If you are in the market for a high-quality monophonic/polyphonic audio processor/amping device, then the Rega Fono MMmk3 is a recommended choice. The Rega Fono also happens to be one of the more affordable of its type. With prices starting at just over 100 US dollars (including shipping), it’s easy to see why the Rega Fono has become one of the most popular mid-priced monophonic/polyphonic processors available.
How Is It Priced?
Rega Fono MMMK3 pricing reflects many of its key features. The unit retails for just around one hundred and thirty-nine US dollars, which is excellent value. It comes with a very large user-interface, fully touch-screen interface, and several key features, including an optimized algorithm that ensures the absolute best sound from your musical source. The Rega Fono’s true strength, however, lies in its ability to reproduce high resolution, low noise digital audio with great clarity, and true balanced treble and bass extension.
What separates the Rega Fono MM MK3 from other similar models is that it uses what is referred to as a Moving Magnet Phono Circuitry, which consists of five diaphragms and three magnet bars. These elements lock together while playing the instrument, thus producing an extremely life-like reproduction of music. The five bars of the moving magnet circuitry can also be controlled in several different ways, including treble and bass extension, so that you can hear the same sounds in either low or high octaves.
Like many Rega products, the Rega Fono MM MK3 is designed to run on a single twelve-volt battery, but there are a couple of optional options available for those wishing to add another battery. One option is to connect it to your vehicle’s cigarette lighter outlet; the other is to connect it directly to your car’s power source. In my experience, however, the best phono stage to use when traveling is the one which run on a cigarette lighter, since the battery will remain charged during long trips, and there are less fluctuations in the signal path, which can affect the quality of sound produced.
A final feature to note about the Rega Fono MM MK3 is its surprising sound quality, which is slightly higher than you would expect for such a modest package. The voice quality of the instrument is clear and rich, with noticeable distortion present if you listen to it at high volumes. However, the instrument has such lifelike vocals that the vocalist actually seems as though she is performing; this quality is most easily heard when listening to the track “Losing My Edge”. The bass and treble sounds are surprisingly tight, without being overly emphasized or lacking on any level. Even if you don’t think you want a guitar on your onstage performance, the Rega Fono MM MK3 will provide you with a nice background sound that will allow you to focus on your performance and not distracted by the guitar’s sound.
Size And Compatibility
Although it may be small in size, the Rega Fono MMmk3 is surprisingly light in weight, with an official weighing in at only 185 grams. This is one of the smallest models of a phone line that you’ll find, making it easier for you to carry around wherever you go. Its compact size also makes it perfect for those on the go who may need extra batteries or rewires to hook up to their equipment. Other features of the Rega Fono MMMK3 include a user-friendly LCD screen, a large memory capacity, the ability to change the tone of the instrument simply by changing the volume of the speakers, a quick start/stop function and the ability to use the headphones to listen to your song without using up the battery.
