Rega Aria MK3 MM/MC Phono Stage

Rega Aria MK3: The Analogue Purist’s Phono Stage

The Rega Aria MK3 is a high-performance phono preamplifier designed for the true vinyl enthusiast who demands flexibility without sonic compromise. Housed in Rega’s latest custom-designed, half-width aluminum chassis, it features two entirely separate phono stages—one dedicated to Moving Magnet (MM) and one to Moving Coil (MC)—kept electrically isolated to ensure absolute signal purity. By eschewing all digital control circuitry in favor of a 100% analogue signal path, the Aria MK3 delivers a sound that is open, detailed, and effortlessly musical. Whether you are running a classic MM cartridge or a high-end low-output MC, the Aria MK3 extracts the maximum information from the groove with the rhythmic drive and emotional connection that Rega is famous for.

Key Features:

• Dual Independent Stages: Two entirely separate phono stages for MM and MC, each with its own input sockets and pre-amplifier circuitry to prevent cross-contamination.
• Fully Adjustable MC Stage: Features comprehensive DIP switch adjustments on the rear panel for resistive loading (70Ω to 400Ω), capacitance (1000pF to 4200pF), and gain (63.5dB or 69.3dB).
• All-Analogue Signal Path: A strictly analogue design with no digital control circuitry to ensure zero digital noise interference.
• Advanced MC Circuitry: Uses parallel-connected, low-noise FETs (Field Effect Transistors) to eliminate bias current from flowing into the cartridge coil, protecting delicate magnetic geometry.
• Premium Componentry: Employing Nichicon FG electrolytic capacitors in power supplies and polypropylene capacitors in the signal path and RIAA equalization networks.
• Self-Adjusting Servo Control: Keeps the MC input circuit at its optimal operating point by automatically compensating for ambient temperature variations.

Two Stages, One Chassis

Unlike many phono stages that compromise by routing both MM and MC signals through shared circuitry, the Aria MK3 is effectively two high-quality preamps in one box. The MM input uses low-noise bipolar transistors configured as a compound pair, while the MC input utilizes parallel-connected low-noise FETs. This bespoke approach ensures that the specific electrical requirements of each cartridge type are met perfectly, resulting in a noise floor that is vanishingly low and a dynamic range that is remarkably wide.

Flexible and Future-Proof

The Aria MK3 grows with your system. The rear panel offers a wide range of adjustability for Moving Coil cartridges, allowing you to fine-tune the resistive loading, capacitance, and gain to match virtually any MC cartridge on the market. These adjustments are made via high-quality DIP switches, ensuring a solid mechanical connection and optimal signal integrity. This flexibility means you can upgrade your cartridge with the confidence that the Aria will always be able to drive it to its full potential.

Analogue Warmth and Precision

Rega’s engineering philosophy focuses on retrieving the musical performance above all else. The "all-analogue" design removes the harshness and sterility sometimes associated with digitally controlled preamps. By using discrete circuitry throughout the signal path and high-grade polypropylene capacitors for the equalization networks, the Aria MK3 delivers a sound that is rich in texture and tonally accurate. It captures the "breath" of the music, reproducing the natural decay of instruments and the subtle spatial cues of the recording venue.

Solid Build, Silent Background

The new MK3 casework isn't just about aesthetics; it’s about shielding. The solid aluminum chassis screens the sensitive internal circuitry from stray RFI (Radio Frequency Interference), which can degrade low-level phono signals. Inside, the power supply features separate feeds for each channel and further sub-regulation for the input circuits, ensuring that the power delivered to the amplification stages is clean and stable. The result is a "black" background from which the music emerges with startling clarity and punch.

The Listening Room Difference

We’re a third-generation family business with a brick-and-mortar showroom in Chestertown, Maryland, and a reputation built on trust, not hype. Whether you’re visiting in person or ordering online, we bring decades of experience, personalized service, and honest guidance to every interaction. We don’t just ship boxes. We help build systems, answer your questions like real humans, and make sure every detail of your setup is right, from the cables to the final connection. Our passion is helping you get the most out of your gear, with support that lasts well beyond the sale.

Specifications