Rega Cursa 3 User manual

Contents
Introduction.............................................................................1
Design Innovation...................................................................2
Installation...............................................................................3
DC Protection..........................................................................4
Pre-Amp Outputs....................................................................5
Input Connection..................................................................6-8
In Use................................................................................9-10
Input Selection.......................................................................11
Output Level and Gain change..............................................12
Power Amp Connections......................................................13
Specifications.......................................................................14
Troubleshooting...........................................................15-19
Owners Log......................................................................20
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Introduction
Your Rega pre-amplifier has been designed to reproduce music
effectively and easily. The Cursa 3has been built to Rega’s
discriminating standards of reliability and quality to ensure many
years of musical enjoyment.
A pre-amplifier's function is to act as a control and switching unit for
a variety of sources, and to boost the tiny signal generated by a
cartridge, CD player, or other source to a level suitable for input into
a power amplifier; which in turn boosts it to a higher level to drive the
loudspeakers. It is vital that the amplifier achieves this without
changing the signal, as this would distort the music. We have avoided
superfluous gadgets such as tone controls or a headphone socket as
they obstruct the signal path and degrade the produced sound
quality.
The Rega amplifiers incorporate remarkable and innovative design
ideas. For those interested in the technical details, these innovations
are described more fully in this manual. Alternatively, you can simply
switch on, sit back, and let your amplifier speak for itself...
Mission Statement
Rega’s philosophy is to make high quality products at sensible prices, as a means
of reproducing music as faithfully as possible. Rega is committed to the design
and development of new and existing products, both in hi-fi and other areas, that
will perpetuate Rega’s values of quality and value for money.
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2
Design Innovation
In common with all Rega products, the Cursa 3 pre-amplifier has
been designed without compromise. Our time and money has been
spent on developing the unique circuit design and sourcing unusually
high quality components. However, we have included useful features
to further enhance your listening pleasure.
The Cursa 3 amplifier has digitally controlled analog switched
resistor network volume control.
The Cursa 3 is a programmable gain pre-amplifier
The Cursa 3 amplifier features REGA designed circuitry, developed
in-house with the aid of CAD circuit simulation, computer modeling
and extensive listening.
The Cursa 3 amplifier includes extremely high quality components
not normally found in a pre-amplifier of this price. These include high
tolerance polypropylene capacitors, and a toroidal transformer.
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3
Installation
The amplifier will work well on most surfaces, such as a shelf or a
table, provided there is sufficient air around it to prevent overheating.
To avoid magnetic interference, site the amplifier as far away from the
turntable as the tonearm lead will allow. If possible, place it to the left
of the turntable.
Keep other equipment, such as tuners, cassette decks or CD players
away from the amplifier. Never stack other hi-fi components on top of
the amplifier.
Due to the layout of Rega’s amplifier circuit designs, they are virtually
insusceptible to electro magnetic interference, and by virtue of the
extruded aluminium case, emit practically no electro magnetic
radiation. However, placing any electronic equipment close together
may impair the performance of one or both items.
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4
DC Protection
The amplifier has a circuit which protects the power amplifier
connected to the pre-amplifier output, from direct current in the event
of a major failure of the system.
The use of this sophisticated DC protection circuit in conjunction with
a servo correction stage, (on all line inputs) allows the amount of
capacitors in the signal path to be kept at a minimum. This prevents
unnecessary sound degradation at this crucial line level stage,
providing true musical accuracy and the flexibility to drive up to 5
power amplifiers.
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5
Pre-Amp Outputs
The pre-amplifier can drive at least 5 power amplifiers, sub bass units
etc.
The 2 parallel pre-amp outputs use RCA type (phono) connectors.
The output is at standard line level of 0.83V, but your Rega dealer will
be able to modify the output level to accomodate a range of power
amplifiers. See specifications on page 13 for further details.
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6
Input Connections
All inputs and outputs are made via RCA (phono) type connectors.
The sockets on the Rega amplifiers are clearly marked red and white.
Right: always the lower row and marked in RED.
Left: always the upper row and marked in WHITE.
Rear Panel Connections
Rega Research Ltd., England
POWER IN
Phono CD Tuner Line1 Line2 Tape
In 1 Tape Out 1 Tape In 2 Tape Out 2
Pre
Amp
Out 1
Ground Screw
Pre
Amp
Out 2
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7
Phono Input
The Phono Input uses a plug-in card aIlowing you to use either
moving magnet (MM), moving coil (MC), or if you do not use a
turntable there is a line level card option allowing you to have an
additional line level input. These cards must be pre-specified on
purchase, or can be changed by your Rega dealer. For input
sensitivities of the different cards see the specifications on page 15.
