TrackingAngle Reviews Rega Aura Moving Coil Phono Stage
Posted by The Sound Organisation on Nov 22nd 2024
The Aura MC phono stage is Rega's reference level phono pre-amplifier and represents the culmination of Rega's decades of phono stage refinement. Putting the power into the listener's hands, the Aura is fully adjustable with two gain settings, five capacitance settings, and 5 load options. The Aura is housed in a re-designed case that will fit into any decor, and the customizable settings allow it to fit into nearly any sound system. The three-stage, all-symmetrical pre-amp is compatible with all typical low output moving coil cartridges and is sure to delight the ears when placed in your stereo system.
Jason Kennedy, taking a break from his duties at The Ear, recently reviewed the Rega Aura for TrackingAngle.com. Jumping off the recent news about founder Roy Gandy donating his ownership shares to form a Rega Employee-Owned Trust, Kennedy was inspired to take a look at the Aura, Mr. Gandy's favorite Rega electronic offering. As the top-of-the-line phono stage in Rega's catalog, the Aura features the epitome of Rega's amplifier technology. One key difference the Aura has picked up over it's history is the change from step-up to low noise FET transistors to provide the first stage of gain. The refinement is obvious in audio performance, and as Kennedy details, the Aura is the type of pre-amp to invest in for long-term musical appreciation.
What really struck me is that once the preferred track from an album has been enjoyed there is no inclination to get up and put on another record, rather you are reminded of why the album was purchased in the first place because there is more to it than that stand out track. In other words you want it to keep spinning and don’t pick up your phone but continue to appreciate the music in a way that many phono preamps which knock your socks of in the first place often fail to do.
But how does the Aura make you want to listen to even more of your favorite record? It starts with the Aura's subtle transparency; it doesn't jazz up or pump up the mix to fit a defined dynamic profile. Rather it focuses on recreating what was crafted by the mastering studio and pressed into the vinyl. Then, keeping in Rega tradition, it excels in timing. "It’s not a hard edged, take no prisoners style speed but a total absence of blurring when it comes to leading and trailing edges," states Kennedy, "This ensures that the tonal balance remains even handed and allows a true perspective of what the artist was seeking to achieve." The stellar timing and transparency combine to pull out a stunning amount of detail from the recording. This allows the Aura to "get out of the way and let the recording speak for itself." To those willing to invest in their analog system, that comment is music to the ears.
