Rega Mira 3 User manual

Contents
Introduction.............................................................................1
Design Innovation...................................................................2
Installation..............................................................................3
Ventilation...............................................................................4
DC and Short Circuit Protection.............................................5
Pre-amp Output and Power-Amp Input...................................6
Input Connections................................................................7-9
In Use..............................................................................10-12
Loudspeakers & Cable..........................................................13
Bi-amping....................................................................14
Specifications...........................................................15
Troubleshooting.....................................................16-20
Input sensitivity and pre-amp gain level................................21
Owners Log...........................................................................22
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Introduction
Your REGA amplifier has been designed to reproduce music
effectively and easily. The Mira 3 has been built to Rega’s
discriminating standards of reliability and quality to ensure many
years of musical enjoyment.
An amplifiers function is to boost the tiny signal generated by a
cartridge, CD player, or other source so that it can drive the
loudspeakers. It is vital that the amplifier achieves this without
changing the signal, which 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...
1
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 Mira 3 Amplifier has been
designed without compromise. Our time and money has been spent
on developing the unique circuit design and using unusually high
quality components. owever, we have included new useful features
not seen on REGA amplifiers of this price before.
The Mira 3 amplifier has digitally controlled analog switched
resistor network volume control.
The Mira 3 features REGA designed circuitry, developed in-
house with the aid of CAD circuit simulation, computer modeling and
extensive listening.
The Mira 3 includes extremely high quality components not
normally found in an integrated unit. These include high tolerance
polypropylene capacitors, advanced output transistors, and a large
toroidal transformer.
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3
Installation
The Mira 3 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 Mira 3 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 Mira 3.
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.
owever, placing any electronic equipment close together may impair
the performance of one or both of the items.
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4
entilation
The heat produced by the Mira 3 is dispersed to the air via the case,
particularly from t he extruded heatsink. Ensure that the case has an
unobstructed air passage around it.
Never place the amplifier on carpet, rugs, bedding or other hi-fi
equipment.
Note: If the Mira 3 is driven at high volume for a long period, it will
become quite warm. This is entirely acceptable and as long as there
is sufficient ventilation, the amplifier will continue to work quite
normally.
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5
DC Protection
The Mira 3 has a circuit which protects the speakers from direct
current in the event of a major failure of the system.
Short Circuit Protection
If in the event that the speaker leads are shorted, the fold back short
circuit protection will protect the output stage from excessive
currents. This innovative REGA protection circuit is not placed in the
audio signal path and therefore does not affect sound quality.
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6
Pre-Amp Output and Power-Amp Input
The Mira 3 has a pre-amplifier output & originally had a power-
amplifier input, giving total flexibility within the REGA range.
The pre-amplifier can drive at least 5 power amplifiers, sub bass units
etc, and the power amplifier can be used with most pre-amplifiers.
In our pursuance of the continued improvement of the Rega product
range it has been necessary to perform a modification to the Mira 3
amplifier. The changes have been made to the power-amp input and
power amp input link as described in the manual pages 6, 7 & 14.
We have improved the Mira 3 sonic transparency & depth by
significantly shortening and improving the signal path internally; this
is achieved by removing the power amplifier input socket on the back
of the amplifier and the pre-amp & power-amp link switch. This
improvement removes the track between the aforementioned socket,
switch contacts & the internal circuit.
We feel this sonic improvement completely outweighs any practical
inconvenience caused by not being able to connect to the power
amplifier section within the amplifier itself.
You can still use the pre-amp output sockets to connect to another
power amplifier to create a Bi-Amp system.
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7
Input Connections
All the inputs and the tape 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.
IMPORTANT: ALWAYS TURN OFF THE AMPLIFIER WHEN CHANGING LEADS,
ESPECIALLY SPEAKER CABLES.
Rear Panel Connections
Right
Left
SPEAKERS
TAPE TAPE TAPE
IN OUT LINK
LINE2LINE1TUNERCD
Rega Research Limited, England
P ONO
PRE
AMP
OUT
IEC
Ground screw
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8
Phono Input
The Mira 3 can be used with moving magnet (MM) or high output
moving coil (MC) cartridges.
Earthing
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 7).
Compact Disc Input
The compact disc input is suitable for use with any CD source.
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9
Tuner Input
The Tuner input is suitable for use with most types of AM/FM tuners.
Line Inputs
The Line inputs enable the connection of additional sources, such as
a second tape machine, tuner, video recorder etc...
Tape Input/Output
Almost any tape machine can be used with your Mira 3 amplifier,
including compact cassette, video cassette, reel to reel, DAT, and
DCC.
NOTE: ALL INPUTS, OTHER THAN THE PHONO INPUT, ARE AT STANDARD "LINE
LE EL" AND CAN THEREFORE BE USED FOR ANY LINE LE EL INPUT.
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In Use
Switching On
The Mira 3 is turned on by depressing the power switch on 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 the
switch-on relay has been released and the amplifier is ready for use.
olume Control
The volume of the amplifier can be adjusted using the volume knob
on the amplifier and via the remote control handset as described
below.
