Rega Mercury

The Rega Mercury Reference is a no-compromise pre-amplifier developed to reveal the full potential of a high-end hi-fi system. Drawing on almost four decades of Rega solid-state amplifier development, it combines an ultra-low noise floor with exceptional dynamic range and a comprehensive selection of analogue and digital connectivity. A high-performance DAC, discrete headphone amplifier, full-colour IPS display and custom backlit Orbit remote control are all integrated into its substantial CNC-machined aluminium chassis.
At the heart of the Mercury is a discrete, differentially driven and fully symmetrical amplifier circuit. Each stage employs high-current complementary Class A output amplifiers, while critical amplification stages use ultra-low-noise Linear Systems FET transistors. The main outputs are DC coupled to eliminate output coupling capacitors, with dedicated protection circuitry monitoring the outputs. Volume adjustment is handled by an Alps Blue Velvet RK27 volume control, based on the same topology used in Rega's reference Osiris amplifier.

The power supply uses a generously rated toroidal transformer feeding a discrete symmetrical tracking linear supply. Individual stages benefit from localised capacitance, multiplier power supplies and LED-referenced current generators, while the higher-than-normal supply voltage is designed to maximise available headroom. High-quality relays and polypropylene and audio-grade capacitors are used throughout the signal path.

Digital playback is handled by an integrated DAC with coaxial S/PDIF, optical S/PDIF and asynchronous USB inputs. The USB input is galvanically isolated and uses a dedicated power supply with extensive clock and data re-clocking. Two parallel-connected Wolfson DACs feed the Mercury's symmetrical analogue filter and amplifier stages. S/PDIF supports 16-24-bit audio at sample rates from 32kHz to 192kHz, while USB supports 16-32-bit PCM from 44.1kHz to 192kHz as well as DSD64 via DoP.

A dedicated discrete headphone amplifier uses the same symmetrical common-base driver stage principles as the Rega Solis power amplifier. It delivers up to 9V / 2.5W into 33Ω or 10.85V / 0.5W into 240Ω at 0.1% THD+N, with typical THD+N of 0.0035% at 1kHz and 2V. Headphone frequency response extends from 12Hz to 28kHz at the -0.5dB points and maximum gain.

The Mercury provides one balanced line input and multiple unbalanced line-level inputs alongside its digital connections. The balanced input accepts up to 25V at 0dB gain with a 15kΩ input impedance, while the unbalanced inputs accept up to 12.5V at 0dB gain with a minimum 20kΩ input impedance at maximum gain. Balanced and unbalanced pre-amplifier outputs are provided alongside a fixed record output.

Pre-amplifier THD+N is typically 0.001% at 1kHz with a 2V unbalanced or 4V balanced output at 0dB gain. Frequency response is specified from 8Hz to 28kHz at the -0.5dB points with balanced input and output at 0dB gain. The integrated DAC achieves typical THD+N of 0.0045% at 1kHz, 0dBFS and a 2V pre-out level.

The Rega Mercury measures 435 x 97 x 380mm (W x H x D) and weighs 14kg. Power consumption is 50W during operation and 0.4W in standby, with automatic standby activating after 20 minutes without a signal. The Mercury is designed to partner the Rega Solis Reference power amplifier and is supplied with Rega's custom backlit Orbit remote control.