# Rega Fono MM Mk5 vs Cambridge Audio Alva Duo: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Rega Fono MM Mk5 (Rega) and Cambridge Audio Alva Duo (Cambridge Audio) among phono preamps.

## Side by side

| Spec | Rega Fono MM Mk5 | Cambridge Audio Alva Duo |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | not published | $399 |
| Brand | Rega | Cambridge Audio |
| Cartridge support | MM only | MM and MC |
| Gain (dB) | 41.4 dB @ 1 kHz | MM: 39 dB; MC: 60 dB @ 1 kHz |
| Snr (dB) | — | MM: >90 dB; MC: >70 dB (grounded inputs, 20Hz-20kHz, ref 1V output) |
| Riaa accuracy | better than ±0.2 dB (100 Hz - 100 kHz) | ±0.3 dB (30 Hz - 20 kHz) |
| Input capacitance pf | 100 | 100 |
| Subsonic filter | — | Yes |
| Thd percent | — | MM: <0.0025%; MC: <0.20% (1kHz, 20Hz-20kHz bandwidth, THD+N) |
| Output level | 200 mV at 1.7 mV input; 200 ohm output impedance | 300 mV nominal |

## Key differences

- Cartridge support: Rega Fono MM Mk5 MM only vs Cambridge Audio Alva Duo MM and MC
- Gain (dB): Rega Fono MM Mk5 41.4 dB @ 1 kHz vs Cambridge Audio Alva Duo MM: 39 dB; MC: 60 dB @ 1 kHz
- Riaa accuracy: Rega Fono MM Mk5 better than ±0.2 dB (100 Hz - 100 kHz) vs Cambridge Audio Alva Duo ±0.3 dB (30 Hz - 20 kHz)
- Output level: Rega Fono MM Mk5 200 mV at 1.7 mV input; 200 ohm output impedance vs Cambridge Audio Alva Duo 300 mV nominal

## Sources

- Rega Fono MM Mk5: https://www.rega.co.uk/products/fono-mm-mk5 (rega.co.uk, verified 2026-08-12)
- Cambridge Audio Alva Duo: https://www.cambridgeaudio.com/usa/en/products/hi-fi/alva/alva-duo (cambridgeaudio.com, verified 2026-08-12)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/phono-preamps/rega-fono-mm-mk5-vs-cambridge-audio-alva-duo/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Rega Fono MM Mk5 (not published) vs Cambridge Audio Alva Duo ($399) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/phono-preamps/rega-fono-mm-mk5-vs-cambridge-audio-alva-duo/
License: CC BY 4.0.