Rega Fono MC Phono Preamplifier for Moving Coil Cartridges

Description

Having recently launched the new Ania moving coil cartridge, Rega has set their minds to the perfect pairing of phonostage. Fono MC is crafted to be that partner, giving users an ideal phono pre-amp that matches Ania's electrical characteristics perfectly. Housed in a sleek new case that matches the look of the 2017 Brio amplifier, Fono MC makes a great shelf-mate too. The sound of Fono MC is quiet, detailed, insightful, dynamic, and well-timed.
 

While Fono MC has the ideal settings for Rega moving coil cartridges, it is fully adjustable ensuring that its plays very well with pretty much any other MC cartridge on the market. With 2 gain, 2 capacitance, and 4 resistance settings, it can be finely tailored to suit your cartridge's needs and your listening tastes.
 

Borrowing heavily from its big brother Aria phonostage, Fono MC uses low-noise, high-impedance FETs that minimize negative interactions from the cartridge. RIAA equalization is handled by MUSE op-amps, similar to those in the Brio amp. High-quality polypropylene capacitors are used in the signal path for excellent linearity. The casework is aluminum that best shields the sensitive internal circuits. Power is supplied by a 24VAC "wall-wort", further minimizing negative interactions and noise.   

REVIEWS:

The Ear: “With the Ania fitted to a Rega RP8 turntable and connected to the Fono MC it delivered a very similar character to the Apheta 2 that usually inhabits that space. It has plenty of dynamic impact, good speed and the intrinsic musicality that Rega products consistently achieve.

I contrasted Ania with a Dynavector DV20X2L (£729 UK, $995 US) on a Planar 6, the Rega MC showing tighter bass, more precise tempo and better resolution of instruments like hi-hat and snare drum. Instrumental interplay is also very nicely resolved, the way that two musicians work together to intertwine the notes they produce is particularly strong. Which comes back to the musicality mentioned earlier, the emphasis is on the performance not the sound. The Ania had the advantage here of being on an arm and turntable that it was designed to suit but nonetheless it’s a surprising result, the Dynavector is a pretty decent MC.

The Rega Ania and Fono MC are a pretty sweet package, you need a decent turntable and arm to make the most of them, an RP6 at least, but given that, the result is pretty damn close to the music power available with much pricier combos. In fact I can’t think of a more inspiring record player than RP8/Ania/Fono MC for £2,500. But be careful, it could give you a chronic case of vinyl addiction.”

Rega Fono MC is available now for $495 US Retail, and with a $50 discount when purchased with the Ania MC cartridge.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

• Adjustable phonostage for moving coil cartridges
• Stereo single-ended RCA inputs and outputs
• Output gain: 63.5dB or 69.5dB
• Input loading resistance: 70Ω, 100Ω, 150Ω, or 400Ω
• Input loading capacitance: 1000pF or 4300pF
• Input sensitivity: 133uV or 76uV
• Input level maximum: 6.7mV or 3.4mV
• Minimum output load resistance: 5KΩ
• Frequency response: 13Hz (-3dB) to 100KHz (-0.3dB)
• RIAA accuracy: better than +/-0.2dB
• Power requirements: 24VAC @ 150mA max. Only use Rega PS1.
• $495 US Retail
• $50 discount when purchased with Ania MC