The Rega Aura Reference MC phono preamplifier is the result of decades of electronic design development by the British manufacturer.
Rega wanted to create the ultimate phono preamplifier, fully adjustable and symmetrical with 3 stages. For this, it has been made fully compatible with low output MC cartridges, the Holy Grail of analog!
REGA AURA REFERENCE MC: FRONT PANEL
It is built into a solid aluminium casing, stiff as a rock.
On the front panel, there are 2 switches respectively managing the resistive load and the capacitive load of the cartridge.
The Aura Reference MC offers 5 input load settings: 50 Ω, 100 Ω, 150 Ω, 300 Ω and 400 Ω. There are also 5 load capacitances: 1000pF, 2000pF, 3200pF, 4300pF and 5200pF.
On the left of the front panel, there is a push button allows you to select between a 63.5dB or 69.5dB gain. There is also a Mute and a Mono switch. This allows you to playback your mono recordings via stereo cartridges.
REGA AURA REFERENCE MC: BACK PANEL
The back panel offers asymmetrical inputs and outputs (RCA) and very high quality XLR symmetrical. Note that the symmetrical outputs are 6 dB higher to the asymmetrical outputs.
The plug is in IEC format, and allows you to connect a quality power cable.
And, extremely rare fact for a manufacturer, Rega supplies this Aura Reference with a very good-shielded power cable (the Rega Reference Mains Power Lead)!
REGA AURA REFERENCE MC: CONSTRUCTION
The internal construction is safe and relatively clear. Rega has avoided including useless features because they obstruct the signal path and degrade the sound quality.
The Rega Aura MC is a phono preamplifier fully symmetrical with 3 stages.
The first stage is a class A symmetrical and complementary amplifier, using ultra low-noise FET transistors (field effect transistors). They are connected in parallel and configured as a symmetrical input stage.
The use of FET transistors ensures that no polarization current can flow in the coils of the phono cartridge. This input configuration also eliminates the use of any coupling components between the output of the turntable and the FET transistors of the input stage, while keeping the signal intact.
These low-noise transistors are carefully sorted and tested in order to obtain optimal performances. This stage controls the passive high-frequency part of the RIAA equalization stage.
The second stage is a symmetrical differential amplifier that works in class A. This one is also used as an active amplifier in the low-frequency part of the RIAA equalization stage.
The third stage, on the other hand, inverts the signal to provide the symmetrical output with the output of the second stage. Note that the third stage uses the same circuit topology as the one used in the second stage.
High quality polypropylene capacitors were used in the signal path and polypropylenes with a maximum tolerance of 1% in the RIAA stages. All the rest of the circuit has audiophile capacitors.
REGA AURA REFERENCE MC: POWER SUPPLY
The power supply is symmetrical with discrete components. It uses fast diodes of the low-tolerance capacitors, providing a low-noise voltage reference.
Each stage has its own regulated and stabilized power supply.
To offer a very tight tolerance, the Rega Aura Reference MC has a supply voltage 60% higher than the standard found in units of this range.
REGA AURA REFERENCE MC: ASSOCIATIONS
We connected this wonderful phono preamplifier to 3 of our reference turntables: an American, an Austrian, and an English of course, the Rega Planar 8 to name it just a few.
In terms of phono cartridges, we used an Ortofon Windfield Ti MC cartridge, a Benz Micro Referenz S and a Rega Apheta 2 MC cartridge. We tensioned the Aura Reference MC for more than 24 hours... and a running-in with music for 50 hours.
REGA AURA REFERENCE MC: TEST AND LISTENING
From the very first tracks, we are surprised by the functioning silence and the very low-noise level. Our MC cartridge with a 0.2mV output distils the smallest information in a huge silence.
The bass are beautiful by their depth, performance and amazing articulation. The timbres are very beautiful as well, but above all very realistic.
From the bass to treble, the Aura MC seems to play with a perfect control and remarkable balance.
The restitution is full of details, without the medium and treble being artificially highlighted or even roughly underlined. On the contrary, all this is reproduced with a lot of nuance and fineness.
The sound stage and the restitution precision are also very outstanding! Rarely, or only with a dual mono phono preamp, we have been in presence of such realistic depth and openness.
The Rega Aura Reference MC phono preamplifier was designed not only for aficionados of the British manufacturer, but for all analogue enthusiasts.
It can be associated with all audio elements of the market and almost all the very high-quality low output MC cartridges available today.
To us, this phono preamp is a reference in this range. It will satisfy the most demanding music lovers. Buy this preamp is a real investment in the long run and a “true” solid value!
Highly recommended!
AWARDS:
Hi-Fi Choice - Editor’s Choice
FranckCompatibility: Low output MC
Gain: 63.5 dB and 69.5 dB max.
Input loads: 50, 100, 150, 300 and 400 Ω
Capacitive loads: 1000, 2000, 3200, 4300, 5700 pF
Inputs: RCA + Ground termination
Outputs: RCA and XLR
Output resistances: 100 Ω RCA and 200 Ω XLR
RIAA precision: >0.2 dB 100 Hz to 50 kHz
Frequency response: 13.5 Hz (–3 dB) to 100 kHz (–0.2 dB)
Distortion: 0.03% @ 1 V 20 Hz 20 kHz (100 Hz to 22 kHz bandwidth)
Signal-to-noise ratio: -77 dB (69.5 dB gain) and -82 dB V (63.5 dB gain)
Power consumption: 15.3 W
Weight: 13 kg
Dimensions: 435mm x 350mm x 88mm
