Cellule Hi-Fi MM Rega Carbon

A new cartridge from REGA is always a big deal, especially when the manufacturer makes its lineup more accessible. The “newest” addition is called CARBON.

Rega Carbon: Cantilever

The ambitious name “Rega Carbon” is justified by the use of a cantilever machined from a single piece of carbon fiber.

This cartridge is not manufactured in England as usual, but in Japan by the renowned manufacturer Audio Technica—HOWEVER, ENTIRELY according to specifications set by REGA.

Among other features, the carbon cantilever offers high rigidity and very low mass, in addition to excellent vibration damping.

Rega Carbon: Coiling

It’s also worth noting an innovative coiling method using very fine copper wire, which has helped reduce the cartridge’s weight.

Rega Carbon: Stylus Replacement

This Rega Carbon cartridge allows for stylus replacement—a first for the British manufacturer…

Rega Carbon: Testing and Listening

The sound is lively, with excellent definition and superb presence that lends great charm to vocals and strings.

It seems (understandably!) very well suited to the Rega RP1, giving it a more nuanced sound than the Ortofon OM5 cartridge, even if it does require about thirty hours of break-in time to achieve this…

FAQ: Everything you need to know before buying the Rega Carbon

What are the strengths of the carbon cantilever?

The carbon cantilever offers great rigidity and very low mass, plus good vibration absorption, which contributes to a lively sound with fine definition and superb presence on voices and strings. A new cartridge from REGA is always an event, especially when the maker makes its range more accessible. The latest "little one" is called CARBON. The ambitious "Rega Carbon" name is justified by the use of a cantilever machined from a single piece of carbon.

Where and how is it made?

Unlike the maker's usual practice, it is not made in England but in Japan, by Audio-Technica, yet entirely to a specification set by Rega. It also benefits from an innovative winding method using very fine copper wire, which helped reduce the cartridge's weight.

Is the diamond replaceable?

Yes. The Rega Carbon allows the diamond to be exchanged, which is a first for this maker. You can therefore renew the stylus without replacing the whole cartridge.

What kind of sound does it offer, and does it need running in?

Listening is lively, with fine definition and superb presence that lend great charm to voices and strings. It needs around thirty hours of running in to give its best, after which the sound gains nuance.