Rega Aphelion 2 MC Reference Cartridge - Rebuild
Best high-end upgrade for dedicated vinyl enthusiasts seeking ultimate sonic detail.
The Rega Aphelion 2 is the 4th generation of Rega's handmade moving coil cartridges, representing a significant advancement in vinyl playback technology. It features a new boron cantilever, a super high-powered neodymium magnet, and a coil meticulously hand-wound on a significantly smaller iron micro cross. This weight reduction in the generator allows for more accurate tracking of the vinyl groove, extracting greater detail. The cartridge is housed in a redesigned, single-piece aluminum body and protected by a clear rigid cover for safe handling during installation. This groundbreaking cartridge is engineered to retrieve unparalleled music from your vinyl.
$5545.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.8
/ 5
Category Rank
7
/ 1649
#7 in Turntable Accessories
Price vs Category Average
+340%
Above average
Tracking Pressure
1.752.00
/ - g
Who it's for
- Rega turntable users wanting perfect tonearm and cartridge synergy
- Audiophiles seeking absolute sonic transparency and micro-detail retrieval
- Existing owners looking to restore flagship performance affordably
Who should skip it
- Users concerned about handling delicate, high-value precision components
- Listeners lacking high-gain, adjustable phono preamplification equipment
- Vinyl enthusiasts unwilling to endure service-related playback interruptions
Performance breakdown
Tracking Precision
The boron cantilever ensures flawless groove navigation for unmatched sonic clarity.
Detail Retrieval
Ultra-low mass generator design pulls hidden textures from every vinyl pressing.
Build Integrity
Single-piece aluminum body provides a rigid, resonance-free foundation for playback.
Stylus Sophistication
Advanced fine line nude diamond stylus offers exceptional high-frequency response.
Installation Safety
Included rigid cover makes handling this delicate instrument significantly less stressful.
Magnetic Efficiency
High-powered neodymium magnet system delivers a dynamic and punchy output.
Key Specs
Tracking Pressure
1.75 - 2.00g
Input load impedance
100 ohms
Output impedance
10 ohms
Nominal output voltage
350μV
Channel Balance
≥ 10μV
Separation
≥ -29dB
Weight
0.0 grams
Features
- Handmade moving coil cartridge with advanced technology
- Boron rod cantilever for increased stiffness and tracking accuracy
- Super high-powered neodymium magnet system
- Ultra-low mass generator design with a unique rhomboid pivot
- Zero-tolerance engineered cartridge body machined from a single piece of aluminum
- CAD-designed clear rigid cover for protection and safe handling
- Meticulously hand-wound coil on a significantly smaller iron micro cross
- Advanced fine line nude diamond stylus
- Designed for reference turntables
- Exceptional stylus control
What customers say
The Rega Aphelion 2 earns high praise for its exceptional sonic transparency and neutrality, revealing intricate vinyl details. Listeners consistently describe the soundstage as expansive, precise, and three dimensional, offering superb instrument separation. Synergy with high-quality tonearms is noted, delivering fast bass and smooth treble. A key factor in satisfaction is the factory rebuild service, which offers significant long term value by restoring performance affordably. While the initial cost is high, owners agree the Aphelion 2 delivers reference level performance justifying the investment for critical listening. It is viewed as a transformative component for serious vinyl playback.
Know before you buy
The boron cantilever provides increased stiffness and reduced mass compared to traditional materials. This allows the stylus to track the vinyl groove with greater precision and speed, resulting in improved detail retrieval.
Yes, as a moving coil cartridge with an output voltage of 350μV, it requires a phono stage capable of handling low-output MC cartridges. You should ensure your phono stage can be set to an input load impedance of 100 ohms for optimal performance.
By using a smaller iron micro cross and a lighter generator assembly, the cartridge can react more quickly to the complex modulations in the record groove. This reduction in mass minimizes inertia, allowing for more accurate tracking and better transient response.
The recommended tracking pressure for this cartridge is between 1.75g and 2.00g. We suggest starting at 1.85g and adjusting within this range based on your specific tonearm and listening preferences.
No, the clear rigid cover is designed specifically to protect the delicate stylus and cantilever during installation and handling. It should be removed before you begin playing your records.
The Aphelion 2 features a redesigned single-piece aluminum body and a significantly refined generator assembly. These updates, combined with the new boron cantilever, offer a higher level of stylus control and sonic transparency than previous generations.
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