Rega AOS MC Phono stage

Rega AOS MC Phono stage

Name: Rega AOS MC Phono stage
Brand: Rega
Price: 3700.00 NZD
Availability: InStock

$3,700.00

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The Rega AOS MC is a high-performance moving coil phono stage designed to unlock the full potential of your vinyl collection. Drawing heavily from the circuit topology of Rega's acclaimed Aura reference phono stage, the AOS delivers exceptional clarity, realism, and musical engagement while remaining accessible to a wider range of analogue enthusiasts.

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Specifications

Input Load: 70, 100, 150, & 400Ω
Capacitive Load: 1000, 4300pF
RIAA Accuracy (100kΩ output load): Better than ±0.2dB 65Hz to 70kHz
Frequency Response
17.5 Hz (-3 dB) to 100 kHz (-0.2 dB)
THD: 0.03%
Input Sensitivity: 69.3 dB (Gain Setting I), 63.5 dB (Gain Setting II)
Power consumption in Standby: 0.4W
Power Consumption: 20W
Dimensions (WxHxD): 220 x 80 x 330 mm
Weight: 2.9Kg

This is an extremely even handed and revealing phono stage and one that does thrilling things with the output of a decent moving coil cartridge

The Ear

Precision Engineering for Moving Coil Cartridges

Engineered exclusively for moving coil cartridges, the AOS features a fully analogue, two-stage Class A design with no digital control circuitry in the signal path. Ultra-low-noise FET input devices and carefully optimised circuitry preserve the delicate cartridge signal, revealing greater detail, dynamics, and texture from every recording.

Comprehensive loading and gain adjustments allow the AOS to be matched to a wide variety of moving coil cartridges, while Rega MC cartridges can be used with the factory-recommended settings for effortless setup. A custom half-width aluminium chassis provides excellent shielding from unwanted interference and complements Rega's latest electronics range.

Pure Analogue

The AOS is a two stage “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 unnecessary components or circuits that may degrade the signal path. The AOS incorporates many innovative design ideas including a self-adjusting servo control which compensates for any variations in ambient or operating temperature.

The AOS utilises parallel connected, low noise FETs (Field Effect Transistors) configured as a compound pair. The use of FET transistors ensures there is no bias current flowing in the cartridge coil so as not to upset the delicate magnetic geometry of the cartridge. The MC input has the provision for selecting resistive input loading of 70 Ω to 400 Ω and capacitive loading of 1000 pF to 4300 pF. The input sensitivity can be changed by 6 dB via the back panel. An automatic standby feature has also been added which puts the unit to sleep after a period of no signal. This can be deactivated via dip switches located on the rear panel.

First stage

The first stage is a symmetrical, complementary class A amplifier, using Linear Systems ultra-low noise FET (Field Effect Transistor) transistors. The use of FET transistors ensures there is no bias current flowing in the cartridge coil so as not to upset the delicate magnetic geometry of the cartridge. The input circuit configuration also alleviates the use of any coupling components between the cartridge output and the input stage FET transistors, which would degrade the sound. The complementary ultra-low noise FET transistors are carefully graded and matched for optimum performance.

This stage drives the passive high-frequency part of the RIAA equalisation stage. The complementary ultra-low noise FET transistors are carefully graded and matched for optimum performance. This stage drives the passive high-frequency part of the RIAA equalisation stage.

Second stage

The second stage is a symmetrical, class A, differential amplifier with a common base driver stage; this is also used as the active amplifier in the low-frequency part of the RIAA equalisation stage.

Who is this for?

The Rega AOS MC is aimed squarely at the serious vinyl enthusiast who has already invested in a quality turntable and moving coil cartridge and wants to extract substantially more performance from their analogue front end.

The AOS is particularly attractive to listeners who have outgrown entry-level phono stages such as the Rega Fono MC and are looking for a significant performance upgrade without stepping up to the cost of the flagship Aura MC. Rega specifically positions the AOS between the Fono MC and Aura MC, bringing much of the Aura's circuit design and engineering to a more accessible price point.

