Rega Fono MM MK2 review

Best phono stage, Awards 2016. A great all-rounder that will deliver sonic excitement to any budget set-up Tested at £200

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

Best phono stage, Awards 2016. A great all-rounder that will deliver sonic excitement to any budget set-up

Pros

  • +

    Big and powerful

  • +

    Tight, punchy bass

  • +

    Great dynamics

Cons

  • -

    Moving-magnet only if that’s an issue

  • -

    Absolute detail can be bettered elsewhere

Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.

Check our Buyer’s Guide for Rega phono amps and you’ll find one entry: the Fono Mini A2D – the 2012 Award-winner, yours for £85. So we have high hopes for this step-up Rega Fono MM MK2.

MORE: Awards 2014 - Best accessories

Performance

A new-look box is designed to fit with Rega’s other accessories, with a lone power button on the front and a single set of inputs and outputs on the back. But what else do you need?

Get connected and you can sit back and enjoy a big, powerful, punchy sound. A wide-open soundstage gets the best from sparse, voice-driven recordings, while that bottom end power, coupled with great dynamics, ensure dance tracks have presence and rhythm.

Treble notes are crisp but never bright, while the generous serving of bass is always controlled.

Verdict

The Graham Slee Gram Amp 2 Communicator might deliver a little more intricate detail, but the weight and scale here comfortably justifies the extra outlay.

MORE: Awards 2014 - all the winners

See all our phono stage Best Buys

What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

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