I bought this for my U-Turn Orbit Plus turntable, connecting to a Marantz SR5015 receiver. The Marantz has a built-in phono stage but I was curious about what an external dedicated phono pre-amp could do for the sound.
When I hooked it up, at first I was getting a really bad electrical buzz and thought I had a defective unit. I tried different inputs and cable combinations, and realized it was a pair of bad 1ft Audioquest cables running from the TT to the Rega. Great company, but the cables are probably about 25 years old (have been in storage for 15 years or more). So I guess cables do go bad (had some bad 15yo copper speaker wire recently as well).
When I hooked up a functioning set of RCA cables from the turntable to the Rega, the sound was clear and beautiful. What a relief.
I did not do extensive A/B testing the first night, as it was a little complicated to moved cables and inputs around. But first impressions with a few tracks including "Don't Panic" (first track on a Coldplay's "Parachutes" album) gave me the impression of slightly brighter and more active/spacious/ethereal mids and treble, possibly slightly tighter bass as well.
I tried A/B with the opening track on Sufjan Stevens' Illinoise but there's a little too much going on to have noticed easy differences right away.
I may do a little more A/B testing, but I was looking for at least "same or slight improvement" over quality of the Marantz built-in phono to justify the purchase. And I'm very pleased with the performance for the price so far.
I do notice a very slight electrical buzz coming through the speakers with the Marantz turned up high and a record not playing, but have to be within maybe a foot of the speaker to detect it. Not sure if this is lack of grounding wire on my TT or what, but it's not noticeable during playback.
Equipment used:
U-Turn Orbit Plus turntable w/ Ortofon 2M Red cartridge, acrylic platter
Marantz SR5015 AVR
Ascend Acoustics 340-SE speakers (circa 2009)
10' RCA cables to receiver (new from Amazon)
6' RCA video cables TT > Phono (older Phillips cables)
Listening to: Coldplay Parachutes, Sufjan Stevens Illinoise, King Krule, SZA, Wilco, Nina Simone, Tame Impala, Tash Sultana, etc.
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Product Description
Rega Fono Mini A2D MK2
The Fono Mini A2D is a compact high quality moving magnet disc stage with a circuit based on our multi-award winning Fono MM. Also includes a USB interface that allows you to transfer your beloved vinyl to digital audio files.
Key Features
- Compatible with all moving magnet cartridges
- USB output
- A2D functionality
- Compact custom case design
- Adjustable gain level to optimise performance
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Analogue to DigitalThe Fono Mini A2D is a high-quality phono pre-amplifier for use with any moving magnet cartridge. The addition of a USB interface allows you to easily transfer vinyl to your PC if required. The restyled Fono Mini A2D amplifier offers improved usability, exceptional performance and incredible value for money while promising to be a valuable addition to any hi-fi set up. |
Transfer vinyl to your PCTo transfer vinyl to your PC, you will need to install a digital audio editor. Such software is widely available as a free download, from the internet. This is a simple interface that allows monitoring of volume and balance whilst transferring your audio to your PC hard drive. |
Audio editing software includes a level meterAudio 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. |
Compare with similar items
This Item  Rega - Fono Mini A2D MM Phono Preamp & USB A/D Converter |  |  |  | |
| Price | $195.00 | $99.00 | -13% $22.49 List: $25.99 | $199.00 |
| Delivery | Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 14 | Get it as soon as Thursday, May 16 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 14 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 14 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||
| Sound quality | ||||
| Value for money | ||||
| Quality of material | ||||
| Sold By | GRAMOPHONE | Audio Advice | Amazon.com | GRAMOPHONE |
| power source | Corded Electric | Corded Electric | Battery Powered | Corded Electric |
| signal format | Digital | — | — | Analog |
| material | — | Plastic | Plastic | Plastic |
| weight | 0.22 pounds | 320 grams | 0.6 pounds | — |
| motor type | DC Motor | DC Motor | DC Motor | — |
Reviews with images
Great sound, quality
I bought this for my U-Turn Orbit Plus turntable, connecting to a Marantz SR5015 receiver. The Marantz has a built-in phono stage but I was curious about what an external dedicated phono pre-amp could do for the sound.When I hooked it up, at first I was getting a really bad electrical buzz and thought I had a defective unit. I tried different inputs and cable combinations, and realized it was a pair of bad 1ft Audioquest cables running from the TT to the Rega. Great company, but the cables are probably about 25 years old (have been in storage for 15 years or more). So I guess cables do go bad (had some bad 15yo copper speaker wire recently as well).When I hooked up a functioning set of RCA cables from the turntable to the Rega, the sound was clear and beautiful. What a relief.I did not do extensive A/B testing the first night, as it was a little complicated to moved cables and inputs around. But first impressions with a few tracks including "Don't Panic" (first track on a Coldplay's "Parachutes" album) gave me the impression of slightly brighter and more active/spacious/ethereal mids and treble, possibly slightly tighter bass as well.I tried A/B with the opening track on Sufjan Stevens' Illinoise but there's a little too much going on to have noticed easy differences right away.I may do a little more A/B testing, but I was looking for at least "same or slight improvement" over quality of the Marantz built-in phono to justify the purchase. And I'm very pleased with the performance for the price so far.I do notice a very slight electrical buzz coming through the speakers with the Marantz turned up high and a record not playing, but have to be within maybe a foot of the speaker to detect it. Not sure if this is lack of grounding wire on my TT or what, but it's not noticeable during playback.Equipment used:U-Turn Orbit Plus turntable w/ Ortofon 2M Red cartridge, acrylic platterMarantz SR5015 AVRAscend Acoustics 340-SE speakers (circa 2009)10' RCA cables to receiver (new from Amazon)6' RCA video cables TT > Phono (older Phillips cables)Listening to: Coldplay Parachutes, Sufjan Stevens Illinoise, King Krule, SZA, Wilco, Nina Simone, Tame Impala, Tash Sultana, etc.