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.
10
Volume Control/Input selector
Power switch &
power LED
Volume Indicator LED’s
Remote sensor eatsink
Tape switch
Mute switch/
Dimmer function
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11
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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12
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 both the speaker and pre-amplifier
output.
It is possible to press the control knob within the eight-second period
to resume the volume control mode.
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13
Loudspeakers
The Mira 3 amplifier is capable of driving all normal hi-fi
loudspeakers. (Most loudspeakers have a nominal impedance of 8
Ohms).
If driving loudspeakers of unusually low impedance (4 Ohms or less),
ensure that you check with your dealer for compatibility.
Loudspeaker Cable
We recommend using good quality cable such as our own, or similar
types made by other quality hi-fi companies. Very expensive cable
claiming to use special materials and technologies, along with 'solid
core' or OFC types, are not recommended, as they often do not
represent value for money. Try to keep cable runs to either speaker
short and of similar length. Your REGA dealer will be able to make up
specific lengths of cable for you with plugs already fitted. Never join
cables together to increase their length.
Damage by shorting: Never short (i.e. touch together), the bare
ends of speaker cable on any amplifier, however the protection circuit
will prevent damage in the case of accidental shorting.
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14
Bi-Amping
With the use of additional power amplifiers, the Mira 3 integrated
amplifier can be used in a bi-amping system, in conjunction with
suitable speakers. This system can also be made active by the use
of a suitable cross-over unit.
Use both pre-amp outputs into a stereo power amplifier, or the right
and left outputs into individual mono power amps, to drive
bass/midrange; and the speaker outputs on the integrated amplifier
to drive the tweeters.
If you are using a different pre-amplifier or an active cross-over, the
amplifier can be used as a stereo power amplifier by putting a line
level input into the power-amp in connectors, and using the speaker
outputs to drive the appropriate speaker. If you have any doubts
concerning bi-amping your system, consult your REGA dealer.
Remote Control
The Mira 3 features an optional remote control. This has additional
buttons not used by the Mira, but all functions offered on the amplifier
can be performed using the remote control.
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15
Specifications
Input Specification (61W into 8Ω)
Note - Factory setting of gain range level 2
CD/Tuner/Line 1/Line 2/Tape input sensitivity: 220mV. Load 10KΩ.
Phono input sensitivity (moving magnet): 2.1mV. Load 47KΩ.
(in parallel with 100pF)
Pre-Amp Output level (with rated input levels)
818mV @ 470Ω. power amplifier gain = 28.8dB
Volume control LED display and step data
Each step of the volume control = 1dB
Each LED represents = 4dB
Total control range = 80dB (20 LED’s @ 4dB/LED)
Power Output (230V or 115V supply voltage)
61 Watts both channels driven into 8Ω.
70 Watts only one channel driven into 8Ω.
91 Watts both channels driven into 4Ω.
115 Watts only one channel driven into 4Ω.
Tape Output
215mV. Load 560Ω
Power Consumption
225 Watts @ 230V or 115V @ 61 Watts both channels driven into 8Ω
Remote Control Phillips RC5 (system no. 16 audio pre-amp)
Recommended operating temperature 10OC - 35OC
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16
Check the amplifier is
connected to the desired
input and the correct input
selected
Troubleshooting
(Power on, power switch LED lit but no output)
Check the
speakers are
connected correctly
to the amplifier
Check the
volume is set to a
correct level and
mute is off
If CD is selected check
there is a disk in the
machine
If problem persists, contact your Rega dealer
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17
Troubleshooting
(No power, power switch LED does not light up)
Is the mains supply
connected and the
socket switched on?
Is the front panel
on/off switch fully
depressed?
as the fuse in the mains
plug blown? (plug in another
appliance to check)
Contact your Rega dealer
NO
YES
YES
Contact your
Rega Dealer if it
appears faulty
Replace fuse in plug
YES
YES
NO
Is the mains socket
live? (plug in another
appliance to check)
NO Check household
fuses or contact an
electrician
NO
Plug in and
switch on
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18
Troubleshooting
(Power on, sound from one speaker only)
Are the connections between
the speakers and the amplifier
secure and functioning
correctly?
Are both channels of
the speaker connected
and working properly?
Are the cartridge
connections at the head
shell functioning? Check
cartridge tags
The speaker is
at fault
Contact your Rega dealer
NO
NO
NO
YES
YES
YES YES
NO
Check the source
component for faults. Swap
the output leads and check to
see if the fault swaps over
Correct the fault by plugging
them in. If the wires are loose or
not correctly soldered, contact your
Rega dealer
There may be a fault in the
amplifier / speaker chain. Swap
speaker cables. Does the fault
swap channels?
The
source is at
fault
The amplifier or speaker
cables are at fault
YES
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19
Troubleshooting
(Loud hum through both speakers
when ‘Phono’ is selected)
Is the amplifier
situated directly below
the cartridge?
Are there other pieces of
I-FI equipment close to
turntable or amplifier?
Contact your Rega dealer
NO
Correct the fault
Correct the fault
YES
NO
YES
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