Audio T Verdict
The Rega Naia is the culmination of Rega's low-mass, high-rigidity approach to turntable design. Developed from the limited-production Naiad test-bed project, it brings Rega's most advanced plinth, bearing, platter, tonearm and motor-control technology together in one production turntable.
Its skeletal construction may look deceptively simple, but virtually every component has been designed specifically to reduce unwanted energy, improve rotational accuracy and allow the cartridge to retrieve more information from the record groove.
The Naia is available without a cartridge for carefully selected custom installations, or with Rega's reference Aphelion 2 moving coil cartridge factory-fitted. At this level, the cartridge, phono stage, support and wider system all matter, so we strongly recommend arranging a demonstration and discussing the complete system with your local Audio T team.
Rega Naia Reference Turntable
The Rega Naia represents the highest level of Rega's turntable engineering. It was developed using technology created for the Naiad test-bed turntable, transferring previously experimental materials and design ideas into a fully realised production model.
Rega's design philosophy is based on combining extremely low mass with high rigidity. Rather than absorbing musical energy within a heavy structure, the Naia is engineered to prevent unwanted energy from being stored in the first place.
The result is a reference turntable designed to reveal exceptionally fine musical detail while preserving the timing, dynamics and sense of musical flow for which Rega turntables are known.
Graphene-Impregnated Carbon Fibre Plinth
At the heart of the Naia is a skeletal plinth constructed from graphene-impregnated carbon fibre around a Tancast 8 foam core.
This structure combines very low mass with exceptional stiffness, helping to reduce vibration transmission and prevent microscopic movement between the turntable's critical components.
Ceramic aluminium oxide braces are fitted above and below the plinth between the tonearm mounting and central bearing. This Double Brace arrangement creates a rigid connection across the areas where structural stability matters most.
RB Titanium Tonearm
The RB Titanium is Rega's most advanced production tonearm. Its structure has been designed with the minimum number of mechanical joints, using extremely stiff materials in critical areas.
- One-piece titanium vertical bearing housing
- Titanium vertical spindle assembly
- Hand-polished, one-piece aluminium arm tube
- Tungsten balance weight shaft and balance weight
- Near-frictionless horizontal and vertical movement
- No measurable free play within the bearing assemblies
Reducing bearing friction and unwanted movement allows the cartridge stylus to follow the record groove with greater accuracy, preserving low-level detail and dynamic changes.
ZTA Ceramic Hub Bearing Assembly
The Naia uses a custom-machined aluminium sub-platter with a spindle and central bearing manufactured from ZTA ceramic.
The bearing and spindle are produced as a matched set to achieve an extremely precise fit. Both parts have the same hardness and run on an ultra-thin layer of fully synthetic oil, helping to minimise friction and long-term wear.
This complex assembly provides a highly stable foundation for the platter while supporting smooth and consistent rotation.
Resonance-Controlled Ceramic Platter
The Naia's ceramic aluminium oxide platter is manufactured to exceptionally tight tolerances and diamond-cut for accuracy.
Its carefully developed profile places more mass towards the outer edge, increasing the flywheel effect and helping the platter maintain stable rotational speed. The platter is also designed to control resonance and distribute energy away from the record and cartridge.
Reference Power Supply
The dedicated Rega Reference Power Supply is included with both Naia configurations. Each turntable motor is hand-tuned and matched to its individual power supply during production.
A high-stability crystal generator and digital signal processing create the motor waveform, helping to reduce vibration and provide accurate control of platter speed.
- Electronic selection between 33? and 45 rpm
- Digital signal processing motor control
- High-stability crystal reference generator
- Fine speed adjustment
- Motor vibration reduction circuitry
- Individually matched turntable motor and power supply
Triple Reference Belt Drive
Three Rega Reference EBLT drive belts connect the motor pulley to the aluminium sub-platter.
The triple-belt arrangement improves drive stability and helps transfer the motor's rotational force consistently while maintaining Rega's low-mass design principles.
Choose Your Rega Naia Configuration
Rega Naia Without Cartridge
This option includes the complete Naia turntable, RB Titanium tonearm and matched Reference Power Supply, but no cartridge.
It is intended for customers who already own a suitable cartridge or who would like to choose a different cartridge for a carefully matched reference system.
Cartridge weight, dimensions, output and phono stage compatibility should all be considered before ordering. Please speak to your local Audio T team so that we can confirm suitability and discuss professional fitting and alignment.
