• AETHOS - Integrated amplifier - Rega

The Rega Aethos integrated amplifier - "A really hot number"
The Rega Aethos integrated amplifier represents a striking new development in the field of integrated stereo amplifiers. The Rega design team has created a completely new housing for it. With its 16 A power transistors, the Aethos achieves an impressively stable output power of 156 watts per channel into 6 ohms. This device is designed in double-mono technology and operates purely in Class A in the preamp stage.
A special feature of the Aethos is its specially developed toroidal transformer, which ensures a stable power supply. The uncompromising construction with the highest quality components enables reproduction of the highest sound quality, guaranteeing years of trouble-free operation and musical enjoyment.
Innovative design and component selection are at the forefront of the Aethos. Time and money were invested during development to select the best possible components. The amplifier offers practical details such as a switchable direct input and a preamplifier output for flexible use in different system configurations. A headphone output that automatically mutes the speakers completes the package.
The Aethos takes the concept of Rega integrated amplifiers, such as the Elex-R and Elicit-R, to a new level. Features such as discrete stages with FET transistors, polypropylene capacitors in the signal path, special charging capacitors, regulated power supply and a current-stable output stage with high-performance transistors from Sanken specially developed for the Aethos are evidence of the high quality of this device.
The line input stage of the Aethos uses a further developed volume control, which was originally developed for the Elex-R. This control, based on an Alps potentiometer and discrete operational amplifiers with FET input, varies input level and feedback value simultaneously for precise volume control. Such sophisticated circuitry is normally only found in professional recording studios.

Another technical advantage of the Aethos is the combination of a low-impedance driver stage with newly developed 160-watt Darlingtons with an integrated base network. This enables the construction of a complementary emitter follower with good thermal stability and reduced driver current. The circuit design for the Aethos includes two parallel output stages with drivers and base network, which easily enables an output of 2 x 125 watts into 8 ohms.

Technical specifications

• Output power:
  • 125 watts/8 ohms both channels driven
  • 156 watts/6 ohms both channels driven
• Headphone output: 2.7 V -12.5 V depending on load / 110 Ohm
• Tape output: 220mV / 560 Ohm
• Line output: 840mV / 100 Ohm
• Input sensitivity Line input 1....5 and Rec. 220 mV / 17kOhm
• Maximum input level: 11.5 V (full scale of the Rec-out)
• Input sensitivity direct input: 840mV / 50kOhm
• Output stage gain: 32 dB
• Frequency response at 100W into 8 ohms: Line Input 10Hz/-(0.8dB)....30kHz(-0.5dB)
  Direct Input 10Hz/-(0.8dB)....50kHz(-0.5dB)
• Distortion and noise 100W/8Ohm: 20Hz-30kHz typically 0.007%
• Power consumption at full load : 415 Watt at 156W/6 Ohm
• Mains fuse : 3,15AT
• Dimensions H x W x D: 112 x 434 x 350 mm
• Weight : 17,5 kg