We often mention hi-fi components offering headroom for upgrades, so they continue to perform when the components around them step up a level. But rarely do we come across those that stop just shy of begging you to explore a world of opportunity, firmly nudging to try new things.

Rega | Aria MK3 MM/MC Phono Stage Rega | Aria MK3 MM/MC Phono Stage

And the phono preamp is probably not the component that will transform the sound of your stereo even if you put three months of hard-earned salary into it buying one that is regarded ultra high end. It's superb balance of attitude and refinement. If the rest of your system is up to scratch, the MX-VYNL is worth the investment. Meanwhile more energetic offerings are dealt with that similarly trademark Rega punch and enthusiasm, showing off a fine sense of rhythm and a confidence to be precise but non-regimental, letting dynamics drive the percussion as much as having a firm grip on timing. VerdictRega Fono MM MK3 review What Hi-Fi? Awards 2021 winner. How do you improve the almost perfect? Rega has managed it with the Fono MM MK3 The main motivation appears to have been aesthetic, to bring the Fono MM’s design into line with its moving-coil stablemate. It would be difficult to exaggerate just what a difference those kind of alterations to an amplifier’s chassis, regardless of incentive, can make to the eventual performance. Another oldie but still a goodie, the Gram Amp 2 holds its own nearly a decade after first coming on the scene. And you can see why - simplicity is the name of the game here, an approach that ages remarkably well. It's a moving-magnet phono stage with one set of inputs, one output, no bells or whistles. The second task is to tone correct (equalize) the signal according to a standardized RIAA curve. You can read more about that here (Wikipedia). The lower frequencies are enhanced (boosted) and the higher frequencies are dampened. Since the opposed is done when the record is carved, this will result in a flat frequency response. Upper mids were not only balanced in terms of presentation, the low noise from the unit meant that the midrange was able to rope in more detail than I would have expected at this price point.

FONO MM - Rega FONO MM - Rega

Nearly all of the small units use a wall wart, but there are lots of aftermarket power supplies available. I would not say that they cause noise, they actually get the power supply out of the case to minimize it, but some of them are not the highest quality. iFi supplies a good one. I use it with my uRendu. My Project Tubebox IISE came with one that is very clean. What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.Detail resolution is good too. This isn’t the most pristine of productions but the Fono MM can uncover a good amount of detail and organise it into a cohesive and musical whole. Springsteen’s distinctive, textured vocals come through with all the power and passion they deserve and the result is as musically involving as we have heard from a phono stage at this level. Meanwhile more energetic offerings are engaged with that similarly trademark Rega punch and enthusiasm. Presented with such recordings, the Rega shows off a fine sense of rhythm and a confidence to be precise without being regimental, letting dynamics drive the percussion as much as having a firm grip on timing. The tester's brain may have settled in - though that should have been fairly easy - since there was no change from the previous award-winning version 🙄 Reply