Rega Fono Mini A2D Mk2

Product Information

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now. For my needs, the Rega Fono Mini A2D MK2 sits perfectly in my living room HiFi rig, where I needed a compact, discreet phono stage upgrade over the built-in alternative. These days when we record something we do it digitally. The Rega Fono Mini A2D not only boosts and EQs the output from turntables, it also turns it into a digital signal. Plug its USB Type-B connection into a computer, and it becomes an audio recording device. You can then use any audio recording software on your computer to capture the output.

For such a small box (measuring just over 4 inches wide) the Fono Mini A2D MK2 punches above its weight and easily makes the grade as one of the best phono preamps on the market at this price. If you need a phono preamp to get going spinning vinyl, and the highest possible sound quality is not a priority for you, then I think the Pyle Phono Turntable Preamp PP444 is a great choice. Generally, when you think of budget items, you don’t expect them to come loaded with a wide feature set. The ART DJPREII, however, is a budget option that’s an exception. At an affordable price point, the ART offers a good sound that may not deliver some of the detail and depth of higher-end preamps but will still create a detailed soundstage with good low-end and pleasant musical highs. No, here’s why. A preamp doesn’t have enough power like an amplifier to boost the line signal loud enough to hear through the speakers. Final WordAre you unsatisfied with the sound from your turntable? Get yourself a phono preamp for the desired output. If you look for a good sounding and versatile preamp for life, for normal people budgets, this is one of the very best options out there.

The Fono Mini A2D phono stage is based upon the phono amplifier used in Rega’s Brio amplifier as well as taking cues from the Rega Fono MM, but offers a cost effective version at incredible value for money, along with an incredible performance. The Rega Fono Mini A2D phono stage is an easy to use phono pre-amp that lets you simply enjoy your vinyl record collection. What the Rega Fono Mini A2D MK2 can offer you Additionally, it offers plenty of low-end that noticeably warm up the performance without becoming invasive or extreme. Pros Some tests show that a slight amount of harmonic distortion is unavoidable though hardly noticeable. This is because current manufacturers make devices with small distortion specifications. Frequency Response In the meantime, the iFi Zen Phono sounds good. There is no mistaking where the company's focus has been –the presentation is immaculately clean. There will be components costing two or maybe even three times the price that will struggle to dig out this amount of information and deliver it with this level of clarity.This is a cost effective version of the Fono MM and based on the phono amplifier as used in the Brio- Ramplifier. Unsurprisingly, the balance is spot on, too. The iFi is willing to reach as high or low as your turntable asks it to, and treat each frequency with that same sympathy to tone and texture.

This means that a phono preamp’s work connects a record player to an amplifier by adjusting the phono signal to a standard line level. We’re yet to find a product – phono stage or turntable – that sounds different through our speakers to its performance as a ripping tool, so the fact that the Fono Mini A2D doesn’t force its own character on your music makes it a pretty much ideal source for your digital library. Compact design is an asset I value very highly as I simply don’t have the space in my home for a very large Hi-Fi setup; thankfully, this doesn’t have to mean sacrificing sound quality.

Conclusion

The Zen Phono is not bereft entirely of these talents, but it doesn’t snap in time or throw lines at us with the energy some deserve. We’re not exactly bored or left confused by the iFi’s performance, but we’d certainly trade some of that cleanliness for a little more feeling. Using the balanced output makes the presentation bigger and bolder, but doesn't change the phono stage's fundamental sonic character. Audio editing software includes a level meter which indicates the output level achieved when playing a piece of vinyl. You should adjust the output as necessary via the ‘Level’ control located on the front panel. Always take special note of record levels to ensure optimum recording quality. In a wider context, a preamp can be something different than a phono stage. A preamp can for example be a preamplifier for a microphone.