Rega ND5 MM Cartridge
Best moving magnet upgrade for dedicated vinyl enthusiasts using compatible turntables.
Experience the pinnacle of moving magnet technology with the Rega ND5 Phono Cartridge. Engineered with a revolutionary Neodymium N55 magnet, it delivers unparalleled tracking and power. The perfect elliptical nude diamond stylus, paired with an aluminum cantilever, retrieves intricate vinyl details with precision. Its ultra-rigid, glass-filled PPS body ensures accurate channel balance and a broad soundstage. Meticulously hand-made, this cartridge is optimized for Rega Planar 3 and Planar 6 turntables, offering a significant upgrade for discerning vinyl enthusiasts seeking superior analog performance.
$380.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
682
/ 1649
#682 in Turntable Accessories
Price vs Category Average
-70%
Below average
Output Voltage
56
/ -mV
Who it's for
- Vinyl enthusiasts using standard phono stages needing strong signal output
- Audiophiles seeking an immersive and rhythmically engaging listening experience
- Rega turntable owners wanting a simple, alignment-free setup process
Who should skip it
- Listeners sensitive to aggressive or bright high-frequency sound signatures
- Budget-conscious listeners preferring affordable long-term stylus replacement options
- Tweakers requiring precise tonearm geometry and VTA adjustment capabilities
Performance breakdown
Tracking Precision
Neodymium N55 magnet ensures rock-solid stability across complex vinyl grooves.
High-Frequency Detail
Nude elliptical stylus extracts crisp, airy textures from your favorite records.
Channel Balance
Rigid PPS body construction provides a perfectly centered and expansive soundstage.
Build Quality
Meticulously hand-made assembly reflects high standards of consistency and durability.
Installation Ease
Rega's three-point mounting system simplifies alignment for compatible turntable owners.
Signal Output
Robust voltage output delivers a dynamic, punchy sound through standard phono stages.
Key Specs
Output Voltage
5-6mV
Stylus Profile
Perfect elliptical nude diamond
Cantilever Material
Aluminum
Magnet Type
Neodymium N55
Tracking Pressure
1.75g
Body Material
Glass-filled PPS
Coil Design
Miniaturized parallel coils (1,275 turns, 38-micron wire)
Mounting System
Rega 3-point fixing system
Features
- Revolutionary Neodymium Magnet Technology
- Superior channel balance and linearity
- Ultra-rigid, low-mass PPS body
- Perfect elliptical nude diamond stylus
- Low inductance generator design
- Meticulously hand-made for consistency
- Optimized for Rega turntables
- Improves high-frequency response
What customers say
Owners overwhelmingly praise this high-performance MM cartridge for its exceptional musicality and synergy, especially with Rega turntables, thanks to its simple three-point mounting. The sound signature is consistently described as dynamic, fast, and rhythmically engaging, offering a significant upgrade in detail and soundstage depth over basic models. Reviewers appreciate the clear midrange and tight, controlled bass. While some note it can sound bright with analytical gear, the consensus is that the substantial sonic improvements justify the premium cost. It delivers a lively, high-fidelity experience, making it a benchmark choice for serious vinyl enthusiasts looking to maximize their system.
Know before you buy
The ND5 is specifically optimized for the Rega Planar 3 and Planar 6 models. While it uses a standard 1/2-inch mount, its design and 3-point fixing system are engineered to integrate seamlessly with these specific turntables.
The N55 magnet is significantly more powerful than standard magnets, allowing for a more efficient generator design. This results in improved tracking ability and a more precise, dynamic soundstage.
No, the ND5 is a Moving Magnet (MM) cartridge. It is compatible with any standard MM phono stage or integrated amplifier with a dedicated phono input.
The recommended tracking pressure for the ND5 is 1.75g. It is important to set this accurately to ensure optimal stylus contact and to prevent unnecessary wear on your vinyl records.
A nude diamond stylus is mounted directly to the cantilever rather than on a metal shank, which reduces mass at the tip. This allows the stylus to track the record groove more accurately, resulting in better high-frequency detail and lower distortion.
Yes, the ND5 features a standard 1/2-inch mounting system, making it compatible with most tonearms. However, the 3-point fixing system is a proprietary Rega feature that provides the most benefit when used with a compatible Rega tonearm.
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