Rega Fono MC MK4 Phono Preamplifier - Black
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Rega Fono MC MK4 Phono Preamplifier - Black
A Dedicated Phono Stage for Moving Coil Cartridges
The Rega Fono MC MK4 is a phono preamplifier built specifically for moving coil cartridges. Unlike Rega's Fono MM MK5, it has no moving magnet mode at all, so it's not a fit for MM-only turntables.
Inside is a fully discrete circuit, styled in the same redesigned aluminum case as Rega's current Fono MM MK5. This is the fourth generation of Rega's dedicated MC phono stage.
DIP switches on the underside set gain, loading, and capacitance, so there are no external dials to bump out of place. Rega aims it at low-output moving coil cartridges that need more gain than a typical MM stage provides.
Tuned for Low-Output Moving Coil Cartridges
Gain switches between two levels: 63.5dB on low, or 69.5dB on high. Input loading switches between 70, 100, 150, and 400 ohms, with capacitance set at either 1,000pF or 4,300pF.
RIAA accuracy is rated better than ±0.2dB from 100Hz to 100kHz. Frequency response reaches from 13Hz at -3dB up to 100kHz at -0.3dB.
Output impedance sits at 200 ohms. Maximum input level reaches 6.7mV at 1kHz on low gain, or 3.4mV at 1kHz on high gain, before overload.
It draws 24V AC at up to 150mA from its external power supply. Black is the only finish currently offered.
Who Is This Preamp Best For?
- Owners of a low-output moving coil cartridge. Its two gain settings are built specifically for MC output levels.
- Listeners who want a simple, switch-based setup. Underside DIP switches set gain, loading, and capacitance without external dials to knock loose.
- Rega turntable owners building a matching system. Its case design lines up with Rega's current Fono MM MK5 and electronics lineup.
- Anyone stepping up from a receiver's basic phono input. Dedicated MC gain and RIAA correction outperform most built-in phono stages.
- Not the right fit for anyone with a moving magnet cartridge. This model is MC-only; Rega's separate Fono MM MK5 covers moving magnet cartridges instead.
How Does It Connect to Your System?
Run your turntable's phono cable into the Fono MC MK4's RCA input, then connect its RCA output to a line-level input on your amplifier or receiver.
Set the underside DIP switches for gain, loading, and capacitance to match your cartridge before you start listening. Plug in the included power supply once your settings are dialed in.
Pairs Well With
Building your system? Here are some great companions for the Rega Fono MC MK4:
- Turntables without a built-in phono stage
- Moving coil phono cartridges matched to its switchable gain
- Interconnect cables to connect its output to your amp
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this work with a moving magnet cartridge?
No. This model is built for moving coil cartridges only. Rega's separate Fono MM MK5 handles moving magnet cartridges.
How do I set the gain and loading?
DIP switches on the underside of the case set gain, loading, and capacitance. Check your cartridge's specifications before setting them.
How is the MK4 different from the previous MK3?
Rega has continued to refine the design and case across generations. It now shares its redesigned aluminum case with the current Fono MM MK5.
What's the warranty?
Rega's US distributor, The Sound Organisation, covers the Fono MC MK4 for three years against manufacturing defects. One retailer's listing states a lifetime warranty, but this conflicts with the distributor's own published policy, so we've used the distributor's figure here.
See It in Action
Frank Harvey Hi Fi Excellence reviews the Fono MC:
A closer look at the Fono MC MK4:
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Learn More
Want to learn more about matching a phono preamp to your cartridge, setting up your turntable correctly, or getting the most from your vinyl collection? Visit our Learning Center for guides, tips, and expert advice.
- Dedicated phono preamplifier for low-output moving-coil cartridges
- Rear-panel DIP switches provide cartridge-loading and gain adjustment
- Four selectable resistance settings: 70, 100, 150, and 400 ohms
- Two selectable capacitance settings: 1,000 and 4,300 pF
- Two selectable gain settings: 63.5 and 69.5 dB
- Factory settings are optimized for Rega moving-coil cartridges
- Compatible with many third-party low-output MC cartridges
- All-discrete input stage with a low-noise Linear Systems LSK389 FET
- MUSE operational amplifier used in the RIAA equalization stage
- Polypropylene capacitors used in the signal path and RIAA circuitry
- Circuit developed using engineering from Rega’s Aria phono preamplifier
- RCA input and line-level RCA output
- Turntable grounding terminal
- Compact casework matching the Rega Fono MM MK5 and Neo MK2
- Lifetime Rega warranty against manufacturing defects
- Product type: Dedicated moving-coil phono preamplifier
- Compatible cartridges: Low-output moving-coil cartridges
- Input: One stereo pair of RCA connectors
- Output: One stereo pair of RCA connectors
- Grounding: Turntable grounding terminal
- Input resistance: 70, 100, 150, or 400 ohms
- Input capacitance: 1,000 or 4,300 pF
- Gain: 63.5 or 69.5 dB at 1 kHz
- Input sensitivity for 200 mV output: 133 µV at 63.5 dB / 67 µV at 69.5 dB
- Maximum input at 1 kHz: 6.7 mV at 63.5 dB / 3.4 mV at 69.5 dB
- Factory settings for Rega MC cartridges: 100 ohms, 1,000 pF and 69.5 dB gain
- Output impedance: 200 ohms
- Recommended minimum output load: 5 kilohms
- Frequency response: 13 Hz at –3 dB to 100 kHz at –0.3 dB with a 50-kilohm load
- RIAA accuracy: Better than ±0.2 dB from 100 Hz–100 kHz with a 50-kilohm load
- Power requirement: 24 V AC at 150 mA maximum
- Approximate dimensions: 7.1" W x 1.8" H x 5.9" D
- Approximate weight: 1.4 lb. (650 g)
- Finish: Black
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