REGA Fono MC Phono Stage

The Fono MC is an exceptionally high quality MC phono stage designed to maximise the potential of any MC cartridge. Although specifically to compliment the latest Rega range of  moving coils you will find full adjustability for loading is available via dip switches conveniently placed on the rear panel with two different gain settings located on the back panel making the Fono MC compatible with most low output MC cartridges.

The Fono MC has been designed to be effective, easy to use, and above all, to reproduce music. The Fono MC uses the Linear Systems low noise LSK389 FET in an all discrete input stage where low noise and linearity are vitally important to get the best from an MC cartridge. Because of the high input impedance of FET, the loading effects of the amplifier circuit are minuscule and do not affect the performance of the cartridge.

A MUSE operational amplifier is used in the RIAA equalization amplifier. Polypropylene capacitors have been used in the signal path and in the RIAA equalization circuits. There is selectable input loading for both resistance and capacitance along with two different gain settings located on the back panel making the Fono MC compatible with most low output MC cartridges.

The aesthetic design of the Fono MC was as important as the quality of its electrical capabilities, so it benefits from the same aluminium case as the Rega TTPSU and Fono MM amplifier, giving it a design which offers a familiar feel and moreover brings it in line with its illustrious bigger brothers. The new Fono MC circuit resulted from the design work carried out on the Aria phono amplifier.

The Fono disk stage is designed to amplify the signal from a moving coil cartridge to a level which can feed into a 200mV line level input on a standard hi-fi amplifier.

Specifications

Output impedance = 200Ω
Recommended minimum output load resistance = 5K
Frequency response (50KΩ output load) = 13Hz (-3dB) to 100KHz (-0.3dB)
RIAA accuracy (50KΩ output load) = Better than +/-0.2dB 100Hz to 100KHz
Power requirements = 24V AC at 150mA maximum. Only to be used with Rega PS1.

Input sensitivity (for 200mV output)
4 off = 133uV
4 on = 67uV

Input loading resistance
1 and 2 off = 400Ω
1 on = 100Ω
2 on = 150Ω
1 and 2 on = 70Ω

Input loading capacitance
3 off = 1000pF
3 on = 4300pF
Gain (at 1KHz)
4 off = 63.5dB
4 on = 69.5dB

Maximum input level (at 1KHz)
4 off = 6.7mV
4 on = 3.4mV

Load settings for adjustable MC stages

Impedance -100ohm
Capacitance - 1000pF
Gain setting - High (\'On\' position for Rega phono stages)

Fono MC dip switches settings (factory set at Rega for Rega MC models).

BLACK
 
Bandwidth 5Hz to 90kHz, -3dB Maximum output
voltage 8.5Vrms (47 kOhm load)
Overall gain 40dB-60dB @ 1kHz selectable with
dip- switch.
Input Impedance 29 Ohm - 100 kOhm selectable
with dip-switch.Selectable input Capacitance.
Input Unbalanced 1 pair x channel (RCA)WBT
Output Unbalanced(RCA)WBT - MM,
high output
MC, low output MC.
Handmade Litz cable for this specific application
from White Gold. JFET differential built around Toshiba 2SK170 among the most noiseless transistor of the current production.

Developed by our engineers, the new Ear benefits from a completely new surface mount PCB layout based on the hugely successful Brio-R amplifier. Exceptional performance is guaranteed with the convenience of independent mute, volume control and multiple connectivity options to integrate perfectly into any users system.

Power Supplies & Noise Reduction

The Ear pushes the Brio-R power amplifier circuit concept to a new level with the use of a low noise, fully regulated, supply. Noise has also been kept to a minimum by the use of an external mains transformer. The Ear exceeds the voltage requirements of IEC 268-15. This along with low output impedance makes it suitable for studio use as well as a hi-fi headphone amplifier. The Ear operates in Class A at normal listening levels.

High Quality Components

The Ear utilises the highest quality components and our engineers’ experience, to achieve the best sonic performance. Utilising the design ideals of the ‘cascaded emitter follower output stage’ with a pair of complementary Darlington output transistors, along with polyester film and Nichicon FG capacitors in critical positions, ensures it is our most advanced performing headphone amplifier to date.

Custom Case

Housed in a compact custom case, the Ear is designed to match the current range of Rega electronics with a matching, high gloss, front facia.The new Ear Headphone amplifier benefits from an all new extruded aluminium case and new styling giving it more of a family feel to match its illustrious big brothers. The Ear simply connects to the tape output of an amplifier via phono leads. The headphones are plugged into the front panel and there is a link socket in case you need your tape output sockets for other use.

Hi Fi News reviews the Rega Ear headphone amplifier:

\'The Rega Ear is lovely, in so many ways. It is beautifully made, stylish and has all the facilities you really need, plus a delightful sound that stirs the soul regardless of whatever music you put through it. Wonderfully expansive and big hearted, it makes listening a pleasure. Tonally it\'s slightly on the warm side, so suits poor quality sources down to the ground - even an iPad sounds good via the Rega!\' - January 2014.

• Maximum output level - 25 load 775mW, 32 load 685mW, 50 load 530mW, 100 load 320mW, 600 load 60mW
• Open circuit voltage 6v
• Input impedance 20K, Gain 28dB
• Frequency response 12Hz to 37kHz
• THD typically 0.003%
• Signal to noise ratio referenced to max output level -100dB (22Hz – 22kHz)
• Maximum Power requirements - 24VAC at 225mA (685mW 32)
• Dimensions: W 178mm x D 155mm x H 45mm.

• Input impedance : 47kohms
• Input capacitance : 120pF
• Gain : 40dB
• Output voltage(typically) : 500mV @ 1KhZ with 5mV input
• Noise floor : 88dB (A weighted)
• THD :

• Ultra compact phono preamplifier and equalizer
• Proper RIAA equalization
• RCA inputs and outputs
• 6.3 mm stereo headphone output connector
• Sturdy metal housing
• 12 V AC/DC adapter included