Rega RB78 78RPM Mono Cartridge
Best choice for vintage shellac record collectors seeking authentic mono playback.
Experience your 78 rpm records with the Rega RB78 mono cartridge. This masterfully crafted moving magnet cartridge is hand-assembled by Rega technicians, specifically designed to accurately trace the wider grooves of shellac discs. Its specialized 78 profile stylus minimizes surface noise while maximizing detail retrieval, delivering the rich, authentic character of vintage recordings. Engineered for longevity and offering a lifetime warranty, the RB78 provides a stable platform and easy installation, ensuring years of reliable, warm, and detailed playback for your cherished vinyl collection.
$185.00
More RB Options
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
959
/ 1649
#959 in Turntable Accessories
Price vs Category Average
-85%
Below average
Output
6.87.2
/ - mV
Who it's for
- Vintage record collectors seeking authentic shellac playback quality
- Rega turntable owners wanting simple, tool-free cartridge installation
- Frequent listeners needing a durable stylus for abrasive shellac discs
Who should skip it
- Vinyl enthusiasts looking for a versatile, multi-speed playback solution
- Audiophiles requiring stereo separation for their home audio setup
- Archivists needing variable stylus sizes for diverse historical record collections
Performance breakdown
Installation Simplicity
Standard half-inch mounting makes setup straightforward for most turntable owners.
Build Integrity
Hand-assembled construction ensures long-term stability and reliable playback performance.
Sonic Authenticity
Parallel wound coils deliver the warm, rich character vintage recordings demand.
Long-term Reliability
Lifetime warranty provides significant peace of mind for dedicated record collectors.
Shellac Groove Tracking
Specialized stylus profile handles wider 78rpm grooves with exceptional precision.
Surface Noise Reduction
Advanced engineering effectively minimizes the crackle inherent in vintage shellac discs.
Key Specs
Output
6.8 - 7.2 mV
Stylus Profile
78 profile
Fixing
Standard, two screws
Tracking Pressure
1.75 g
Coils
High-spec parallel wound
Colour
Black
Phono Stage Type
MM
Weight
0.0 g
Features
- Authentic mono sound for 78 rpm records
- Specialized 78 profile stylus for wider grooves
- High-spec parallel wound coils
- Custom Rega body for stability
- Easy installation with standard fixing
- Engineered for longevity
- Minimizes surface noise
- Lifetime warranty included
What customers say
Dedicated users overwhelmingly praise the Rega RB78 cartridge for its transformative impact on 78 RPM playback. The core theme is exceptional sound quality, specifically its ability to reveal deep musical detail from vintage recordings. Listeners consistently note that the RB78 significantly reduces the surface noise, crackle, and hiss common to old discs, resulting in remarkable clarity and presence. This performance brings cherished historical recordings vividly to life, offering a major improvement over standard cartridges. Furthermore, the robust build quality aligns perfectly with Rega’s reputation for reliable engineering. For serious 78 enthusiasts, this niche component is considered an indispensable investment that fully justifies its cost through profound sonic enhancement.
Know before you buy
No, this cartridge is specifically engineered for the wider grooves of 78 rpm shellac discs. Using it on standard microgroove vinyl records will result in poor sound quality and potential damage to your records.
The RB78 is a moving magnet (MM) cartridge, so it is compatible with any standard moving magnet phono input. You do not need a specialized mono phono stage, though your amplifier should be set to mono mode if possible for the best results.
The cartridge uses a standard 1/2-inch mounting system with a two-screw fixing, making it compatible with the vast majority of modern and vintage tonearms. It is designed for a tracking pressure of 1.75 grams.
Shellac records have much wider grooves than modern vinyl. The specialized 78 profile stylus is shaped to sit correctly in these wider grooves, which significantly reduces surface noise and improves the clarity of the audio.
The lifetime warranty covers manufacturing defects in the cartridge body and internal components. It does not cover normal wear and tear of the stylus tip, which will eventually need to be replaced depending on your frequency of use.
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