Rega - Fono Mini A2D MK2 Phono Stage

A moving magnet stage with a USB output for digitising records — 16-bit, 44.1kHz, and Rega is clear about that.

The Fono Mini A2D Mk2 does two jobs. It is a straightforward moving magnet phono stage with fixed 47k ohm and 100pF loading, 5mV sensitivity for 500mV output and a healthy 70mV maximum input. And it has a USB analogue-to-digital converter for transferring records to a computer.

The converter runs at 16-bit, 44.1kHz, with 48kHz as its maximum. That is CD resolution, and it is worth being explicit because some retail copy loosely implies hi-res capability — this is not a 24-bit device. For archiving a record collection to a computer at CD quality it is entirely adequate; for hi-res transfer it is not the tool.

An adjustable record level control is provided to optimise quality when recording to a PC, with 7.5mV giving full-scale digital output. Unusually for Rega, a signal-to-noise figure is actually published: 78dBA referenced to 5mV.

A note on the name. Rega spells this Fono, not Phono, across its whole phono stage range. Many retailers including this listing have historically used Phono, so both spellings will find it.

Features

• Moving magnet phono stage with USB analogue-to-digital output
• 16-bit, 44.1kHz converter (48kHz maximum) — CD resolution, not hi-res
• Adjustable record level control for optimising PC transfers
• Fixed 47k Ω / 100pF loading
• 78dBA signal-to-noise referenced to 5mV
• 70mV maximum input at 1kHz
• Compact 102 x 30 x 125 mm case

Specifications

• Type: Moving magnet phono stage with USB analogue-to-digital converter
• Input Sensitivity: 5mV for 500mV output
• Input Loading: 47k Ω plus 100pF, fixed and not user-selectable
• Maximum Input Level: 70mV at 1kHz
• Output Impedance: 100 Ω
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 78dBA referenced to 5mV
• USB Converter Resolution: 16-bit, 44.1kHz, with 48kHz maximum. This is a CD-resolution device and is not 24-bit or hi-res, whatever some retail copy implies
• Input for Full-Scale Digital Output: 7.5mV
• Gain Adjustment: An adjustable gain and record level control is provided to optimise quality when recording to a PC. Rega publishes no dB values for it
• Power Supply: 24V AC, 85mA, external
• Dimensions: 102 x 30 x 125 mm (W x H x D)
• Origin: Made in England. Rega Research Ltd, Southend-on-Sea, Essex
• Warranty: Lifetime Limited Warranty against confirmed manufacturing defects. It excludes wear and tear and parts considered consumable, and Rega states that unauthorised modification or failure to follow its guidelines may invalidate it
• Not Published: THD; RIAA accuracy; frequency response; weight; the dB range of the record level control
• Note: Rega’s own name for this product is the Fono Mini A2D MK2 — Fono with an F, as across its whole phono stage range. It is widely listed by retailers, including here historically, as Phono Mini