Rega AOS Moving Coil Phono Preamplifier

This is a pre-order, with shipment expected mid to late spring 2026.

Rega AOS Moving Coil Phono Preamplifier Key Features:

• Aura-Derived Circuitry - utilizes a design heavily based on the reference-level Aura phono stage to deliver flagship-grade definition and realism

• Fully Adjustable Loading - provides extensive resistive and capacitive settings, ensuring a perfect electrical match for a vast array of high-end MC cartridges.

• Pure Analog Signal Path - eliminates digital control circuitry and unnecessary components to maintain total signal purity and prevent audio degradation.

• Class A Symmetrical Architecture - employs ultra-low noise FET transistors in a complementary configuration for superior transparency and extremely low distortion.

• Custom Half-Width Aluminum Case - offers a compact footprint while providing essential shielding against RFI and electromagnetic interference.

Product Description

The AOS is a high-performance, dedicated moving coil pre-amplifier designed without compromise to extract the maximum detail from vinyl recordings. Borrowing heavily from the engineering found in the reference Aura MC stage, the AOS is housed in a bespoke, half-width chassis. It is engineered to bring a sense of lifelike presence to any analog system, making it a versatile and essential partner for high-quality moving coil cartridges.

Pure Analog

The AOS functions as a strictly dual-stage, all-analog amplifier, intentionally excluding digital control circuits to avoid interference. Its solid aluminum casing serves as a critical shield against RFI, protecting the delicate low-level signals. Rega’s engineering team has streamlined the signal path, removing superfluous components that might color the sound. To ensure stability across different environments, the unit features a sophisticated self-adjusting servo control that manages thermal variations during operation.

Circuit Design

The hardware utilizes low-noise Field Effect Transistors (FETs) arranged in parallel as a compound pair. This specific choice of FETs prevents bias current from entering the cartridge coil, protecting the cartridge’s sensitive magnetic alignment. The interface is highly customizable, offering resistive loading from 70 Ω to 400 Ω and capacitive loading between 1000 pF and 4300 pF. Additionally, the rear panel allows for a 6 dB sensitivity adjustment and includes an optional automatic standby mode for energy efficiency.

First Stage

The initial gain stage is a symmetrical, complementary Class A amplifier featuring ultra-low noise FETs from Linear Systems. By utilizing these specific transistors, the design removes the need for coupling components between the cartridge and the input, which often degrade sonic clarity. These FETs are meticulously matched and graded to drive the passive high-frequency section of the RIAA equalization stage with absolute precision.

Second Stage

The subsequent stage consists of a symmetrical, Class A differential amplifier. This stage incorporates a common base driver and serves as the active component for the low-frequency portion of the RIAA equalization. This two-part approach ensures that the equalization curve is handled with balanced accuracy across the entire frequency spectrum.

Specifications