Rega Nd5 Moving Magnet Cartridge
The Nd5 Moving Magnet Cartridge was developed over 10 years and promises to deliver 'next level' performance from moving magnet technology. The Nd range (patent pending) is a world first to use an ultra-high powered Neodymium magnet which allowed Rega to create this totally unique design.
Each Nd5 is meticulously hand-made by Rega's highly skilled technicians. The stylus profile is a perfect elliptical nude diamond. This is a true ellipse created by an elliptical grinding process made from polycrystalline manmade diamond. The design uses brand new generator geometry with perfect symmetry to achieve accurate channel balance. The Nd5 also has an optimised pole gap for superior linearity and cross talk characteristics, this provides a far wider soundstage than the previous models. This new cartridge is created with miniaturised parallel coils which are wound in house utilising 38-micron wire with just 1275 turns. This produces a low inductance, low impedance generator giving vastly improved high frequency response. In keeping with Rega's commitment to sustainability, the Nd range is supplied in 100% recyclable packaging.
Nd Magnet Technology: Often used in Moving Coil designs (including Rega's own) Rega believe the Nd5 is the first moving magnet to utilise a Neodymium (Nd) N55 magnet. This is the world's most powerful commercially available magnet and is a crucial component that makes this unique design possible by delivering extra power than standard bar magnet designs.
Glass Filled PPS Body: The complete assembly is housed in Rega's zero tolerance injection moulded glass filled polyphenylene sulphide (PPS) body which is a lightweight and highly rigid material. A low mass body reduces stress on the tonearm bearings and aids free movement which is critical in accurate vinyl replay. This new body design was inspired by Rega's hugely successful MC range.
Cantilever & Stylus Profile: The Nd5 aluminium cantilever is fitted with a precision perfect elliptical nude diamond stylus. This profile provides exceptional tracking accuracy and extracts greater levels of detail from the vinyl surface.
Nd5 Replacement Stylus: The unique pivot pad design of Rega cartridges improves performance by eliminating the mechanical joint between the stylus housing and the main body. This vastly improves tracking ability and stability of the stylus. It also means that the stylus in the Nd5 is not user replaceable which means you need to return your whole cartridge to Audio Trends and purchase a brand new Rega Nd5 Cartridge at a reduced price. If you don't live near us you are welcome to post us your cartridge and we will send the replacement Nd5 cartridge anywhere in Australia freight free.
Rega Nd5 Review
"First however I contrasted the Nd5 with the Nd3 just to see what difference a tip can make. Quite a big one is the answer. The Nd5 is faster, tighter and more precisely focused than its more affordable sibling. It produces more of the harmonics and quieter details that combine to create a realistic, three dimensional image and this also results in a more engaging result that makes you want to keep on playing whatever is on the turntable. This is also a far more dynamically nuanced or expressive cartridge, it reveals the energy in acoustic instruments but likewise exposes the occasions when an instrument or voice has been compressed to keep the overall dynamic range of the recording under control. This was apparent with the horn break on Herbie Hancock's arrangement of Court and Spark, where Wayne Shorter plays the soprano saxophone superbly but is clearly delivering more level than was deemed suitable by the engineer/producer. The vast majority of commercial recordings used limiting or compression because it usually sounds better overall and most sources don't reveal it too obviously. Fortunately the tune sounds excellent as a whole, albeit Nora Jones' vocal is a bit outgunned by both horn and keys.
One thing that Rega products usually excel at is timing and with the Nd5 that is obvious regardless of the music being played, even Mendelssohn Octets have a flow and melody which eludes the majority of digital systems. This is a Rega P2 remember, not a fancy turntable in the scheme of things but clearly a well sorted design that can reveal the benefits of a decent cartridge. It delivers fine detail and depth of image well too, the Nd5 is clearly sensitive to the quieter sounds in the groove and even with a Rega Aria phono stage it lets you know about all the important musical cues in the recording.
I contrasted the Nd5 with a Goldring 1042 as well, this is my reference moving magnet and sells for a similar price to the Rega, the Nd5 has the advantage of being on a Rega turntable with a matching phono stage but I expected the Goldring to give it a run for its money. In some respects it did, high frequency performance was not far off and dynamic energy was very strong. However the Nd5 is considerably more refined, clean and open, with much more shine in the treble and a presentation that is relaxed and nuanced by comparison. It would be fairer to try both in a different turntable of course and do so over a longer period but I suspect that the work that Rega have done to redesign the generator in its Nd cartridges will give it the edge in most situations.
I also played Timeless by John Abercrombie, this combines low bass synth with guitar and drums on an excellent ECM recording, it sounded stunning on the P2/Nd5 combo. Super deep in the lows and entrancing throughout, it really delivered the goods in a way that a sub £800 record player rarely does, OK the rest of the system is more pricey and helped a lot but the source is critical and by virtue of its neutrality, clarity and tracking ability the Nd5 proved to be more than adequate to the task. In many respects Rega have proved that you don't need to spend a fortune to get high quality results with vinyl, all you need are the records. I thought I had enough of them but this cartridge makes it clear that all the stuff I love on digital could sound better." The Ear
Our Take on the Rega Nd5
The Rega Nd5 Moving Magnet Cartridge represents over a decade of development, promising to elevate moving magnet technology to new heights. Featuring an ultra-high powered Neodymium (Nd) magnet, a world first for this technology, the Nd5's design is entirely unique. Each cartridge is hand-crafted by Rega's skilled technicians, ensuring meticulous quality. It boasts a perfect elliptical nude diamond stylus, shaped through an elliptical grinding process using polycrystalline diamond. The innovative generator geometry and miniaturized parallel coils, wound with precision 38-micron wire, provide exceptional channel balance and a wider soundstage. This advanced design results in a low inductance, low impedance generator, enhancing high-frequency response. Encased in a lightweight, rigid glass-filled PPS body inspired by Rega's MC range, the Nd5 minimizes stress on tonearm bearings, crucial for accurate vinyl playback. Committed to sustainability, Rega supplies the Nd range in 100% recyclable packaging.
Main Features & Specifications
- Design: Handmade Stereo Moving Magnet Cartridge
- Nude Perfect Elliptical Diamond Profile Stylus
- Aluminium Cantilever
- Neodymium Magnet
- Unique Generator
- Rega 3 Point Mounting System
- Highly Rigid Lightweight PPS Body
- 100% Recyclable Packaging
- Tracking Pressure: 1.75g
- Nominal Output Voltage: 5-6mV
- Stylus: Perfect Elliptical Nude Diamond
- Fixing: 3 Point Fixing
- Coils: Miniaturised Parallel Coils
- Window Colour: Clear Smoked
- Learn more about Rega
Note: Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE.