Design and Construction
The Rega Mercury Pre-Amplifier uses a fully discrete analogue circuit architecture designed to minimise distortion and noise. The signal path remains DC-coupled from input through to outputs, avoiding coupling capacitors that can affect frequency response. The chassis is machined from precision aluminium and engineered for structural stability and low resonance.
The control layout is intended for intuitive operation, with a large full-colour display providing system feedback and input selection status.
Analogue and Digital Integration
The Mercury provides multiple analogue inputs including balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA connections. The analogue signal path is symmetrical, maintaining consistent performance characteristics across both channels.
In addition to analogue sources, the preamplifier includes digital inputs for USB-B, coaxial and optical connections. The USB interface supports asynchronous data transfer to the integrated digital-to-analogue converter (DAC), supporting high-resolution PCM and DSD formats (within supported sample rates).
Headphone Output and Control
The Mercury includes a dedicated headphone output stage designed to support a range of headphones with high-current capability. Volume control and source selection are managed through the central user interface or supplied remote control.
The standalone headphone section is intended to operate independently of the main analogue outputs, providing flexibility for both listening modes.
Power Supply and System Architecture
A linear, toroidal transformer-based power supply provides regulated current to the analogue and digital sections of the preamplifier. Localised regulation stages help maintain stable voltage conditions for critical components.
This power architecture is intended to support consistent performance across the full operating range of the preamplifier.
Specifications
| Type | Reference Analogue Pre-Amplifier |
|---|---|
| Analogue Inputs | Balanced XLR, Unbalanced RCA |
| Digital Inputs | USB-B, Coaxial, Optical |
| DAC | Integrated high-resolution converter |
| Headphone Output | Dedicated high-current stage |
| Display | Full-colour IPS |
| Power Supply | Linear toroidal transformer |
System Compatibility
The Mercury Pre-Amplifier is designed for integration into two-channel hi-fi systems where a separate power amplifier handles load-level amplification. The combination of balanced analogue connectivity and digital source support enables broad compatibility with both classic and modern system components.
Summary
The Rega Mercury Pre-Amplifier is a feature-rich preamplifier with a focus on analogue signal purity, symmetrical circuit design and integrated digital source support. Its inclusion of dedicated headphone output and flexible input options make it suitable as a central control unit in high-fidelity audio systems.