Rega Mercury & Rega Solis: Reference-Class Pre- and Power Amplifier System

Rega Research Limited, widely recognised for its achievements in vinyl reproduction, has long grown beyond its reputation as a turntable specialist. Over the past years, the company has expanded into a full-range HiFi manufacturer, developing both analogue and digital electronics with the same in-house philosophy that shaped its analogue heritage. With the Mercury Pre-Amplifier and Solis Power Amplifier, Rega now presents a flagship amplification system that moves decisively into the reference class. First revealed at High End 2024 and subsequently refined, both units now reach the market as fully developed series models intended to deliver exceptional signal fidelity and dynamic authority.

Key Facts

• New reference-class pre- and power amplifier system from Rega
• Based on discrete amplifier architecture and high-current power supply design
• Mercury features a large linear PSU, galvanically isolated asynchronous USB and dual Wolfson DACs
• Solis delivers 168 W into 8 ohms and 305 W into 4 ohms via high-current Sanken output transistors
• Separate enclosures reduce interference and improve EMC performance
• Mercury offers XLR, multiple Cinch line inputs, USB-B, S/PDIF coaxial and S/PDIF optical
• Solis provides XLR and Cinch inputs for flexible system integration
• Designed for demanding loudspeaker pairings and high-resolution digital sources
• Available now at € 8.449,- each

Rega Mercury – Pre-Amplifier Focused on Signal Purity

The Mercury Pre-Amplifier is engineered as a high-resolution control centre intended to preserve even the finest musical detail. Its fully discrete, symmetrical gain stages rely on ultra-low-noise FET transistors and elevated operating voltages to maintain wide dynamic reserves and maximum linearity. A generously dimensioned linear power supply supports the analogue architecture, combining a toroidal transformer with discrete regulators and extensive storage capacitance. This approach ensures stable working conditions for all circuitry and provides the foundation for a highly controlled and transparent presentation.

Rega has also dedicated significant effort to the digital section. The Mercury incorporates an asynchronous, galvanically isolated USB-B input capable of handling Linear PCM up to 32 Bit und 192 kHz as well as DSD64 (DoP). S/PDIF koaxial and S/PDIF optisch inputs add further flexibility, each supporting up to 24 Bit und 192 kHz. Signal conversion is performed by dual Wolfson DACs operating in parallel, with a fully symmetrical analogue filter stage completing the digital chain.

Connectivity Options of the Rega Mercury

Designed to serve as the central hub of a high-quality audio system, the Mercury provides a comprehensive selection of digital and analogue inputs. Alongside USB-B, S/PDIF koaxial and S/PDIF optisch, the pre-amplifier includes one balanced XLR input and four Cinch line inputs. Additional connections include a dedicated Cinch record input for monitoring or recording, as well as a record output and a Cinch pre-out feeding the power amplifier. A 12-volt trigger output allows system automation, while power is supplied via an IEC inlet.

The integrated headphone amplifier is implemented as a miniature power amplifier stage rather than an add-on module. This enables the Mercury to drive a broad range of headphones with authority, delivering the same tonal character and precision found in the main output stages.

Rega Solis – Power Amplifier for Demanding Loudspeakers

The Solis Power Amplifier adopts a strictly symmetrical architecture supported by a high-current transistor output stage. Twelve Sanken output transistors—six per channel—ensure strong current delivery and operational stability even with complex loudspeaker loads. The amplifier’s power supply utilises two custom-designed 330 VA toroidal transformers engineered for low mechanical noise and minimal magnetic field radiation. With 40.000 µF of reservoir capacitance per channel, the Solis maintains full control during rapid dynamic shifts and high transient peaks.

Comprehensive protection circuits monitor operating temperature, DC offset and inrush current behaviour, helping safeguard both amplifier and connected loudspeakers under demanding conditions.

Connectivity Options of the Rega Solis

The Solis offers a streamlined yet uncompromising input configuration. A balanced XLR input and an unbalanced Cinch input ensure compatibility with pre-amplifiers such as the Mercury or Rega’s own Aethos. Loudspeaker terminals are executed as robust, gold-plated binding posts capable of accommodating high-quality cables. A 12-volt trigger input allows remote power synchronisation, and power is supplied through an IEC connector.

Balanced or Unbalanced – Practical Considerations for Home HiFi

Rega emphasises that for typical home HiFi environments, unbalanced connections remain the preferred choice for achieving the best sonic performance. Both the Mercury and Solis are internally designed around unbalanced circuit topologies; therefore, additional circuitry is required to create a fully balanced signal path. While Rega’s implementation of balanced interfaces is of high quality, any additional circuitry introduces minimal but unavoidable noise or distortion. Balanced connections are therefore offered primarily for compatibility rather than for performance optimisation in standard listening rooms.

Price and Availability

The Rega Mercury Pre-Amplifier and Rega Solis Power Amplifier are available now.
Each unit is priced at € 8.449,-.

Conclusion

With the Mercury Pre-Amplifier and Solis Power Amplifier, Rega Research Limited delivers a highly ambitious amplification system that elevates its electronics lineup into true reference territory. Both components demonstrate meticulous attention to circuit design, power supply architecture and signal integrity, while their separation into dedicated enclosures reinforces the commitment to uncompromised performance. The result is a coherent, dynamically capable and musically engaging combination built to partner confidently with demanding loudspeakers and high-quality digital or analogue sources.

Technical Data