi designed and made in ENGLAND.