Audio T Verdict
The Rega Nd3 brings much of the technology developed for Rega's moving coil cartridges into an accessible moving magnet design.
Its bonded elliptical stylus, aluminium cantilever and powerful neodymium magnet provide a clear improvement over the entry-level Carbon cartridge, with greater detail, stronger definition and a more spacious presentation.
It is an excellent partner for the Rega Planar 2 or Planar 3 and works with a conventional moving magnet phono stage. Rega's three-point mounting system also makes alignment particularly straightforward when fitted to a compatible Rega tonearm.
Rega Nd3 Moving Magnet Cartridge
The Rega Nd3 is a handmade moving magnet cartridge developed over more than ten years.
It introduces a new generator design using an ultra-high-powered N55 neodymium magnet, miniaturised parallel coils and a lightweight glass-filled PPS body inspired by Rega's moving coil cartridge range.
A bonded elliptical diamond is fitted to an aluminium cantilever, providing accurate tracking and a worthwhile performance upgrade for compatible Planar 2, Planar 3 and other turntables.
Neodymium Moving Magnet Technology
Neodymium magnets are commonly found in moving coil cartridges, including Rega's own MC range. The Nd3 applies this technology to a moving magnet generator.
Rega states that it believes the Nd3 was the first moving magnet cartridge to use an N55 neodymium magnet, one of the most powerful commercially available magnet grades.
The additional magnetic strength allows Rega to use a smaller and lighter generator arrangement than a conventional bar-magnet design while retaining the healthy output expected from a moving magnet cartridge.
Miniaturised Parallel Coils
The Nd3 uses parallel coils wound in-house from 38-micron wire. Each coil has 1,275 turns.
This relatively low turn count produces a generator with lower inductance and impedance than many traditional moving magnet designs.
Rega combines the coils with symmetrical generator geometry and an optimised pole gap to improve channel balance, linearity and separation between the left and right channels.
Bonded Elliptical Stylus
The Nd3 uses a bonded man-made polycrystalline elliptical diamond fitted to a round titanium shank.
An elliptical profile follows the sides of the record groove more accurately than the conical stylus used by the standard Rega Carbon. This helps retrieve more detail while improving clarity and tracking through complex musical passages.
The stylus is mounted to an aluminium cantilever, providing a lightweight and rigid connection between the diamond and generator.
Lightweight Glass-Filled PPS Body
The cartridge assembly is housed within an injection-moulded glass-filled polyphenylene sulphide body, commonly abbreviated to PPS.
This material provides a lightweight but highly rigid structure capable of retaining the accurate dimensions required by the miniature generator.
The low-mass body also places less stress on the tonearm bearings, helping the arm move freely while following the record groove.
Rega Three-Point Mounting
The Nd3 uses Rega's three-point cartridge mounting system.
When all three fixing points are used with a compatible Rega tonearm, the cartridge overhang is set automatically. The additional front fixing also creates a firm mechanical connection between the cartridge body and headshell.
The cartridge can be fitted to other compatible tonearms using the conventional two mounting points, but it must then be aligned using an appropriate cartridge protractor.
Professional Cartridge Fitting by Audio T
Rega recommends that replacement Nd cartridges are fitted by an authorised retailer using the correct tools and mounting procedure.
Audio T staff can install the Nd3, align it correctly, set the 1.75 g tracking pressure and adjust the tonearm bias where required.
The supplied three-point spacer is included for packing purposes only and must not be fitted between the cartridge and headshell.
Contact your local Audio T store
for compatibility advice and cartridge-fitting arrangements.
Planar 2 and Planar 3 Compatibility
The Nd3 is available as a factory-fitted cartridge option with selected Rega turntables.
Rega Planar 2
The
Rega Planar 2
provides a strong platform for the Nd3 through its RB220 tonearm and 10 mm glass platter.
It represents a considerable cartridge upgrade over the standard Carbon fitted to many Planar 2 packages.
Rega Planar 3
The
Rega Planar 3
is available with the Nd3 factory-fitted to its RB330 tonearm.
The three-point mounting system sets the cartridge overhang and provides a secure connection to the headshell.
The Nd3 can also be fitted to other suitable turntables and tonearms with conventional cartridge mounting, provided the arm supports the cartridge and allows correct alignment and tracking-force adjustment.