Earthing of Tonearm
Earthing is done via the Phono socket ground for Rega turntables so
a separate earth is not necessary. In the unlikely event that your
tonearm needs to be earthed to the amplifier, the grounding tag may
be connected to the case grounding screw above the input sockets.
See Rear Panel Connections drawing (page 6).
Compact Disc Input
The Compact Disc input is suitable for use with any CD source.
Tuner Input
The tuner input is suitable for use with most types of AM/FM tuners.
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8
Line Inputs
The line inputs enable the connection of additional sources, such as
a second tape machine, tuner, or video recorder for use with an Audio
Visual system.
Tape Input/Output
Almost any tape machine can be used with your amplifier, including
compact cassette, video cassette, reel to reel, DAT, and DCC.
NOTE: All inputs, (other than the moving magnet or moving coil
PHONO input options), are at standard "line level" and can
therefore be used for any line level input.
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9
In Use
Switching On
The amplifier is turned on by depressing the power switch to the left
of the control panel. The LED in the power switch will glow red.
After several seconds you may hear a gentle click. This indicates that
the switch-on relay has been released and the amplifier is ready for
use.
Volume control
The volume of the amplifier can be adjusted using the volume knob
on the amplifier and via the remote handset as described below.
Line2
Line1
Tuner
CD
Phono
Tape
Mute
Mira
Volume Control/Input selector
Power switch &
power LED Volume Indicator LED’s
Remote sensor Heatsink
Tape switches Mute switch/
Dimmer function
Cursa
Tape 2
1
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10
The volume level is controlled via a microprocessor, which in turn
takes its information from the volume knob digital encoder on the
front panel or the remote control handset.
The volume control has a resolution of 1dB per step, giving a total
range of 80 steps over the available gain or volume range of 80dB.
There is a calibrated LED display comprising of 20 LED's, which
indicates the gain level or relative position of the volume control;
this is calibrated in 4dB steps, across the total gain of the volume
range.
The left and right channels are matched and balanced within 0.2dB,
ensuring a centrally placed soundstage no matter what the volume
position or which gain level has been set.
LED Display dimmer function
To change the brightness of the volume control LED display, push
the control knob once. You are now in input selection and dimmer
mode. Pressing the Dimmer/Mute button three times will step
through the three different levels of display brightness, you have
eight seconds to press the Dimmer/Mute button.
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Input Selection
The Input selector is combined with the volume control. To select your
input, push the control knob in once. You are now in Input selection
mode. You have eight seconds to choose your input. (When the eight
seconds are up the control knob will return to the volume function).
The inputs are selected by turning the knob to the required input.
Input Selector
Always allow the amplifier to fully power down (indicated by the
power LED extinguishing after 2-3 seconds) before switching on
again, so that the self-test circuitry can complete its reset cycle.
Tape: This input provides full tape monitoring facilities if your tape
machine has 3 heads.
Mute: The mute function mutes the pre-amplifier output.
It is possible to press the control knob within the eight-second period
to resume the volume control mode.
The Cursa 3 features an optional remote control. This has additional
buttons not used by the by theCursa 3, but all funtions offered on the
pre-amplifier can be performed using the remote control.
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12
To change the pre-amp gain.
The Cursa 3 amplifier output level or gain can be set to three
different levels; this is performed by putting the amplifier in to a
programming mode on turning on the amplifier.
Please note the amplifier is set to normal output (level 2) in the
factory, this setting being suitable for most normal Hi-fi
requirements.
Settings -
Pre-amp output level (with rated input levels)
Level 1 = 212mV @ 100 Ohms
Level 2 = 830mV @ 100 Ohms
Level 3 = 1.25V @ 100 Ohms
Maximum output level 8.8V
Pre-amplifier gain levels to pre-amplifier output.
Gain range or level 1 gain = 0dB (unity gain)
Gain range or level 2 gain = 11.5dB (factory setting)
Gain range or level 3 gain = 15dB
Any adjustments made to the power amp link switch and gain must
be carried out by an authorised Rega dealer.
If work is carried out by any person other than a Rega dealer it will
invalidate your warranty.
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Power-Amp Connections
The pre-amp outputs allow the use of either stereo or mono power
amplifiers.
Simply connect the left and right phono outputs into the appropriate
power amplifier input.
