Фонокорректоры — Rega FONO MINI A2D MK2

The Fono Mini A2D MK2 is a compact moving magnet phono preamplifier with a built-in analogue-to-digital converter and USB output, made in England by Rega Research of Southend-on-Sea, Essex. The circuit is based on the Fono MM stage from the same company, and the A2D part lets an owner transfer records to a computer as well as play them through a hi-fi system. The MK2 version brought a redesigned extruded aluminium case and a revised front panel layout. The US price is USD 215.

Key specs that matter

The unit accepts moving magnet cartridges only, through one pair of RCA inputs with a ground post, and input loading is fixed at 47 kohm in parallel with 100 pF. Sensitivity is 5 mV for 500 mV output, and the stage accepts up to 70 mV at 1 kHz before overload. Output impedance is 100 ohm on the RCA line output. Signal-to-noise ratio is 78 dBA referenced to 5 mV. On the digital side, an input of 7.5 mV produces full-scale digital output, and the converter runs at 16 bits and 44.1 kHz, with 48 kHz as the upper limit. The case measures 102 x 30 x 125 mm, and power comes from an external 24 V AC supply drawing 85 mA.

Engineering and use context

Because the recording path has this fixed ceiling, digitised files come out at CD resolution rather than in high-resolution form. A front panel control adjusts the gain level feeding the converter, so the record level can be set to suit the output of the cartridge and avoid clipping on loud passages. The loading cannot be changed by the user, which keeps setup simple. Capture needs a third-party audio editor on the computer, and Rega points to the free Audacity program as one example. The small footprint allows the preamplifier to sit beside a turntable or on a shelf behind the system, and taking power from a separate AC adapter keeps the mains transformer outside the case. Rega covers the unit with a lifetime limited warranty against confirmed manufacturing defects, excluding wear and tear.

Pairing

Any MM cartridge with a typical output near the reference sensitivity suits the stage. Its RCA output feeds a line input on any amplifier without a built-in phono section, while a desktop or laptop can record from the USB port during the same playback. High-output moving coil cartridges only work if their output falls within the MM sensitivity range, since there is no low-output MC setting.

Alternatives

The Rega Fono MM MK5 is a moving magnet stage without USB, with 41.4 dB gain and a two-stage RIAA equalisation circuit.