Moving Magnet Phono Stage Compatibility
The Nd3 produces a nominal output of 5 to 6 mV and is designed for a standard moving magnet phono input.
It can be connected to:
- An amplifier with a suitable moving magnet Phono input
- An amplifier input marked MM
- A dedicated external moving magnet phono stage
- A compatible all-in-one system with an MM input
It should not be connected directly to a normal AUX, CD or Line input unless a suitable phono stage is placed between the turntable and amplifier.
The
Rega Fono MM Mk5
is a natural external phono-stage partner for the Nd3.
Carbon, Nd3 or Nd5?
Rega Carbon
The
Rega Carbon
is the affordable entry point.
- Conical stylus
- Carbon cantilever
- User-replaceable stylus
- Standard two-point mounting
Rega Nd3
- Bonded elliptical stylus
- Aluminium cantilever
- Neodymium moving magnet generator
- Three-point Rega mounting
- Rega rebuild scheme
- This product page
Rega Nd5
The
Rega Nd5
uses the same broad generator technology with a nude perfect elliptical diamond.
Removing the metal shank used by a bonded stylus reduces tip mass and provides the next performance step within the Nd range.
Rega Cartridge Rebuild Scheme
The Nd3 does not use a detachable user-replaceable stylus assembly.
Its pivot pad is integrated into the cartridge body, removing the mechanical joint normally created by a removable stylus housing.
When the stylus becomes worn or the cantilever is damaged, the cartridge can be returned through an authorised Rega retailer under the Rega rebuild scheme.
A rebuilt cartridge is supplied with a new stylus, cantilever and pivot pad and is fully tested in the same way as a new cartridge. The original worn or damaged cartridge must be traded in.
Key Features
- Handmade moving magnet cartridge
- Developed over more than ten years
- Bonded elliptical diamond stylus
- Round titanium stylus shank
- Aluminium cantilever
- Ultra-high-powered N55 neodymium magnet
- Miniaturised parallel coil generator
- Coils wound in-house from 38-micron wire
- 1,275 turns per coil
- Symmetrical generator geometry
- Optimised pole gap
- Lightweight glass-filled PPS body
- Rega three-point mounting system
- Red cartridge window
- Compatible with the Rega rebuild scheme
- Supplied in 100% recyclable packaging
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Rega Nd3 a moving magnet or moving coil cartridge?
The Nd3 is a moving magnet cartridge and works with a suitable MM Phono input or external moving magnet phono stage.
What type of stylus does the Nd3 use?
It uses a bonded elliptical diamond fitted to a round titanium shank and aluminium cantilever.
What tracking force should be used?
Rega specifies a tracking pressure of 1.75 g.
Is the Nd3 suitable for the Planar 2 and Planar 3?
Yes. It is available as a factory-fitted option with both models and can also be installed as an upgrade.
Does three-point mounting remove the need for alignment?
When all three fixings are used with a compatible Rega tonearm, the cartridge overhang is set automatically. Conventional two-point mounting on another tonearm still requires alignment.
Can the Nd3 stylus be replaced at home?
No. The stylus is not a detachable user-replaceable part. Worn or damaged cartridges can be returned through a Rega retailer under the rebuild scheme.
What is the difference between the Nd3 and Nd5?
The Nd3 uses a bonded elliptical stylus. The Nd5 upgrades this to a nude perfect elliptical diamond while retaining the same broad neodymium generator design.
Can Audio T install and set up the cartridge?
Yes.
Contact your local Audio T store
for professional installation, alignment, tracking-force adjustment and phono-stage advice.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Genuine handmade Rega moving magnet cartridge
- Compatibility advice for Rega and other turntables
- Professional cartridge fitting and alignment
- Correct tracking-force and bias adjustment
- Help matching a suitable moving magnet phono stage
- Factory-fitted Planar 2 and Planar 3 package advice
- Support through the Rega cartridge rebuild scheme
- Advice comparing the Carbon, Nd3 and Nd5
- Ongoing support from the UK's oldest independent specialist Hi-Fi retailer
Contact your local Audio T store
to arrange a demonstration or discuss fitting the Rega Nd3 to your turntable.
Rega's lifetime limited warranty covers confirmed manufacturing defects. Normal stylus wear, accidental cantilever damage and other consumable wear are not covered.