Audio T Verdict
The Rega Carbon Pro is one of the simplest upgrades available for a turntable fitted with the standard Rega Carbon cartridge.
It replaces the original conical stylus with a bonded elliptical profile, allowing it to follow the record groove more precisely and retrieve greater detail, clarity and definition.
Because the existing cartridge body remains mounted to the tonearm, installation takes only a few moments and does not normally require the cartridge to be removed or realigned.
Rega Carbon Pro Upgrade Stylus
The Rega Carbon Pro is a direct replacement stylus assembly for the standard
Rega Carbon moving magnet cartridge
.
The standard Carbon uses a conical stylus profile. The Carbon Pro changes this to a bonded elliptical diamond measuring 0.3 x 0.7 mm.
An elliptical profile makes contact with a narrower area of the record groove than a conventional conical stylus. This can help reveal more low-level information while improving definition and separation across familiar recordings.
Upgrade Stylus Only
The Rega Carbon Pro is a replacement stylus assembly for an existing Rega Carbon cartridge.
It does not include a complete cartridge body, mounting screws or cartridge fitting hardware.
Compatible Rega Turntables
The Carbon Pro is ideal for turntables currently fitted with a standard Rega Carbon cartridge, including:
Some Planar 2 turntables may have been supplied or upgraded with a different cartridge. Check the cartridge body before ordering rather than relying on the turntable model alone.
Standard Carbon Stylus or Carbon Pro?
Standard Carbon Stylus
- Direct replacement for the original stylus
- Conical diamond profile
- Maintains the standard Carbon specification
- Suitable when replacing a worn or damaged original stylus
Carbon Pro Stylus
- Direct upgrade for the Carbon cartridge body
- Bonded elliptical diamond profile
- Designed to improve detail and dynamics
- No cartridge realignment normally required
- This product page
Simple Tool-Free Installation
The Carbon Pro can be fitted without removing the cartridge body from the tonearm. No mounting screws or alignment tools should normally be required.
Removing the Existing Stylus
- Switch off the amplifier and secure the tonearm in its rest.
- Remove any stylus guard carefully.
- Hold the plastic stylus housing between your thumb and forefinger.
- Pull the housing gently downwards and towards you.
- Keep the removed stylus in a safe container.
Fitting the Carbon Pro
- Hold the Carbon Pro by its plastic housing.
- Insert it at a slight angle so the rear hook enters the cartridge body.
- Push the housing upwards gently.
- Continue until it clicks securely into place.
- Check that the assembly is straight and fully seated.
Never touch the diamond tip or delicate cantilever. Avoid applying sideways pressure while removing or installing the stylus.
Stylus Fitting by Audio T
Audio T staff can inspect your existing Rega Carbon cartridge, fit the Carbon Pro and check the turntable's tracking force and general setup.
Contact your local Audio T store
for compatibility advice or fitting arrangements.
No Cartridge Realignment Required
Because the existing Carbon cartridge body remains attached to the tonearm, changing to the Carbon Pro does not normally disturb the cartridge alignment.
Rega specifies the same recommended tracking-pressure range of 2 to 3 g. On a correctly set up Planar 1 or Planar 1 Plus, the preset tonearm arrangement can therefore remain unchanged.
On adjustable tonearms, it is still sensible to check tracking force after installation, particularly if the turntable has previously been altered or serviced.
Key Features
- Genuine Rega upgrade stylus
- Designed for the Rega Carbon moving magnet cartridge
- Bonded elliptical diamond profile
- 0.3 x 0.7 mm stylus dimensions
- Recommended tracking pressure of 2 to 3 g
- Direct replacement for the standard Carbon stylus
- Fits without removing the cartridge body
- No cartridge realignment normally required
- Ideal for Carbon-equipped Planar 1, Planar 1 Plus and Planar 2 turntables
- Suitable for Carbon cartridges fitted to other compatible turntables
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Carbon Pro a complete cartridge?
No. It is an upgrade stylus assembly for an existing Rega Carbon cartridge body.
Will it fit my Rega Planar 1 or Planar 1 Plus?
Yes, provided the turntable still uses its standard Rega Carbon cartridge.
Will it fit every Rega Planar 2?
It fits a Planar 2 using the Rega Carbon cartridge. It will not fit an Nd3 or another different cartridge.
What is the difference from the standard Carbon stylus?
The standard Carbon uses a conical profile. The Carbon Pro uses a bonded elliptical stylus designed to retrieve more information from the record groove.
Do I need to remove or realign the cartridge?
No. The stylus assembly fits directly into the existing Carbon cartridge body, so cartridge removal and realignment are not normally required.
Should the tracking force be changed?
Rega recommends a tracking-pressure range of 2 to 3 g. A correctly configured Carbon cartridge setup can normally remain unchanged, although checking the tracking force is worthwhile on an adjustable tonearm.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Genuine Rega upgrade stylus
- Help confirming that your cartridge is a Rega Carbon
- Professional stylus fitting available
- Tracking-force and turntable setup checks
- Advice comparing the standard Carbon and Carbon Pro styli
- Turntable servicing and cartridge support
- Ongoing help from the UK's oldest independent specialist Hi-Fi retailer
Contact your local Audio T store
for compatibility advice or help upgrading your Rega Carbon cartridge.
Rega's lifetime limited warranty covers confirmed manufacturing defects. Normal stylus wear and other consumable wear are not covered.