Audio T Verdict
The Rega Nd7 brings fine-line stylus technology normally associated with high-performance moving coil cartridges to a convenient moving magnet design.
Its fine-line nude diamond, aluminium cantilever and powerful neodymium generator produce excellent detail, clarity and stereo separation, while its 5 to 6 mV output allows it to work with a conventional moving magnet phono stage.
It is a particularly strong partner for the Rega Planar 6 and Planar 8, giving customers much of the resolution expected from a moving coil cartridge without requiring an MC phono stage.
Rega Nd7 Moving Magnet Cartridge
The Rega Nd7 is a handmade moving magnet cartridge developed as part of Rega's advanced Nd range.
It combines a fine-line nude diamond stylus with an aluminium cantilever, ultra-high-powered N55 neodymium magnet and miniaturised parallel coil generator.
The cartridge is housed within a lightweight glass-filled PPS body and uses Rega's three-point mounting system for simple and accurate installation on compatible Rega tonearms.
Fine-Line Nude Diamond Stylus
The Nd7 uses a monocrystalline fine-line nude diamond with a minor radius of approximately 3 µm and a vertical radius of 30 µm.
Its narrow profile is designed to follow very small changes within the record groove, allowing the cartridge to retrieve fine musical information, ambience and texture.
Because the diamond is mounted directly to the cantilever rather than being bonded to a separate metal shank, moving mass is reduced. This helps the stylus respond more quickly and accurately to the record groove.
The fine-line profile is closely related to the stylus technology used by Rega's Apheta 3 and Aphelion 2 moving coil cartridges.
Aluminium Cantilever
The fine-line diamond is fitted to a lightweight aluminium cantilever.
Its combination of low mass and rigidity helps transmit movement from the stylus to the generator accurately while retaining the strong, direct and rhythmically engaging presentation associated with Rega cartridges.
Rega specifies a tracking pressure of 1.75 g. Correct adjustment is important for reliable tracking and to avoid unnecessary wear to the stylus or records.
N55 Neodymium Magnet Technology
The Nd7 uses an N55 neodymium magnet rather than the conventional bar magnet found in many moving magnet cartridges.
The strength of the N55 magnet allows Rega to create a smaller and lighter generator while maintaining the healthy output required by a moving magnet phono stage.
This technology helps the Nd7 combine strong output with a low-mass generator capable of responding quickly to musical information.
Miniaturised Parallel Coils
The generator uses miniaturised parallel coils wound in-house by Rega using 38-micron wire.
Each coil has 1,275 turns, producing a low-inductance and low-impedance generator designed to improve high-frequency response.
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 complete generator is housed within an injection-moulded glass-filled polyphenylene sulphide body, commonly abbreviated to PPS.
This material is lightweight, highly rigid and dimensionally stable. It allows the cartridge body to hold the generator components in precise alignment without placing unnecessary stress on the tonearm bearings.
The body design was influenced by the rigid moulded construction developed for Rega's Ania and Ania Pro moving coil cartridges.
Rega Three-Point Mounting
The Nd7 uses Rega's three-point cartridge mounting system.
When all three fixing points are used with a compatible Rega tonearm, the correct cartridge overhang is established automatically. The additional front fixing also provides a secure mechanical connection between the cartridge and headshell.
The Nd7 can be fitted to other suitable tonearms using conventional two-point mounting, although it must then be aligned using an appropriate cartridge 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 Nd7, set its 1.75 g tracking pressure, adjust the tonearm bias and check the complete turntable setup.
The supplied three-point spacer is included for packing purposes only and must not be fitted between the cartridge and tonearm headshell. The small circular sleeve is only required for the front fixing of certain older Rega tonearms.
Contact your local Audio T store
for compatibility advice and cartridge-fitting arrangements.
Factory-Fitted Turntable Options
Rega Planar 6
The
Rega Planar 6
is available with the Nd7 factory-fitted and aligned to its RB330 tonearm.
This creates a highly capable vinyl source while retaining compatibility with a conventional moving magnet phono input.
Rega Planar 8
The
Rega Planar 8
provides the Nd7 with an even more revealing platform through its RB880 tonearm and lightweight skeletal plinth.
The Nd7 option is supplied factory-fitted and aligned, providing an alternative to the moving coil cartridges normally associated with the Planar 8.
Moving Magnet Phono Stage Compatibility
The Nd7 produces a nominal output of 5 to 6 mV and is designed for a conventional moving magnet phono input.
It can be connected to an amplifier with an MM input or used with a separate moving magnet phono stage such as the
Rega Fono MM Mk5
.
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.
Unlike a low-output moving coil cartridge, the Nd7 does not require a dedicated MC phono stage or high-gain moving coil input.
Nd5, Nd7 or Nd9?
Rega Nd5
The
Rega Nd5
uses a perfect elliptical nude diamond.
- Perfect elliptical nude diamond
- Aluminium cantilever
- N55 neodymium generator
- Ideal for the Planar 3 and Planar 6
Rega Nd7
- Fine-line nude diamond
- Aluminium cantilever
- Greater groove-contact precision
- Ideal for the Planar 6 and Planar 8
- This product page
Rega Nd9
The
Rega Nd9
is Rega's reference moving magnet cartridge.
- Fine-line nude diamond
- Boron rod cantilever
- Lower cantilever mass and greater rigidity
- Factory-fitted Planar 8 option
Rega Cartridge Rebuild Scheme
The Nd7 does not use a detachable user-replaceable stylus.
Its pivot pad is integrated into the cartridge body, removing the mechanical joint that would normally be introduced 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 rebuild arrangement.
Key Features
- Handmade moving magnet cartridge
- Fine-line nude monocrystalline diamond stylus
- Approximately 3 µm minor stylus radius
- Approximately 30 µm vertical stylus radius
- 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
- Symmetrical generator geometry
- Optimised pole gap
- Lightweight glass-filled PPS body
- Rega three-point mounting system
- Yellow cartridge window
- Compatible with the Rega rebuild scheme
- Supplied in 100% recyclable packaging
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Rega Nd7 a moving magnet or moving coil cartridge?
The Nd7 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 Nd7 use?
It uses a fine-line nude diamond mounted directly to an aluminium cantilever.
What is the difference between the Nd5 and Nd7?
The Nd5 uses a perfect elliptical nude diamond. The Nd7 uses a narrower fine-line profile designed to retrieve more low-level information from the record groove.
What is the difference between the Nd7 and Nd9?
Both use fine-line nude diamond styli. The Nd7 uses an aluminium cantilever, while the reference Nd9 uses a lighter and more rigid boron rod cantilever.
What tracking force should be used?
Rega specifies a tracking pressure of 1.75 g.
Is the Nd7 suitable for the Planar 6 and Planar 8?
Yes. It is available as a factory-fitted and aligned option with both turntables.
Can the Nd7 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 6 and Planar 8 package advice
- Support through the Rega cartridge rebuild scheme
- Advice comparing the Nd5, Nd7 and Nd9
- 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 Nd7 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.