What is the Rega AOS MC Phono Stage?

The Rega AOS MC is a dedicated moving coil (MC) phono stage designed to extract the maximum performance from low-output MC cartridges. Positioned between the Fono MC and the flagship Aura MC, it borrows much of its circuit design and engineering philosophy from Rega's reference-level Aura phono stage while offering a more accessible price point.

Is the AOS compatible with moving magnet cartridges?

No. The AOS is designed exclusively for moving coil cartridges and cannot be used with moving magnet cartridges. If you are using a moving magnet cartridge, you should consider a dedicated MM phono stage instead.

What makes the AOS different from the Rega Fono MC?

The AOS is a more advanced design based heavily on the flagship Aura MC. It features a fully discrete Class A analogue circuit, improved component selection, enhanced shielding, greater adjustability, and a higher level of overall performance. It is intended for vinyl enthusiasts seeking a significant upgrade over entry and mid-level phono stages.

What technology does the AOS use?

The AOS employs a two-stage, fully analogue Class A circuit with ultra-low-noise FET transistors. Rega deliberately avoided digital control circuitry to maintain a pure signal path and minimise noise and distortion. The design also incorporates a self-adjusting servo system that compensates for temperature variations to ensure consistent performance.

Can the AOS be adjusted for different cartridges?

Yes. The AOS offers extensive loading and gain adjustments, allowing it to be optimised for a wide range of moving coil cartridges. Resistive loading can be selected between 70Ω, 100Ω, 150Ω, and 400Ω, while capacitive loading can be adjusted between 1000pF and 4300pF. Gain can also be changed by 6dB to suit different cartridge output levels.

Is the AOS pre-configured for Rega cartridges?

Yes. The AOS is supplied with settings optimised for Rega moving coil cartridges, making setup straightforward for owners of cartridges such as the Ania, Ania Pro, Apheta 3, and Aphelion 2. Additional adjustments are available for users of other MC cartridge brands.

What inputs and outputs does it have?

The AOS features a single pair of RCA inputs for connection to a moving coil turntable cartridge and a pair of RCA outputs for connection to an amplifier or preamplifier. The design focuses on signal purity rather than extensive connectivity.

What is the sound quality like?

The AOS is designed to deliver exceptional detail, realism, and dynamic expression. Rega's goal was to bring listeners closer to the performance of the Aura MC, offering greater insight into recordings while maintaining the musical timing and engagement for which Rega products are known.

How accurate is the RIAA equalisation?

The AOS achieves RIAA accuracy better than ±0.2dB from 65Hz to 70kHz. This high level of precision helps ensure that records are reproduced with accurate tonal balance and minimal coloration.

Does the AOS include a standby mode?

Yes. An automatic standby function places the unit into a low-power state after a period of inactivity. This feature can be disabled if preferred using switches located on the rear panel.

What systems is the AOS best suited to?

The AOS is ideal for serious vinyl enthusiasts using high-quality moving coil cartridges and turntables such as the Rega Planar 6 RS, Planar 8, Planar 10, or similarly capable decks from other manufacturers. It is designed for systems where extracting maximum detail, dynamics, and musicality from vinyl playback is a priority.

How does it compare to the Rega Aura MC?

The Aura remains Rega's reference phono stage and offers the highest level of performance in the range. However, the AOS shares much of the Aura's design philosophy and circuitry, making it a highly attractive option for listeners seeking near-reference performance without moving to the flagship model.

Rega AOS MC Phono stage

What is the Rega AOS MC Phono Stage?

The Rega AOS MC is a dedicated moving coil (MC) phono stage designed to extract the maximum performance from low-output MC cartridges. Positioned between the Fono MC and the flagship Aura MC, it borrows much of its circuit design and engineering philosophy from Rega's reference-level Aura phono stage while offering a more accessible price point.

Is the AOS compatible with moving magnet cartridges?

