REGA RESEARCH LIMITED QUALITY HI-FI DESIGNED AND BUILT IN ENGLAND SINCE 1973. Hi-fi for music lovers... Rega Research Ltd first started making specialist Hi-Fi equipment in 1973. Back then life and the Hi-Fi world were simpler; Rega produced just one product, a turntable. The designer (and at that time production team) Roy Gandy had some very specific design goals. First and foremost excellent sound reproduction, ease of use, strong reliability, great value for money and finally a long life.
This IOS MC stage has been hand assembled and tested to the highest quality by: Production Technician: Electrical & Mechanical Quality Assurance: Serial number:
CONTENTS INTRODUCTION & DESIGN INNOVATION 1 EARTH GROUNDING & INSTALLATION 2 CONNECTIONS AND SUPPLIED CABLES 3 CARTRIDGE SELECTION & POWERING UP 4 CONTROLS, GAIN & DC RESISTANCE 5 FILTER CONTROL, LOAD SWITCH, MONO & MUTE 6 SPECIFICATIONS 7 WARRANTY 8 IMPORTANT Please read this manual with care. Failure to do so may result in operational difficulties not covered by warranty.
INTRODUCTON The function of a phono pre amplifier is to match the output from a pick up cartridge to the input of a line level amplifier. It is required to amplify the very low signals produced by the cartridge and also to equalise the sound in accordance with RIAA record cutting standard. Rega believes that moving coil and moving magnet cartridges require different types of phono pre amplifiers to achieve optimum performance. The IOS is therefore dedicated to moving coil cartridges and avoids compromises.
EARTH / GROUNDING The IOS uses a Class I earth system, where the case metal work and earth screen between the primary and secondary windings in the toroidal transformer, are connected to the line safety earth, by means of the mains lead. The internal signal earth is linked to this earth by the use of a network to eliminate the risk of earth/ground loops. This earth method provides a safe and efficient discharge path for any static charge generated by the cartridge.
CONNECTIONS The inputs and outputs can be made via either RCA (phono) type connectors or XLR. The input and output sockets are marked by colour to indicate left and right channels, Black for LEFT and Red for RIGHT. If your turntable has a separate Earth wire, firmly connect it to the terminal provided on the rear panel. (see illustration below) NB. Always switch both pre and power amps off before changing the leads.
CARTRIDGE SELECTION The IOS phono pre amplifier is not suitable for use with any Moving Magnet (MM) cartridges, it can only be used with moving coil (MC) cartridges. The IOS has been designed to work with most manufacturer’s moving coil (MC) cartridges. There are five different input load settings, select the required load to match to that specified by the cartridge manufacturer. The IOS has five different DC resistance settings, 1-5.
CONTROLS THE GAIN SWITCH The gain setting switch selects the voltage gain of the phono amplifier. Gain I selects 70dB (switch up) and gain II selects 64dB (switch down), this will provide an input sensitivity of 61uV and 118uV respectively for an output level of 200mV. It is advisable to start with the lower gain setting II and if necessary, increase the gain level to I if more level is required for lower output cartridges.
FILTER CONTROL The filter is designed to enhance the Apheta cartridge by reducing unwanted high frequency energy present. The level is continuously variable from 0db to –6.5dB at a frequency and ‘Q’ chosen to match that of the Apheta cartridge. As a rough guide the filter is useful with older (early 1960’s) pressings with higher than normal surface noise, typical position being roughly 1 o’clock. Later and newer recordings may not need this filter.
IOS SPECIFICATION General conditions Generator source resistance 15Ω Load set to 100Ω & DC resistance set to 15Ω (Apheta) Output load resistance 100KΩ Filter off (unless otherwise stated) Input sensitivity for 200mV output 61uV - 70dB gain setting I 118uV - 64dB gain setting II 64dB Minimum 70dB Maximum 50, 100, 150, 300 & 400Ω 5 to 7.5Ω (6.25Ω nominal) 7.5 to 10 Ω (8.75Ω nominal) 10 to 12.5Ω (11.25 Ω nominal) 12.5 to 15 Ω (13.5Ω nominal) Sowter 8055 8.7mV - 64dB gain setting 4.5mV - 70dB gain setting 14.
LIFETIME WARRANTY *The IOS amplifier is covered by the Rega lifetime warranty. Our warranty covers any failure caused by manufacture defects or faulty parts. Warranty is transferable providing proof of the original purchase is held. Warranty is only covered in the country of purchase. Overseas transfer invalidates the warranty. Please note: Wear and tear is not covered by the warranty. Misuse of this product may invalidate the warranty. *This does not affect your statutory rights.
Rega Research Limited, exceptional Hi-Fi designed and made in England.