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2023
I bought this for my U-Turn Orbit Plus turntable, connecting to a Marantz SR5015 receiver. The Marantz has a built-in phono stage but I was curious about what an external dedicated phono pre-amp could do for the sound.
When I hooked it up, at first I was getting a really bad electrical buzz and thought I had a defective unit. I tried different inputs and cable combinations, and realized it was a pair of bad 1ft Audioquest cables running from the TT to the Rega. Great company, but the cables are probably about 25 years old (have been in storage for 15 years or more). So I guess cables do go bad (had some bad 15yo copper speaker wire recently as well).
When I hooked up a functioning set of RCA cables from the turntable to the Rega, the sound was clear and beautiful. What a relief.
I did not do extensive A/B testing the first night, as it was a little complicated to moved cables and inputs around. But first impressions with a few tracks including "Don't Panic" (first track on a Coldplay's "Parachutes" album) gave me the impression of slightly brighter and more active/spacious/ethereal mids and treble, possibly slightly tighter bass as well.
I tried A/B with the opening track on Sufjan Stevens' Illinoise but there's a little too much going on to have noticed easy differences right away.
I may do a little more A/B testing, but I was looking for at least "same or slight improvement" over quality of the Marantz built-in phono to justify the purchase. And I'm very pleased with the performance for the price so far.
I do notice a very slight electrical buzz coming through the speakers with the Marantz turned up high and a record not playing, but have to be within maybe a foot of the speaker to detect it. Not sure if this is lack of grounding wire on my TT or what, but it's not noticeable during playback.
Equipment used:
U-Turn Orbit Plus turntable w/ Ortofon 2M Red cartridge, acrylic platter
Marantz SR5015 AVR
Ascend Acoustics 340-SE speakers (circa 2009)
10' RCA cables to receiver (new from Amazon)
6' RCA video cables TT > Phono (older Phillips cables)
Listening to: Coldplay Parachutes, Sufjan Stevens Illinoise, King Krule, SZA, Wilco, Nina Simone, Tame Impala, Tash Sultana, etc.
When I hooked it up, at first I was getting a really bad electrical buzz and thought I had a defective unit. I tried different inputs and cable combinations, and realized it was a pair of bad 1ft Audioquest cables running from the TT to the Rega. Great company, but the cables are probably about 25 years old (have been in storage for 15 years or more). So I guess cables do go bad (had some bad 15yo copper speaker wire recently as well).
When I hooked up a functioning set of RCA cables from the turntable to the Rega, the sound was clear and beautiful. What a relief.
I did not do extensive A/B testing the first night, as it was a little complicated to moved cables and inputs around. But first impressions with a few tracks including "Don't Panic" (first track on a Coldplay's "Parachutes" album) gave me the impression of slightly brighter and more active/spacious/ethereal mids and treble, possibly slightly tighter bass as well.
I tried A/B with the opening track on Sufjan Stevens' Illinoise but there's a little too much going on to have noticed easy differences right away.
I may do a little more A/B testing, but I was looking for at least "same or slight improvement" over quality of the Marantz built-in phono to justify the purchase. And I'm very pleased with the performance for the price so far.
I do notice a very slight electrical buzz coming through the speakers with the Marantz turned up high and a record not playing, but have to be within maybe a foot of the speaker to detect it. Not sure if this is lack of grounding wire on my TT or what, but it's not noticeable during playback.
Equipment used:
U-Turn Orbit Plus turntable w/ Ortofon 2M Red cartridge, acrylic platter
Marantz SR5015 AVR
Ascend Acoustics 340-SE speakers (circa 2009)
10' RCA cables to receiver (new from Amazon)
6' RCA video cables TT > Phono (older Phillips cables)
Listening to: Coldplay Parachutes, Sufjan Stevens Illinoise, King Krule, SZA, Wilco, Nina Simone, Tame Impala, Tash Sultana, etc.
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2023
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Top reviews from other countries
Maria
Rega Top
Reviewed in Italy on December 23, 2023
Maria
Reviewed in Italy on December 23, 2023
Images in this review
Amazon Customer
Great for recording from vinyl
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 17, 2020