Cellule MM Rega nd5

The new Rega Nd5 cartridge replaces the well-known Rega Exact after almost 20 years of good and loyal service. Rega has built years of research into moving magnet technology into this new "ND" range.

Rega Nd5: Nd Magnet Technology

Often used in moving coils (including in Rega cartridges), the N55 neodymium (Nd) magnet is used here for the first time in moving magnet technology. It is the most powerful commercially available magnet in the world. It is of course the crucial component that makes this new design possible. It delivers greater power than standard moving magnet designs. Added to this are miniaturised parallel coils wound with 38-micron wire over 1275 turns. This produces a low-inductance, low-impedance generator, which significantly improves high-frequency response.

Rega Nd5: Glass-Filled PPS Body

The entire generator is housed in an injection-moulded, glass-filled polyphenylene sulphide (PPS) body. This creates a light and very rigid material. This low-mass body reduces stress on the tonearm bearings and encourages freedom of movement, which is essential for accurate playback of a vinyl record. This new body was largely inspired by the manufacturer's MC range. Mounting is done via two hex screws into the cartridge inserts on a standard headshell. If you own a Rega turntable, a third screw ensures better mechanical hold and greatly simplifies alignment and setup.

Rega Nd5: Cantilever and Stylus

Each Nd5 is meticulously handmade by Rega technicians. The stylus is a bare elliptical diamond with a perfect profile. It is a true ellipse created through an elliptical grinding process from synthetic polycrystalline diamonds. The mechanical and electronic design of this cartridge is unique. It uses pivoting pads that improve performance by eliminating the mechanical joint between the stylus tip and the main body. This significantly improves tracking and playback stability.

Rega Nd5: Sound

Rega has always accustomed us to cartridges with remarkable dynamics. The Rega Nd5 is no exception. The soundstage is surprising in both depth and width. Bass is dynamic and present, with a very realistic upper midrange. The Nd5 extracts a great deal of information from the groove. It knows how to bring out the important musical parts of a recording. This cartridge also delivers very refined, clean and open reproduction. There is lovely clarity in the top of the spectrum, along with beautiful nuance. Its swing often makes the difference compared with rival cartridges. In many respects, Rega proves you don't need to spend a fortune to get musicality and to surpass digital playback on most parameters. The Rega Nd5 is a very sophisticated cartridge for its price. On top of its dynamics and remarkable swing, it reproduces no harshness. Like all Rega cartridges, its balance and expression are among its main strengths.

FAQ: Everything you need to know before buying the Rega Nd5 MM cartridge

Which cartridge does the Nd5 replace in the Rega range?

It replaces the famous Rega Exact after nearly 20 years of loyal service, adopting the new "Nd" neodymium magnet technology the manufacturer developed across its current MM range. Find it in our MM cartridges section.

What is the benefit of the N55 neodymium magnet used on this cartridge?

This is the first use of this magnet, the most powerful commercially available, in Rega's moving-magnet technology, providing greater power than standard designs and improving the high-frequency response thanks to miniaturised low-inductance coils.

Is this cartridge easy to install on a Rega turntable?

Yes, mounting is done via two hex screws on a standard headshell, and on a Rega turntable a third screw ensures better mechanical hold while greatly simplifying alignment and adjustment. See our guide on cartridges.

What type of stylus is fitted to the Nd5?

Each Nd5 is handmade by Rega technicians with a bare elliptical diamond of perfect profile, shaped by an elliptical grinding process from synthetic polycrystalline diamonds, mounted on pivoting pads that improve tracking and playback stability.