Rega Aria 3 Phono Stage
Best phono preamp for vinyl enthusiasts seeking high-fidelity analog performance.
The Rega Aria is a high-performance, all-analogue phono pre-amplifier designed to elevate your vinyl listening experience. It features separate, bespoke input circuitry for both Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC) cartridges, ensuring optimal performance for each type. The fully aluminium case provides excellent shielding against RFI interference, while innovative design elements like a self-adjusting servo control for the MC stage and discrete circuitry throughout ensure pristine signal integrity. Signal switching is handled by high-level, low-impedance relays to prevent any degradation.
$1495.00
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Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
314
/ 491
#314 in Phono Preamps
Price vs Category Average
-78%
Below average
Maximum output level
11
/ v RMS
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking an immersive and highly detailed listening experience
- Vinyl collectors switching between moving magnet and moving coil cartridges
- Listeners prioritizing long-term reliability and high-quality British engineering
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious hobbyists looking for an entry-level audio solution
- System builders requiring precise gain matching for specific cartridge outputs
- Tweakers who demand granular control over moving coil loading settings
Performance breakdown
Cartridge Versatility
Dedicated, bespoke circuitry ensures peak performance for both MM and MC setups.
Signal Integrity
Discrete circuitry and relay switching maintain a pristine, uncolored audio path.
Interference Shielding
The robust aluminium chassis effectively blocks unwanted RFI for silent backgrounds.
MC Loading Flexibility
Precise resistive and capacitive adjustments allow for perfect cartridge impedance matching.
Build Quality
Solid construction reflects a professional-grade approach to long-term audio reliability.
Noise Floor
Low-noise FETs and bipolar transistors keep unwanted hiss virtually non-existent.
Key Specs
Maximum output level
11v RMS
Rated output level
200mV
Output resistance
100Ù
Minimum output resistance for a –3dB point at 15Hz
1K
AC supply
230v & 115v Nominal +/- 10%
Fuse
230v 20mm T250mAL / 115v 20mm T500mAL
Power Consumption
10 Watts
Dimensions
W 218mm x D 315mm (325 incl earth nut) x H 78mm
Features
- Fully aluminium case shields internal circuitry from RFI signals
- Self-adjusting servo control for optimal MC input circuit performance
- Bespoke input circuitry for each cartridge type without compromise
- Signal switching via relays at high level and low impedance for no signal degradation
- MC input uses parallel connected, low noise FETs
- MM input uses low noise, bipolar input transistors
- Discrete circuitry throughout the signal path for full design control
- Provision for selecting resistive input loading (70-400 ohms) and capacitive loading (1000-4200pF) for MC cartridges
What customers say
The Rega Aria 3 Phono Stage consistently earns high praise for its outstanding sound quality, delivering a detailed, dynamic, and musically engaging vinyl experience. Users frequently note how it elevates their music, revealing subtle textures and depth. Furthermore, its robust build quality is a recurring point of satisfaction, instilling confidence in the product's durability and consistent performance. This blend of superior audio fidelity and dependable construction makes it a highly valued addition to many audio systems.
Know before you buy
Yes, the Aria 3 features two completely independent input circuits. You can connect both types of cartridges simultaneously and switch between them, ensuring each gets the specific amplification it requires.
Yes, it provides adjustable resistive loading from 70 to 400 ohms and capacitive loading from 1000 to 4200pF. This allows you to fine-tune the electrical load to match the specific requirements of your MC cartridge for the best possible sound.
The fully aluminium chassis acts as a shield against Radio Frequency Interference (RFI). By blocking external electrical noise, it ensures the delicate signal from your turntable remains clean and free from interference.
Using discrete components instead of integrated circuits gives Rega full control over every part of the signal path. This design choice allows for higher-quality parts and more precise tuning, which results in better signal integrity and a more natural sound.
The unit is 218mm wide, 315mm deep, and 78mm high. Its compact footprint makes it easy to integrate into most hi-fi systems, though you should ensure you have an extra 10mm of clearance behind it to accommodate the earth nut.
The unit uses high-level, low-impedance relays to manage signal switching. This method minimizes electrical resistance and prevents signal loss, ensuring the audio remains pure as it moves through the pre-amplifier.
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$1495