Stereo Power Amplifier Configuration
Pre-Amp Out 1 Left Left Channel Input
Pre-Amp Out 1 Right Right Channel Input
Mono Power Amplifier Configuration
Pre-Amp out 1 Left Left Amplifier Input
Pre-Amp out 1 Right Right Amplifier Input
Stereo Amplifier Bi-Amping Configuration
Pre-Amp Out 1 Left HF Amp Left Channel Input
Pre-Amp Out 1 Right HF Amp Right Channel Input
Pre-Amp Out 2 Left LF Amp Left Channel Input
Pre-Amp Out 2 Right LF Amp Right Channel Input
Mono Amplifier Bi-Amping Configuration
Pre-Amp Out 1 Left Left HF Amp Input
Pre-Amp Out 1 Right Right HF Amp Input
Pre-Amp Out 2 Left Left LF Amp Input
Pre-Amp Out 2 Right Right LF Amp Input
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14
Specifications
Input sensitivity for rated output levels
Note - Factory setting of gain range level 2
CD, tuner, Line 1, line 2, Tape input sensitivity = 220mV Load, 10K Ohm
Phono input sensitivity (Moving Magnet) = 2.3mV Load 47K in parallel with 100pF
Phono input sensitivity (Moving Coil) = 175uV Load 100 Ohms in parallel with 4700pF
Pre-amp output level (with rated input levels)
Level 1 = 212mV @ 100 Ohms
Level 2 = 830mV @ 100 Ohms
Level 3 = 1.25V @ 100 Ohms
Maximum output level 8.8V
Pre-amp out 1&2 are connected in parallel.
The pre-amp output is DC coupled with full DC protection.
Volume control LED display & step data
Each step of the volume control = 1dB
Each LED represents = 4dB
Total control range = 80dB (20 LED's @ 4dB/LED)
Tape output (with rated input levels)
215mV @ 560 Ohms
Power consumption
7 Watts @ 230/115V
Remote Control
Phillips RC5 system number 16 (audio pre-amp)
Recommended operating temperature
10 - 35°C
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Troubleshooting
(No power, power switch LED does not light up)
Check the mains supply
is connected and the
socket is switched on
Check the front panel
on/off button is fully
depressed
Check the fuse in the
mains plug hasn’t blown.
(Try another fuse to check)
Check the mains socket
is live. (Plug in another
appliance to check)
If not, check household
fuses or contact an
electrician
Replace the
fuse if it has
(Contact your Rega
dealer if it appears faulty
If problem persists, contact your Rega dealer
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Troubleshooting
(Power on, power switch LED lit but no output)
Check the amplifier is
connected to the desired
input and the correct input
is selected
Check the power amplifier(s) is
correctly connected and switched on,
and the speakers are correctly
connected (refer to relevant manuals)
Check the volume is set
to the correct level and
mute is off
If CD is selected check
there is a disc in the
machine
If problem persists, contact your Rega dealer
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Troubleshooting
(Power on, sound from one speaker only)
Are the connections
between the speaker and
the amplifier secure and
functioning correctly?
Are both channels of
the selected source
connected and working
properly?
Check cartridge tags.
Are the cartridge
connections at the
headshell functioning?
Source is at fault
Check the source
component for faults. Swap
the output leads and see if
the fault swaps over
Contact your Rega dealer
Check that the wires are
securely connected and
correctly soldered. If not
contact your Rega dealer
There may be a fault in
the amplifier/speaker chain.
Swap speaker cables. Does
the fault swap channels?
YES
YES
YES
YES NO
NO
NO
NO
The speaker
is at fault The amplifier or
speaker cables
are at fault
YES
17
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Troubleshooting
(Loud hum through both speakers when ‘phono’ is selected)
Is the ground lead
from the turntable (when
fitted) firmly attached to
the grounding screw on
the rear of the panel?
Is the amplifier
situated directly
below the
cartridge?
Are there any other
pieces of Hi-Fi equipment
close to the turntable or
amplifier?
Move the amplifier to
see if hum level changes.
(see page 3)
Contact your Rega dealer
Reconnect the ground
lead (see page 6). If this is
not easy, contact your
Rega dealer
Move them away.
(See page 3.)
NO
YES
NO
YES
NO
YES
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Troubleshooting
(Loud hum through one speaker when ‘phono’ is selected)
Is there a faulty earth
connection on the leads
from the source
component? (Check by
swapping the leads to
see if the hum moves
between channel.)
Contact your Rega dealer
To check if the fault is
within the lead, substitute
(if possible) with a known
good lead, or contact your
Rega dealer
NO
YES
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