Rega MM Cartridge Nd7

The brand new Nd7 moving magnet cartridge has taken 10 years to develop. It sits between the old Exact cartridge and the MC Ania. It promises to deliver top-level performance thanks to ‘Nd’ moving magnet technology.

Rega Nd7: Nd magnet technology

Often used in moving coils (including Rega cartridges), the neodymium (Nd) N55 magnet is used 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 more power than standard moving magnet designs. Added to this are miniaturised parallel coils that receive a 38 micron wire wound at 1275 turns. This results in a low-inductance, low-impedance generator that dramatically improves high-frequency response.

Rega Nd7: Glass-filled PPS body

The entire generator is housed in an injection-moulded polyphenylene sulphide (PPS) body with glass. This creates a lightweight, highly rigid material. This low-mass body reduces stress on the tonearm bearings and promotes freedom of movement, which is essential for accurate playback of a vinyl record. The new body was largely inspired by the manufacturer's MC range. The cartridge is mounted on a standard headshell holder using 2 hex screws in the cartridge inserts. If you have a Rega turntable, a third screw ensures a better mechanical hold and greatly simplifies alignment and adjustment.

Rega Nd7: Cantilever and stylus

Each Nd7 is meticulously handcrafted by Rega technicians. The stylus is a bare elliptical diamond with a perfect profile. It is a true ellipse created by an elliptical grinding process using artificial polycrystalline diamonds. The profile of this artificial monocrystalline diamond has an exceptionally small radius. Its minor radius is only 3 µm (microns) when viewed from above and 30 µm vertically when viewed from the front. This profile gives the diamond a small contact area in the groove, enabling exceptional levels of detail to be achieved. It is combined with a polished aluminium cantilever. 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 and the main body. This considerably improves tracking and playback stability.

Rega Nd7: Playback

Rega has always been known for cartridges with remarkable dynamics. The Rega Nd7 is no exception! This cartridge offers a very refined, clean and open reproduction. The opening is remarkable in both depth and width. There's a lovely clarity at the top of the spectrum that blends perfectly with the neutrality of the midrange. The whole is reproduced with great subtlety and nuance. The bass is dynamic and present. Along with the other registers, it contributes to the superb balance of this cartridge. Its swing often makes all the difference compared with competing MM cartridges. The Rega Nd7 is a highly sophisticated cartridge offering first-rate technology for its price. As well as offering incredible dynamics and swing, it is completely free of aggression. Like all Rega cartridges, its balance and expression are among its greatest assets, but it also delivers remarkable definition and transparency with extremely low surface noise. To get anything better, you'll need to upgrade to a Rega MC and, of course, the right phono preamp.

To be recommended +++