Préamplificateur phono Rega Fono MM MK5

The new Rega Fono MM MK5 phono preamplifier has been given a facelift.

It is housed in a new enclosure to match the rest of the manufacturer’s product line aesthetically.

Technically and electronically, it is identical to the previous model. However, it remains designed exclusively for moving-magnet (MM) cartridges or high-output moving-coil (MC.H) cartridges.

REGA FONO MM MK5: CASE

It features an aluminum case with dimensions similar to the previous model, along with a redesigned black lacquered front panel featuring sharper angles.

The design remains simple, with an on/off switch and a backlit red logo.

REGA FONO MM MK5: OUTPUTS

On the back of the Rega Fono MM MK5 phono preamp, there are two pairs of RCA jacks (stereo input/output) and a ground potentiometer.

The specifications are fixed and match 99.9% of MM cartridges, namely 47 kohms with 100 picofarads.

Looking at the technical specifications, we can see that its gain allows it to be easily paired with certain high-output MC cartridges.

REGA FONO MM MK5: ARCHITECTURE

The Rega Fono MM MK5 phono preamplifier is equipped with an additional input amplification stage. All stages are built entirely with discrete, audio-grade components to deliver excellent performance.

RIAA equalization has been divided into two stages to minimize interaction between the stages as much as possible.

Polyester capacitors have been used in the signal path, and polypropylene capacitors are used in the RIAA equalization circuits.

REGA FONO MM MK5: REVIEW AND LISTENING IMPRESSIONS

It features the very British sound that has made the Rega Fono a success for over 10 years!

The tonal qualities are rich and very realistic. They’re paired with a superb soundstage and excellent depth of field. Transparency, dynamics, and overall precision are also top-notch.

The Rega Fono MM MK5 phono preamp was, of course, designed for owners of Rega Bias, Elys, or Exact cartridges, but its specifications make it relatively versatile.

It also pairs perfectly with high-end MC cartridges such as the Dynavector DV10X5 or the Hana SH.

FAQ: Everything you need to know before buying the Rega Fono MM MK5 phono preamp

Which cartridges is this phono preamp designed for?

The Rega Fono MM MK5 is designed for moving-magnet (MM) cartridges or high-output moving-coil (MC.H) cartridges, with fixed characteristics (47 kOhms / 100 pF) that match 99.9% of MM cartridges on the market, notably the Rega Bias, Elys or Exact. The Rega Fono MM MK5 phono preamp was of course designed for owners of Rega Bias, Elys or Exact cartridges, but not only, since its characteristics make it relatively universal. On the rear of the Rega Fono MM MK5 are 2 pairs of RCA (stereo input/output) and a ground knob. The new Rega Fono MM MK5 phono preamp has had a facelift.

Can it be used with a low-output MC cartridge?

No, its gain is calibrated for MM or high-output MC cartridges; on the other hand, its gain level also allows it to be paired with high-output MC cartridges from other brands, such as the Dynavector DV10X5 or the Hana SH, which we tested with good results. It nonetheless remains designed solely for moving-magnet (MM) cartridges or high-output moving-coil (MC.H) cartridges. Looking at the technical specifications, one notes that its gain allows it to be easily paired with certain high-output MC cartridges. It is housed in a new enclosure to match the rest of the maker's range aesthetically.

What improvements does this MK5 bring over the previous model?

The MK5 receives a new aluminium enclosure with a redesigned black-lacquered front to harmonise with the rest of the current Rega range, but technically and electronically it shows no difference from the previous model. There is an aluminium enclosure of similar dimensions to the old model, with a redesigned black-lacquered front with sharper angles. The Rega Fono MM MK5 phono preamp features an additional amplification stage at the input. It all remains basic with an on/off switch and a backlit red logo.

What is the principle of the RIAA equalisation on this model?

The RIAA equalisation is split into two stages to minimise interaction between the stages, with polyester capacitors in the signal path and polypropylene capacitors in the equalisation circuits, for the full, realistic sound typical of Rega Fono preamps. The characteristics are fixed and match 99.9% of MM cartridges, namely 47 kOhms with 100 picofarads. All stages are built entirely from audio-grade discrete components and quality parts to deliver excellent performance. It has the very British sound that has made the Rega Fono a success for more than 10 years.