Rega Aria MK3 MM/MC Phono Stage

Key Features

• High-performance switchable MC & MM stage
• Fully adjustable MC stage
• MC input uses parallel connected low-noise FETs
• MM input uses low-noise bipolar transistors
• Custom designed case
• All analogue amplifier
• Bespoke input circuitry for MM & MC
• Lifetime warranty against manufacture defects

Rega's new Aria Mk3 makes noticeable improvements to almost every aspect of their now discontinued award-winning Aria Mk2 Phono Stage. This Mk3 version of the Aria phono stage is housed in Rega's custom enclosure, designed to match the new styling seen in the Planar 10 PSU & Aethos Amplifier.

The Aria is a quality phono stage/pre-amplifier, designed and engineered in the UK by prestigious and well-regarded hifi manufacturer 'Rega'. It's a fully adjustable unit that will offer superior performance when combined with both MM and MC cartridges. The Moving Magnet input makes use of low-noise, bipolar input transistors that are configured as a compound pair. The Moving Coil aspect of the phonostage uses parallel connected, low-noise FETs (which stands for Field Effect Transistors), these are also configured as a compound pair. 

The Aria MK3 will work with Moving magnet cartridges (MM) such as Rega's Exact or with Moving coil (MC) such as the Ania Pro. This allows you to upgrade your cartridge set up on your turntable at any time and improve the sound quality produced via your turntable. The Aria is a completely analogue amplifier with no digital control circuitry at all. The aluminium case helps screen the internal circuit from any stray RFI (radio frequency interference) signals. Rega's priority of course is sound quality so they have not included any unnecessary gadgets as they can obstruct the signal path and affect the sound quality. The Aria incorporates many innovative design ideas including a self-adjusting servo control to keep the MC input circuit at its optimum, compensating for any variations in ambient or operating temperature. Both stages have their own separate input sockets and input pre-amplifier circuitry. This enabled Rega to design bespoke input circuitry for each cartridge type without compromise. Signal switching is performed at a high level and low impedance (via relays) ensuring there is no degradation of the signal.

When demoing the Aria in the store my go-to turntables are the ones below

Rega Planar 6 with Exact - Using the moving magnet cartridge on this turntable really shows what can be achieved with a good MM cartridge. Smooth mids, and full bass but without a loss of detail.

Planar 8 with Apheta 3 - Showing off what a moving coil cartridge can offer over a moving magnet, the Planar 8 and Apheta 3 bring a level of depth, detail and imaging that will have you listening to all your favourite albums again to see what you have missed.

Who is Rega?

Rega is a specialist hifi manufacturer based in Essex, UK and is renowned for developing and constructing some of the most highly regarded turntables (as well as cartridges and tonearms), electronics and loudspeakers available on the hifi market today. Rega was founded in 1973, and has honed their craft over many years of being a leading brand in every category it put a product to.