Rega Adds New Reference-Level ND9 Cartridge
All Image Credit: Rega
Rega has announced the Nd9, their new reference-level moving magnet cartridge that tops out the Nd series. This hand-built cartridge uses an advanced “fine line” nude diamond profile, bonded to a Boron rod cantilever, similar to their Aphelion 2 moving-coil cartridge.
According to Rega, their biggest challenge was the mechanical interface between the Boron cantilever and the Nd magnet assembly. This was resolved by creating an ultra-fine connecting tube with stepped internal diameters, enabling the two components to be joined with microscopic precision. This resulted in a cantilever and stylus system with extremely low mass and high rigidity. Boron’s stiffness ensures that the cantilever flexes less during playback, transmitting groove modulation more accurately and with reduced distortion. While the fine line diamond profile, with a minor radius of 3 microns, is designed to capture small variations in the groove wall with greater precision improving high-frequency performance.
The in-house parallel-wound miniature coils use 38-micron wire and 1,275 turns per channel. This creates, low inductance and low impedance, factors that contribute to improved high-frequency performance. The new generator design also includes an enhanced pole-gap geometry that provides improved linearity and reduced crosstalk.
The Nd9 also continues Rega’s use of Neodymium N55 magnets, considered by Reg to be the most powerful commercially available grade, giving the generator a higher output than traditional bar-magnet MM designs.
The cartridge’s body is formed from glass-filled polyphenylene sulphide, an extremely rigid yet lightweight material that is injection-moulded to tight tolerances, and as with all Rega cartridges, the pivot pad and stylus assembly have no mechanical joint between the main body and stylus housing, a design choice that Rega claims improves stability and tracking accuracy.
The Nd9 also participates in the Rega rebuild scheme, where worn or damaged cartridges can be returned and replaced at a reduced cost with a freshly rebuilt unit featuring a new stylus, cantilever, and pivot pad.
Finally, the Nd9 will also be offered as a discounted factory-fitted option on the Planar 8 turntable.
Features At A Glance:
- Fine Line nude diamond profile
- Boron cantilever
- Neodymium magnet
- Unique generator
- Rega 3 point mounting system
- Highly rigid PPS body
- Handmade stereo cartridge
- 100% recyclable packaging
- Available factory fitted on the Planar 8 turntable.
- Lifetime warranty against manufacture defects
Specifications:
- Nominal Output Voltage: 5-6mV
- Stylus: Fine Line nude diamond profile
- Cantilever: Boron
- Fixing: 3 point fixing (for Rega tonearms only)
- Coils: Miniaturised parallel coils
- Window Colour Amber
- Tracking Pressure: 1.75g
MSRP:
- UK: £695.00
- US: $1,045.00
- EU: €899.00
For more information visit the Rega web site.
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