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Rega
Rega Fono MM Mk5
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Best Phono Preamps · head-to-head
Rega Fono MM Mk5 vs Cambridge Audio Alva Duo
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Cambridge Audio Alva Duo is cheaper at $399. Every spec and price links to its source.
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Cambridge Audio
Cambridge Audio Alva Duo
$399
Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| Spec | Rega Fono MM Mk5 | Cambridge Audio Alva Duo |
|---|---|---|
| US price | — | $399 Cambridge Audio USA direct price |
| Brand | Rega | Cambridge Audio |
| Released | — | — |
| 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 |
Sources — Rega Fono MM Mk5: rega.co.uk (verified 2026-08-12). Cambridge Audio Alva Duo: cambridgeaudio.com (verified 2026-08-12).
What's the difference between the Rega Fono MM Mk5 and Cambridge Audio Alva Duo?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (4 of 8). Matching specs are omitted.
- 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