Aria Mk3

The Aria MK3 contains two independent phono stages in a half-width aluminium case, one for moving magnet and one for moving coil cartridges. Each has its own input sockets and input preamplifier circuitry, so each input is tuned to its cartridge type. The circuit is fully analogue with no digital control, and the case screens it from stray RFI. Signal switching is done by relays at high level and low impedance.

The MC stage uses parallel low-noise FETs configured as a compound pair, so no bias current flows through the cartridge coil. Resistive loading can be set from 70 ohms to 400 ohms and capacitive loading from 1000pF to 4200pF, and input sensitivity can be changed by 6dB from the back panel. A self-adjusting servo keeps the MC input circuit at its optimum despite temperature changes. New units are factory preset for Rega MC cartridges.

The MM stage uses low-noise bipolar input transistors, also as a compound pair. Each channel has its own power supply, with further sub-supplies for the input circuits. Nichicon FG electrolytic capacitors are used in the power supplies, and polypropylene capacitors in the signal path and equalisation networks. Discrete circuitry is used throughout the signal path.