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. Often, it appears as a curve on a graph describing how a device responds to sound in a specific frequency range. On the chart, the “x” axis is for the frequency response in (Hz) hertz, while the “y” axis is the sound pressure level in (dB) decibels. 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. When it comes to tube phono preamps, the story is a little different. Good tube preamps simply cost more than good solid-state preamps. That isn’t to say the Zen Phono is overly clinical –it will embrace the warmth and character it is offered from your turntable –but it isn’t adding anything to the sound, merely polishing each note to the best of its ability.

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. If you are looking for a great first tube phono preamp, I highly recommend that you save up until you can afford the Pro-Ject Tube Box S2.

Conclusion

Additionally, it offers plenty of low-end that noticeably warm up the performance without becoming invasive or extreme. Pros Its job is to increase the signal output from the turntable to a standard line-level signal and provide necessary RIAA equalization.

If you find the appearance basic, the performance is going to blow your mind. Among its winning talents is the well-timing. Fono Mini A2D enhances music with passion and properly aligns beats making it unbeatable by its competition. 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. 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. There’s a little volume control on the front of the unit so you can adjust the level. With digital recording you should be careful not to push the level meters into the red, or you start to get extreme distortion. That volume control does not affect the line outputs, only the digital output.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.

You can’t just plug most turntables into the input on any old audio system. They produce a very different signal than, say, a CD player. It must be amplified a lot, and then treated to make it sound right. That’s what a phono preamplifier is for. So, you want to get into vinyl, eh? You will need a turntable, of course. But will it work with your current audio system? The Rega Fono Mini A2D phono preamplifier will make sure it does. 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. This specification provides a practical difference between the input and output audio signals in percentage. Therefore, be ready to handle a little mathematical calculation. Bear in mind that the lower the difference percentage, the better the sound quality.

Listening

The Fono Mini A2D amplifier offers exceptional performance and incredible value for money and promises to be a valuable addition to any hi-fi set up. SPECIFICATIONS