Restek MRIA+ Phono Preamplifier

RESTEK MRIA+, Phono RIAA Preamplifier with Variable Gain Control [Mini Series].


[Finish: Black, Alu, Chrom, Champagne, Acryl]
Display Colour: Blue, Red, Green


Description

The PhonoPre is used to amplify the smallest voltages emitted by the pickup system and also to linearize the pre-equalized signals on the record.

Like the more simple MINIRIA phono stage, the MRIA + consists of two separate, identical mono preamplifiers, each with two amplification stages and a passive and active RIAA equalization. The input sensitivity of the amplifier stages can be adjusted in a range from +32 dB to +64 dB to compensate for the volume differences of the different pickup systems.

The PhonoPre RESTEK MRIA + can be adapted to the pickup system in a wide range. Both MC (Moving Coil) and MM (Moving Magnet) systems are supported.

The capacitive and / or ohmic loads are adjusted via switches accessible from below. First, the termination of the pickup system is set with the capacitive and ohmic values ​​recommended by the manufacturer. Both channels can be set separately, but should always have the same setting.

With MM systems, usually only one capacitive component is added. The capacity of the connection cable must be taken into account. With MC customers, only an ohmic resistance is usually taken into account. After these values ​​have been set, the gain is adjusted by empirical probing. For this purpose, a record that is as "loud" as possible should be played. Loud MM systems only need a small, quiet MM cartridge and a higher gain. Loud MC systems are usually in the middle, while quiet MC customers need the greatest gain.

The level indicator of the RESTEK MRIA + simplifies the empirical gain setting considerably compared to other phono preamplifiers. The correct setting is determined as follows: First select a small gain with a "loud" record and check whether the PEAK indicator lights up at all sometimes. Now you can increase the gain until this PEAK display occasionally lights up on pulses. Then you have to reduce the gain by approx. 4 dB. With this setting, the playback volume is automatically reset to the lowest value in order to avoid overloading the connected amplifiers or active loudspeakers. After the gain setting has been completed, the volume can be turned up again or the volume control can be switched off again.

If there is a significant difference between the playback volume of the CD player and the playback volume of a record player that may be present in the hi-fi chain, you can simply adjust the gain of the MRIA +. After the gain adjustment, the capacitive and ohmic loads can then be experimentally varied to achieve the best sound.

As with all other source devices in the RESTEK M series, the output resistance of the MRIA + is a low 50 Ohm and the maximum current is up to 35 mA rms. If necessary, this allows the use of long connection cables without loss of quality.

All parts of the MRIA + electronics are DC-coupled, making it possible to transmit even the lowest frequencies. This means that even in the lower frequency spectrum, transmission is distortion-free and phase-locked. There are no capacitors or electrolytic capacitors in the signal path that could cause corruption. Noise and crosstalk are only perceptible at the measurement limit.

The front of the MRIA + is kept simple and equipped with a multifunction display and a multifunction button.