Audio T Verdict
The Rega Carbon is a straightforward and dependable moving magnet cartridge that makes turntable ownership refreshingly simple.
Its conical stylus, carbon cantilever and wide tracking-force range make it tolerant of everyday records and relatively easy to set up. It is fitted as standard to the Rega Planar 1, Planar 1 Plus and Planar 2, but can also be fitted to other compatible tonearms using a standard two-screw cartridge mount.
This page offers a choice between the complete Carbon cartridge and the standard replacement Carbon stylus. Check the selected option carefully before ordering.
Rega Carbon Moving Magnet Cartridge and Replacement Stylus
The Rega Carbon is an accessible moving magnet cartridge designed to provide accurate, enjoyable vinyl playback without making installation or setup unnecessarily complicated.
It combines a carbon cantilever with a conical diamond stylus and produces a 2.5 mV output suitable for a conventional moving magnet phono stage.
Its stylus assembly is detachable, allowing a worn or accidentally damaged stylus to be replaced without removing and realigning the complete cartridge.
Choose the Correct Option
Rega Carbon MM Cartridge
Choose the complete cartridge when fitting a Carbon to a compatible tonearm or replacing an existing cartridge body.
- Complete moving magnet cartridge
- Carbon cantilever
- Conical stylus fitted
- Standard two-screw mounting
- Requires fitting and alignment
- Tracking force must be set correctly
Rega Carbon Replacement Stylus
Choose the replacement stylus when the existing Carbon cartridge body remains correctly installed and only the original stylus assembly needs replacing.
- Standard replacement Carbon stylus
- Fits the Rega Carbon cartridge body
- Conical stylus profile
- No cartridge realignment normally required
- Suitable for replacing a worn or damaged stylus
- Cartridge body not included
Please Check Your Selection
The complete cartridge and replacement stylus are separate options on this page.
The replacement stylus does not include the cartridge body, mounting screws or a complete cartridge assembly.
Carbon Cantilever and Conical Stylus
The Carbon uses a lightweight carbon cantilever to connect the stylus assembly to the cartridge generator.
Its conical stylus profile provides a practical balance of reliable tracking, straightforward setup and tolerance of records in varying condition.
This makes the Carbon particularly well suited to first turntables, everyday record collections and systems where ease of use is as important as performance.
Fitted to Popular Rega Turntables
The Rega Carbon is factory-fitted to several current Rega turntables:
The replacement stylus is therefore a direct maintenance item for these turntables while their original Carbon cartridge remains fitted.
Moving Magnet Phono Stage Compatibility
The Carbon is a moving magnet cartridge and must be connected to a suitable moving magnet phono input or external moving magnet phono stage.
It cannot normally be connected directly to an AUX, CD or standard line-level input unless a phono stage is placed between the turntable and amplifier.
The
Rega Fono Mini A2D
is a compact option for amplifiers and active speakers without a suitable Phono input.
Cartridge Installation and Alignment
The complete Carbon cartridge uses a conventional two-screw mounting arrangement and can be fitted to compatible tonearms and headshells.
Correct cartridge alignment, wiring, tracking force and bias are important for reliable tracking and to avoid unnecessary record or stylus wear.
- White connection: Left-channel positive
- Blue connection: Left-channel negative
- Red connection: Right-channel positive
- Green connection: Right-channel negative
Cartridge tags and tonearm wires are delicate. Never pull directly on the wire when removing a connector from the cartridge pin.
Professional Cartridge Fitting by Audio T
Audio T staff can install the complete Rega Carbon cartridge, align it to the tonearm and set the appropriate tracking force and bias.
We can also inspect an existing Carbon cartridge and advise whether it requires a replacement stylus, complete cartridge or Carbon Pro upgrade.
Contact your local Audio T store
for compatibility advice and cartridge-fitting arrangements.
Replacing the Carbon Stylus
The standard replacement stylus is intended for an existing Rega Carbon moving magnet cartridge.
Because the cartridge body remains attached to the tonearm, changing the stylus does not normally require the cartridge to be removed or realigned.
Before replacement, switch off the amplifier, secure the tonearm in its rest and protect the cartridge from sudden movement. Handle the new stylus by its plastic housing and avoid touching the cantilever or diamond tip.
After fitting, confirm that the stylus assembly is seated correctly before playing a record.
Carbon Pro Upgrade Stylus
Customers replacing a standard Carbon stylus can also consider the
Rega Carbon Pro Upgrade Stylus
.
The Carbon Pro fits the existing Carbon cartridge body but replaces the standard conical stylus with a bonded elliptical profile.
It provides a straightforward upgrade for Planar 1, Planar 1 Plus and Planar 2 owners because the cartridge body can remain installed and aligned.
You can also read our
Audio T review of the Rega Carbon Pro stylus upgrade
.
Key Features
Complete Carbon Cartridge
- Moving magnet cartridge design
- Carbon cantilever
- Conical stylus profile
- User-replaceable stylus assembly
- Standard two-screw fixing
- 2.5 mV output at 1 kHz
- 2 to 3 g tracking-pressure range
- 5 g cartridge weight
Replacement Carbon Stylus
- Genuine Rega replacement part
- Designed for the Rega Carbon cartridge
- Standard conical profile
- Replaces a worn or damaged original stylus
- Fits without removing the cartridge body
- Cartridge body sold separately
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this page include both the cartridge and replacement stylus?
The page provides separate selectable options. Choose either the complete Rega Carbon cartridge or the standard Carbon replacement stylus before adding the product to your basket.
Which Rega turntables use the Carbon cartridge?
It is fitted as standard to the Rega Planar 1, Planar 1 Plus and standard Planar 2.
Can I replace only the stylus?
Yes. The Carbon uses a detachable stylus assembly, so the original stylus can be replaced while leaving the cartridge body fitted to the tonearm.
What is the difference between the Carbon stylus and Carbon Pro?
The standard Carbon replacement uses a conical stylus profile. The Carbon Pro is an upgrade using a bonded elliptical profile.
Does the complete cartridge need to be aligned?
Yes. A newly installed cartridge must be mounted securely, aligned correctly and set to an appropriate tracking force and bias.
Which phono stage does the Carbon require?
It requires a moving magnet Phono input or external moving magnet phono stage.
What tracking force should I use?
Rega specifies a tracking-pressure range of 2 to 3 g. The correct setting may depend on the tonearm and turntable arrangement.
Can Audio T fit the cartridge or replacement stylus?
Yes.
Contact your local Audio T store
for cartridge fitting, alignment, tracking-force adjustment and stylus replacement.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Genuine Rega cartridge and replacement stylus options
- Help selecting the correct option before ordering
- Compatibility advice for Rega and other turntables
- Professional cartridge fitting and alignment
- Tracking-force and bias adjustment
- Stylus inspection and replacement support
- Advice on the Carbon Pro upgrade
- Moving magnet phono-stage guidance
- Ongoing support from the UK's oldest independent specialist Hi-Fi retailer
Contact your local Audio T store
for help choosing, fitting or maintaining your Rega Carbon cartridge.
Rega's lifetime limited warranty covers confirmed manufacturing defects. Normal stylus wear and other consumable wear are not covered.