Rega - Fono MC Mk 4 Phonostage

The Fono MC MK4 is an exceptionally high quality MC phono stage designed to maximise the potential of any low output moving coil cartridge.

Although specifically designed to complement the latest Rega range of moving coils, full adjustability for gain and loading via dip switches conveniently placed on the rear panel makes the Fono MC MK4 compatible with a wide range of third party low output MC cartridges. It is housed in a redesigned case to match the Fono MM MK5, Neo MK2 and Rega's latest range of electronic components, offering a modern look guaranteed to integrate into any hi-fi system.

The Fono MC MK4 has been designed to be effective, easy to use, and above all, to reproduce music. It uses the Linear Systems low noise LSK389 FET in an all-discrete input stage, where low noise and linearity are vitally important to get the best from an MC cartridge. Because of the high input impedance of the FET, the loading effects of the amplifier circuit are minuscule and do not affect the performance of the cartridge.

Key Features

• Dedicated moving coil phono stage
• Simple connectivity and operation
• Fully adjustable via DIP switches on the rear panel
• MUSE operational amplifier used in RIAA equalization amplifier
• Two selectable gain settings
• Default factory settings matched for all Rega MC models
• Latest design custom casework
• Lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects

Design

A MUSE operational amplifier is used in the RIAA equalization amplifier, with polypropylene capacitors in the signal path and RIAA equalization circuits. Selectable input loading for both resistance and capacitance, along with two different gain settings on the back panel, makes the Fono MC MK4 compatible with most low output MC cartridges. The circuit resulted from the development work carried out on the hugely successful Aria phono amplifier. The aesthetic design was as important as the electrical capabilities: the Fono MC MK4 benefits from the same new aluminium case as the Rega Neo MK2 PSU and Fono MM MK5 phono stage, bringing it in line with its illustrious bigger brothers.

Technical Specifications

• Output impedance: 200 Ω
• Recommended minimum output load resistance: 5 kΩ
• Frequency response (50 kΩ output load): 13 Hz (-3 dB) to 100 kHz (-0.3 dB)
• RIAA accuracy (50 kΩ output load): Better than ±0.2 dB, 100 Hz to 100 kHz
• Power requirements: 24 V AC at 150 mA maximum

Adjustable Load Settings

• Input sensitivity (for 200 mV output): 4 off = 133 μV / 4 on = 67 μV
• Input loading resistance: 1 and 2 off = 400 Ω / 1 on = 100 Ω / 2 on = 150 Ω / 1 and 2 on = 70 Ω
• Input loading capacitance: 3 off = 1000 pF / 3 on = 4300 pF
• Gain (at 1 kHz): 4 off = 63.5 dB / 4 on = 69.5 dB
• Maximum input level (at 1 kHz): 4 off = 6.7 mV / 4 on = 3.4 mV
• Factory settings for all Rega MC cartridges: Impedance 100 Ω / Capacitance 1000 pF / Gain setting High