No. The AOS is designed exclusively for moving coil cartridges and cannot be used with moving magnet cartridges. If you are using a moving magnet cartridge, you should consider a dedicated MM phono stage instead.

What makes the AOS different from the Rega Fono MC?

The AOS is a more advanced design based heavily on the flagship Aura MC. It features a fully discrete Class A analogue circuit, improved component selection, enhanced shielding, greater adjustability, and a higher level of overall performance. It is intended for vinyl enthusiasts seeking a significant upgrade over entry and mid-level phono stages.

What technology does the AOS use?

The AOS employs a two-stage, fully analogue Class A circuit with ultra-low-noise FET transistors. Rega deliberately avoided digital control circuitry to maintain a pure signal path and minimise noise and distortion. The design also incorporates a self-adjusting servo system that compensates for temperature variations to ensure consistent performance.

Can the AOS be adjusted for different cartridges?

Yes. The AOS offers extensive loading and gain adjustments, allowing it to be optimised for a wide range of moving coil cartridges. Resistive loading can be selected between 70Ω, 100Ω, 150Ω, and 400Ω, while capacitive loading can be adjusted between 1000pF and 4300pF. Gain can also be changed by 6dB to suit different cartridge output levels.

Is the AOS pre-configured for Rega cartridges?

Yes. The AOS is supplied with settings optimised for Rega moving coil cartridges, making setup straightforward for owners of cartridges such as the Ania, Ania Pro, Apheta 3, and Aphelion 2. Additional adjustments are available for users of other MC cartridge brands.

What inputs and outputs does it have?

The AOS features a single pair of RCA inputs for connection to a moving coil turntable cartridge and a pair of RCA outputs for connection to an amplifier or preamplifier. The design focuses on signal purity rather than extensive connectivity.

What is the sound quality like?

The AOS is designed to deliver exceptional detail, realism, and dynamic expression. Rega's goal was to bring listeners closer to the performance of the Aura MC, offering greater insight into recordings while maintaining the musical timing and engagement for which Rega products are known.

How accurate is the RIAA equalisation?

The AOS achieves RIAA accuracy better than ±0.2dB from 65Hz to 70kHz. This high level of precision helps ensure that records are reproduced with accurate tonal balance and minimal coloration.

Does the AOS include a standby mode?

Yes. An automatic standby function places the unit into a low-power state after a period of inactivity. This feature can be disabled if preferred using switches located on the rear panel.

What systems is the AOS best suited to?

The AOS is ideal for serious vinyl enthusiasts using high-quality moving coil cartridges and turntables such as the Rega Planar 6 RS, Planar 8, Planar 10, or similarly capable decks from other manufacturers. It is designed for systems where extracting maximum detail, dynamics, and musicality from vinyl playback is a priority.

How does it compare to the Rega Aura MC?

The Aura remains Rega's reference phono stage and offers the highest level of performance in the range. However, the AOS shares much of the Aura's design philosophy and circuitry, making it a highly attractive option for listeners seeking near-reference performance without moving to the flagship model.

This is an extremely even handed and revealing phono stage and one that does thrilling things with the output of a decent moving coil cartridge. I particularly like the way that it reveals so much without resorting to a forward leaning balance, this can sound fast and exciting but can also be too much for many recordings. The Aos MC has perfect timing and delivers the musical goods in a compelling fashion, if you really want to know what’s cut into the groove wall take your favourite vinyl down to your local Rega dealer at the earliest opportunity.

Compared to key rivals, the Aos is a trade off that you'll need to decide if the terms of which work for you. It handles a smaller range of cartridges and the adjustments it allows are more fiddly to make. In return, it offers a level of performance that very little under two grand can get anywhere near. It's a sensational bit of kit.

Make no mistake, though, the AOS MC really is excellent. By focusing on a narrower specification than some of its key rivals, Rega has been able to capture enough of the essence of what made listening to the Aura such a revelatory experience.

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