Audio T Verdict
The Rega Nd5 is a high-performance moving magnet cartridge that combines the convenience of a conventional MM phono input with technology developed for Rega's moving coil range.
Its perfect elliptical nude diamond provides a clear step beyond the bonded elliptical stylus used by the Nd3, helping the Nd5 retrieve greater detail while delivering a more refined treble, stronger separation and well-controlled bass.
It is an excellent match for the Rega Planar 3 and Planar 6, particularly for customers who want a substantial cartridge upgrade without changing to a low-output moving coil phono stage.
Rega Nd5 Moving Magnet Cartridge
The Rega Nd5 is a handmade moving magnet cartridge developed as part of Rega's advanced Nd range.
It combines a perfect elliptical nude diamond stylus with an aluminium cantilever, powerful N55 neodymium magnet and miniaturised parallel coil generator.
Its healthy 5 to 6 mV output means it can be used with a conventional moving magnet phono input, while Rega's three-point mounting system makes installation particularly straightforward on compatible Rega tonearms.
Perfect Elliptical Nude Diamond
The Nd5 uses what Rega describes as a perfect elliptical nude diamond stylus.
The stylus is formed from polycrystalline man-made diamond and shaped through an elliptical grinding process to create a true elliptical profile.
Because it is a nude design, the diamond is fitted directly to the cantilever rather than being bonded to a separate metal shank. Removing this additional shank reduces mass at the end of the cantilever and allows the stylus to react more quickly to small groove movements.
This helps the Nd5 reveal finer information, improve separation between instruments and maintain greater control through complex musical passages.
Aluminium Cantilever
The nude diamond is mounted to a lightweight aluminium cantilever.
The cantilever transfers movement from the stylus to the cartridge generator. Its combination of low mass and rigidity helps preserve the timing and accuracy of the signal produced by the cartridge.
The recommended tracking pressure is 1.75 g. Accurate tracking-force adjustment is important for reliable groove contact and to avoid unnecessary record or stylus wear.
N55 Neodymium Magnet Technology
Neodymium magnets are more commonly associated with moving coil cartridge designs, including Rega's own MC range.
The Nd5 uses an ultra-high-powered N55 neodymium magnet within its moving magnet generator. Rega describes N55 as the most powerful commercially available neodymium magnet grade.
Its additional magnetic strength allows Rega to create a smaller generator than would normally be possible with a conventional bar magnet while retaining the strong output expected from a moving magnet cartridge.
Miniaturised Parallel Coils
The Nd5 generator uses miniaturised parallel coils wound in-house by Rega.
Each coil is made using 38-micron wire with 1,275 turns. This produces a low-inductance and low-impedance generator designed to provide an extended high-frequency response.
The symmetrical generator geometry helps achieve accurate channel balance, while an optimised pole gap improves linearity and reduces unwanted interaction between the left and right channels.
Lightweight Glass-Filled PPS Body
The generator is housed within a highly rigid, injection-moulded glass-filled polyphenylene sulphide body, commonly abbreviated to PPS.
Rega selected this material because it is lightweight, dimensionally stable and capable of holding the miniature generator components in the required alignment.
Reducing cartridge-body mass also places less stress on the tonearm bearings, helping the arm move freely as it follows the record groove.
Rega Three-Point Mounting
The Nd5 uses Rega's three-point mounting system.
When all three mounting points are used with a compatible Rega tonearm, the cartridge overhang is set automatically. The front fixing also creates a secure mechanical connection between the cartridge body and tonearm headshell.
The Nd5 can be fitted to other compatible tonearms using conventional two-point cartridge mounting. In this situation, the cartridge must be aligned using an appropriate turntable alignment protractor.
Professional Cartridge Fitting by Audio T
Rega recommends that replacement Nd cartridges are installed by an authorised retailer using the correct tools and fitting procedure.
Audio T staff can install and align the Nd5, set its 1.75 g tracking pressure, adjust tonearm bias and check that the cartridge is working correctly with your phono stage.
