Installation and ventilation
The AETHOS amplifier will work well on most surfaces, such as a shelf
or a table, provided there is sufficient air around the heat sinks to
prevent overheating. If using a turntable, avoid magnetic interference
by positioning the amplifier as far away from the turntable and phono
amplifier as possible. Keep other equipment away from the amplifier.
Due to the layout of Rega’s amplifier circuit designs, they are virtually
insusceptible to electromagnetic interference, and by virtue of the
case, emit practically no electromagnetic radiation. However, placing
any electronic equipment, such as sensitive phono amplifiers close
together may impair the performance of one or both items. Never
stack other hi-fi components on top of the AETHOS.
WARNING:
DO NOT TOUCH HEAT SINKS, THEY CAN BECOME VERY
HOT.
The heat produced by the AETHOS amplifier is dispersed via the heat
sinks mounted on either side of the product. Please ensure the side
section is always exposed to allow for sufficient airflow resulting in
adequate cooling of the amplifier. If the AETHOS 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 normally. Never place the amplifier on carpets,
rugs or bedding. Do not force objects into the unit’s ventilation
openings.
Rear panel connectivity
Line inputs 1 to 5 (1) – These inputs can be used for a DAC, CD player,
network player, streamer, tuner etc. All inputs (other than the Direct
input) are at standard analogue line level and can be used for any line
level input.
Record input (2) and output (3) - This is a line level input and output
intended for use with a recording device such as a CD/DVD recorder,
MD, cassette & reel-to-reel tape recorder or sound card. Selecting the
Record function on the amplifier front panel enables the input. This
input is completely independent to inputs 1-5 and can be used to
monitor the Record function and quality, without affecting the source
being recorded. The output is a Record signal and is the same signal
as selected by the main input selector 1-5 and is not affected by the
volume control.
Record output link (4) - This output is in parallel to the Record output,
and can be used to drive ancillary components like headphone
amplifiers etc, when a signal unaffected by the volume control and
selected by the main input selector is required.
Direct input (5) - This input is routed directly to the power amplifier
input with no volume control. The intended use is with multi-channel
systems, where the traditional two-channel system is used as the
front speakers. This input can also be used with an external pre-
amplifier if so desired. The sensitivity is 840 mV for maximum output.
Power amplifier gain = 31.6 dB.
NOTE:
The Direct input button is located on the supplied handset
only. The direct LED (16) will light on the front panel when activated.
CAUTION:
As this input has no volume control, if a source like a CD
player is connected to this input, the speakers will be driven to their
maximum. This could potentially damage the speakers.
Rear panel connectivity (continued)
Pre-amp output (6) - The pre-amplifier can drive at least 5 power
amplifiers, sub bass units etc. The pre-amplifier output uses RCA type
(phono) connectors. The output level is 840 mV with the rated line
input level.
Speaker terminals (7 – right and 8 – left) - These are intended for use
with 4-16 Ω speakers. Sustained use into speakers of less than 8 Ω
could make the unit run warmer than normal.
Mains fuse (9) – see back panel for rating – IMPORTANT replace with
same type and rating.
Mains power inlet (10) – Connect to mains supply – IMPORTANT
observe voltage – see product/rating label for details.
Front panel controls
Powering up
Pressing the power switch (11) to the left of the control panel turns
on the amplifier. The Rega logo (18) will illuminate red. After several
seconds you may hear a gentle click, indicating that the switch-on
relay has been released and the amplifier is ready for use. Always
allow the AETHOS to fully power down (indicated by the power switch
LED extinguishing after 2-3 seconds) before switching on again, so that
the self-test circuitry can complete its reset cycle.
Record selection
The record input is selected by pressing the Record button (12) on the
front panel, or via the remote control.
Mute
The mute function (13) mutes both the pre-amplifier and power
amplifier speaker outputs and can be selected via the front panel or
remote control.
Input selection
The inputs are selected by pressing the Input button (14) on the front
panel. Repeatedly pressing the Input button will cycle through inputs
1-5. The selected input is indicated by the input LED’s 1-5 on the front
panel (16).
Headphone socket
The AETHOS is capable of driving all standard hi-fi headphones.
The headphone output (15) has been characterized to match most
commonly used headphones (see specifications for the output levels).
When a headphone is inserted into the socket, the speakers will
automatically be turned off. However, it is recommended to reduce
the volume of the AETHOS before connecting any headphones to
ensure they are not damaged and prevent any hearing damage.
WARNING:
TO PREVENT POSSIBLE HEARING DAMAGE, DO NOT LISTEN
TO HEADPHONES AT HIGH LEVELS FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME.
Volume control
The volume of the amplifier can be adjusted using the volume control
knob (17) on the amplifier and via the remote control handset. The
control is motorised and will independently move when the remote
control is used to control the volume.
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AETHOS
World class hi-fi made in England. | www.rega.co.uk
World class hi-fi made in England. | www.rega.co.uk
