THORENS MM-FLEX Phono Preamplifier

THORENS MM-FLEX

The Thorens MM-Flex phono preamp is a high-quality preamplifier with portability in mind. Attach it to any surface with the included velcro adhesive—and better yet, due to its size you can take it with you! The Thorens MM-Flex is ideal for the on the go audiofile who may find themselves in a warehouse, surrounded by a particularly large sound system...for whatever reason.

• Compact MM phono preamplifier
• Attaches to rear of turntable with integrated Velcro strip
• Can be easily removed and re-fitted without irreversible modification

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/100pF
• Gain 32dB
• Output voltage typically 200mV/1kHz at 5mV/1kHz
• Noise floor 82dB (88dB - A weighted)
• THD

SILVER
 
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.

High rigidity metal frame
• Shielded power supply
• Separated toroidals for analogue and digital
• Rubber insulated aluminium feet
• WBT and Neutrik connectors
• Fully discrete analogue design
• Motorized ALPS blue series volume
control
• Buffer and Gain cards on socket for future
upgrades
• Metal machined remote control
• Trigger signal for link to Monoblock amplifier