The supplied three-point spacer is used for packaging only and must not be fitted between the cartridge and tonearm headshell. A separate small circular sleeve is provided only for the front fixing of certain older Rega tonearms where required.
Contact your local Audio T store
for compatibility advice and cartridge-fitting arrangements.
Factory-Fitted Turntable Options
Rega Planar 3
The
Rega Planar 3
is available with the Nd5 factory-fitted and aligned to its RB330 tonearm.
This creates a well-balanced package for customers who want more refinement and resolution than the Nd3 while retaining moving magnet compatibility.
Rega Planar 6
The
Rega Planar 6
is also available with the Nd5 fitted to its RB330 tonearm.
The Planar 6 provides a more revealing platform through its lightweight foam-core plinth, Reference EBLT belt and custom-matched Neo Mk2 power supply.
The Nd5 can also be fitted to many other turntables with a compatible tonearm, suitable counterweight range and conventional cartridge mounting.
Moving Magnet Phono Stage Compatibility
The Nd5 produces a nominal output of 5 to 6 mV and is designed for a 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 moving magnet phono stage is placed between the turntable and amplifier.
The
Rega Fono MM Mk5
is a natural external phono-stage partner for the Nd5.
Nd3, Nd5 or Nd7?
Rega Nd3
The
Rega Nd3
provides the most accessible entry into the Nd range.
- Bonded elliptical diamond
- Aluminium cantilever
- N55 neodymium magnet
- Ideal for the Planar 2 and Planar 3
Rega Nd5
- Perfect elliptical nude diamond
- Lower stylus-tip mass than the Nd3
- Aluminium cantilever
- N55 neodymium generator
- Ideal for the Planar 3 and Planar 6
- This product page
Rega Nd7
The
Rega Nd7
adds a fine-line nude diamond profile.
- Fine-line nude diamond
- Greater groove-contact area
- Aluminium cantilever
- Ideal for the Planar 6 and Planar 8
Rega Cartridge Rebuild Scheme
The Nd5 does not use a detachable user-replaceable stylus assembly.
Its pivot pad is integrated into the cartridge body, avoiding the mechanical joint 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 replacement cartridge is supplied with a new stylus, cantilever and pivot pad and is fully tested in the same way as a new cartridge. The worn or damaged cartridge must be traded in to qualify for the reduced rebuild price.
Key Features
- Handmade moving magnet cartridge
- Perfect elliptical nude diamond stylus
- True elliptical profile created through precision grinding
- Aluminium cantilever
- Ultra-high-powered N55 neodymium magnet
- Miniaturised parallel coil generator
- Coils wound in-house using 38-micron wire
- 1,275 turns per coil
- Low-inductance and low-impedance generator
- Symmetrical generator geometry
- Optimised pole gap
- Lightweight glass-filled PPS body
- Rega three-point mounting system
- Clear smoked cartridge window
- Compatible with the Rega rebuild scheme
- Supplied in 100% recyclable packaging
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Rega Nd5 a moving magnet or moving coil cartridge?
The Nd5 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 Nd5 use?
It uses a perfect elliptical nude diamond mounted directly to an aluminium cantilever.
What is the difference between the Nd3 and Nd5?
The Nd3 uses a bonded elliptical stylus with a separate titanium shank. The Nd5 uses a nude elliptical diamond mounted directly to the cantilever, reducing stylus-tip mass.
What tracking force should be used?
Rega specifies a tracking pressure of 1.75 g.
Is the Nd5 suitable for the Planar 3 and Planar 6?
Yes. It is available as a factory-fitted option with both turntables 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, cartridge overhang is set automatically. Conventional two-point mounting on another tonearm still requires alignment.
Can the Nd5 stylus be replaced at home?
No. The stylus is not detachable. Worn or damaged cartridges can be returned through an authorised Rega retailer under the rebuild scheme.
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 3 and Planar 6 package advice
- Support through the Rega cartridge rebuild scheme
- Advice comparing the Nd3, Nd5 and Nd7
- 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 Nd5 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.