MM REGA Nd9 cartridge

The brand-new Nd9 moving magnet cartridge required 10 years of development. It positions itself in a premium MM cartridge segment where Rega had never ventured until now. It promises to deliver very high-level performance thanks to its "Nd" moving magnet technology.

Rega Nd9: Nd Magnet Technology

Often used in moving coil cartridges (including Rega models), the N55 neodymium (Nd) magnet is used for the very 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 allows for a higher output power compared to standard moving magnet designs. In addition, miniaturized parallel coils feature 1275 turns of 38-micron wire. This results in a low-inductance, low-impedance generator, which significantly improves high-frequency response.

Rega Nd9: Glass-Filled PPS Body

The entire generator is housed in an injection-molded polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) body reinforced with glass. This creates a lightweight and highly rigid material. This low-mass body reduces stress on the tonearm bearings and promotes freedom of movement, which is essential for accurate vinyl record tracking. This new body was heavily inspired by the manufacturer's MC range. Mounting is done via 2 hex screws into the cartridge inserts on a standard headshell. If you own a Rega turntable, a third screw ensures better mechanical coupling and greatly simplifies alignment and setup.

Rega Nd9: Cantilever and Stylus

Each Nd9 diamond is meticulously handcrafted by Rega technicians.
The stylus chosen by the manufacturer is a Perfect Nude Fine Line diamond with a flawless profile. It is paired with a superb polished boron cantilever.

This combination offers optimal tracking precision and extracts an incredible level of detail from the vinyl surface. The challenge posed by the Nd9 was to connect the Nd magnet to a solid boron rod. To achieve this, Rega collaborated with a renowned watchmaker to manufacture an ultra-thin connecting tube, but with different diameters at each end. Boron is exceptionally light, allowing for a faster reaction to record surface variations, and its rigidity is remarkable given its mass. This stiffer cantilever deforms less, resulting in a more accurate transmission of movement and less distortion.

The unique pivot design of Rega cartridges enhances performance by eliminating the mechanical joint between the stylus pad and the main body. This significantly improves accuracy and tracking stability during playback.

Rega Nd9: Sound Performance

From the very first bars, it is clear that the Rega Nd9 has a very neutral sound signature. It reproduces an impressive amount of detail, from bass to treble, including a midrange teeming with information.

It allows you to hear each musician and each instrument with great clarity, even if the track is highly complex.

The Rega Nd9 delivers abyssal bass depth while revealing surprising details and textures. The low end of the spectrum is paired with a truly fluid, subtle, and dynamic midrange/treble.

The main asset of the Nd9 MM cartridge lies in its ability to preserve dynamics and swing while remaining nuanced and musical. It is capable of giving you goosebumps and emotion just like low-output MC cartridges do.