Ordered a new Rega Aria phono stage

gfong

Bit the bullet and ordered the REGA ARIA phono stage. Can't wait to try it out.

Has a built in power supply, two separate sides housing both a MM and MC stage, fully analog and should match well with my REGA RP6/Exact combo. It's all about synergy!

Anyone have experience with this phono stage?

Here is some info from the REGA Site.

The Aria is an "all analogue amplifier" with no digital control circuitry. The fully aluminium case screens the internal circuit from any stray RFI signals. Our designers have avoided including any superfluous gadgets as they obstruct the signal path and degrade the sound quality. The Aria incorporates many innovative design ideas including a self-adjusting servo control to keep the MC input circuit at its optimum, compensating for any variations in ambient or operating temperature.

Both stages have their own separate input sockets and input pre-amplifier circuitry. This enabled us to design bespoke input circuitry for each cartridge type without compromise. Signal switching is performed at high level and low impedance (via relays) ensuring there is no degradation of the signal.

miner

It will be a wonderful match for your RP6/Exact. Are you currently using an onboard stage in your integrated?

gfong

I'm hoping it blends in nice with the turntable. I am currently using a Graham Slee SE2 external phono amp.

Mikey081057

That is a beautiful setup

voltz

Sounds good Greg, I know the Graham Slee is pretty nice sounding but I think this is going to be a nice set up for you and your TT

Then all your La Scala need is a Bottlehead integrated amplifier

gfong

voltz wrote: »

Then all your La Scala need is a Bottlehead integrated amplifier

Ha Ha ...mind reader!

gfong

Been hooked up for a few days now and I am so impressed with the REGA ARIA. It totally blows away anything I have tried. In no way am I putting down the ones I've owned before it, it's just I did not know there was that much sound to be found from the REGA Exact cart combined with the REGA Aria. Synergy is an understatement!

Deeper and wider soundstage, more punch in the bass, more air in between the music. So impressed with this upgrade.

To be fair and straight with everyone, I went from using an entry level stage then upgraded to two mid level stages before switching to my REGA ARIA that cost three times as much.
It would be unfair to compare a $400 phono stage to a $1500 stage so I guess my point is that I did kit know there would be such a benefit to the sound with the upgrade.

Before the ARIA I did demo the Graham Slee Era V and the top of the line Reflex M for a month and the Aria stands out on my system for sound stage and presence along with bass. The Slee's were nice but not this nice.

Time to listen again!

gfong

Few pictures

miner

Thank you for the report on the Aria. Kind of surprised it only loads down to 70 - I believe they (Rega) recomends 25 for the Apheta but then again I am sure their best stage is for the Apheta. Glad to hear you ae impressed.

gfong

Thanks it is working out nicely.

I read that the Apheta 2 with the REGA Reference IOS states 100 as well. Not doubting you just writing what both the ARIA and Reference IOS manuals state.

In the new year I am going to try the Apheta. Hoping for good results.

REGA ARIA Apheta manual settings:

If you are using the Rega Apheta MC we recommend the following settings:
Left and Right MC Loading Resistance - 1 only on = 100 Ω
Left and Right MC Loading Capacitance - 3 and 4 off = 1000pF
Left and Right MC Gain - 1 on and 2 off high gain = 69.3dB