Rega Naia with Aphelion 2
This version includes Rega's reference Aphelion 2 low-output moving coil cartridge, factory-fitted and aligned to the RB Titanium tonearm.
The Aphelion 2 uses a boron rod cantilever, fine-line nude diamond stylus and Rega's hand-wound micro cross and coil assembly.
A compatible moving coil phono stage is required. The
Rega Aura Reference MC phono stage
is Rega's reference partner for this combination.
Who Is the Rega Naia For?
A Good Choice If You:
- Want Rega's highest-performance production turntable
- Are building a reference-level vinyl system
- Value low mass, rigidity and engineering simplicity
- Want a turntable developed from the Naiad test-bed project
- Already own or plan to purchase a suitable moving coil phono stage
- Want the option of a factory-fitted Aphelion 2 cartridge
Consider Another Option If You:
- Need fully automatic turntable operation
- Require an integrated phono stage, Bluetooth or USB output
- Prefer a traditional full-width plinth with a hinged lid
- Prefer the presentation and construction of a high-mass or suspended turntable
- Are unable to provide a suitably capable system and support
Key Features
- Graphene-impregnated carbon fibre skeletal plinth
- Tancast 8 lightweight foam-core construction
- RB Titanium reference tonearm
- One-piece titanium vertical bearing housing and spindle assembly
- Tungsten balance weight shaft and balance weight
- ZTA ceramic spindle and central bearing assembly
- Custom-machined aluminium sub-platter
- Resonance-controlled ceramic aluminium oxide platter
- Ceramic upper and lower Double Brace system
- Triple Rega Reference EBLT drive belts
- Hand-tuned low-noise motor
- Matched Rega Reference Power Supply
- Electronic 33? and 45 rpm speed selection
- User-adjustable fine speed control
- Low-mass skeletal aluminium feet
- Custom-designed removable dust cover
- Available without a cartridge or with a factory-fitted Aphelion 2 MC cartridge
- Lifetime limited warranty against confirmed manufacturing defects
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Rega Naia include a cartridge?
The Naia is available in two configurations. You can choose the turntable without a cartridge or select the version with a factory-fitted Rega Aphelion 2 moving coil cartridge.
What is included with the cartridge-free version?
The cartridge-free option includes the Naia turntable, RB Titanium tonearm, ceramic platter, triple Reference drive belts, custom dust cover and matched Reference Power Supply. A cartridge and suitable phono stage must be added separately.
Can I fit a different cartridge to the Rega Naia?
Yes, the cartridge-free version allows an alternative cartridge to be fitted. However, cartridge dimensions, weight, output and compatibility with the RB Titanium tonearm should be checked carefully. Audio T can advise on suitability, fitting and alignment.
Is the Aphelion 2 fitted and aligned at the factory?
Yes. When the Aphelion 2 option is selected, the cartridge is factory-fitted and aligned to the RB Titanium tonearm.
Does the Aphelion 2 require a moving coil phono stage?
Yes. The Aphelion 2 is a low-output moving coil cartridge and must be connected to a compatible moving coil phono stage. Rega's reference partner is the
Rega Aura Reference MC phono stage
.
Does the Rega Naia have a built-in phono stage?
No. The tonearm output must be connected to a separate phono stage that is compatible with the cartridge being used.
Is the Reference Power Supply included?
Yes. The matched Rega Reference Power Supply is included with both the cartridge-free and Aphelion 2 versions.
Can the speed be changed electronically?
Yes. The Reference Power Supply provides electronic switching between 33? and 45 rpm, together with user-adjustable fine speed control.
Does the Rega Naia include a dust cover?
Yes. A custom-designed removable dust cover is supplied to protect the turntable when it is not in use.
Where is the Rega Naia made?
The Naia is designed and assembled in the UK using specialist components and materials developed for Rega's reference turntable programme.
Can I arrange a demonstration?
Yes. At this level, we strongly recommend hearing the Naia as part of a properly matched system. Contact your local Audio T store to discuss availability and arrange a demonstration.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Specialist advice from experienced in-store teams
- Demonstrations available through selected Audio T stores
- Help choosing between the cartridge-free and Aphelion 2 versions
- Cartridge, phono stage and system-matching advice
- Professional cartridge fitting and turntable setup advice
- Part exchange available on suitable equipment
- Home demonstrations may be available depending on location and system requirements
- Ongoing support from the UK's oldest independent specialist Hi-Fi retailer
Contact your local Audio T store
to arrange a demonstration or discuss the best Rega Naia configuration for your system.