Audio T Verdict
The Rega Nd9 is the reference model in Rega's moving magnet cartridge range, combining the convenience of MM phono-stage compatibility with technology developed for the Aphelion 2 moving coil cartridge.
Its fine-line nude diamond and boron rod cantilever provide a clear performance step beyond the aluminium-cantilever Nd7, offering lower moving mass, greater rigidity and more accurate transmission of the information contained within the record groove.
It is a particularly strong choice for the Rega Planar 8 and for customers who want reference-level moving magnet performance without changing to a low-output moving coil phono stage.
Rega Nd9 Moving Magnet Cartridge
The Rega Nd9 draws on decades of cartridge engineering to deliver the company's most advanced moving magnet design.
It combines a fine-line nude diamond stylus with a solid boron rod cantilever, ultra-high-powered N55 neodymium magnet and Rega's miniaturised parallel-coil generator.
Each cartridge is assembled by hand by Rega technicians and housed within a lightweight, highly rigid glass-filled PPS body.
Fine-Line Nude Diamond Stylus
The Nd9 uses Rega's most advanced fine-line nude diamond profile, based on the stylus technology developed for the reference
Rega Aphelion 2
moving coil cartridge.
The monocrystalline diamond has an exceptionally narrow profile, with an approximate minor radius of 3 µm and a vertical radius of 30 µm.
This shape allows the stylus to follow very small groove modulations and make precise contact with the record groove, helping retrieve fine musical detail, ambience and texture.
The diamond is a nude design, meaning it is fitted without the additional metal shank used by a bonded stylus. This reduces unnecessary mass at the stylus tip and allows it to respond more quickly to changes in the groove.
Solid Boron Rod Cantilever
The most significant difference between the Nd9 and the Nd7 below it is the use of a solid boron rod cantilever.
Boron combines very low mass with exceptional rigidity. A lighter cantilever can react more quickly to groove movement, while its stiffness helps reduce unwanted flexing as the stylus tracks the record.
This allows movement from the fine-line diamond to be transmitted to the generator with greater accuracy and lower distortion.
Rega worked with a specialist watchmaker to manufacture an ultra-fine connecting tube with different diameters at each end, allowing the moving magnet assembly to be joined securely to the boron cantilever.
N55 Neodymium Magnet Technology
The Nd9 uses an N55 neodymium magnet rather than the larger conventional bar magnet found in many traditional moving magnet cartridges.
The strength of the N55 magnet allows Rega to create a smaller, lower-mass generator while retaining the healthy output expected from an MM cartridge.
This gives the Nd9 a nominal output of 5 to 6 mV, allowing it to work with a suitable conventional moving magnet phono input.
Miniaturised Parallel Coils
The Nd9 generator uses miniaturised parallel coils wound in-house by Rega from 38-micron wire.
Each coil has 1,275 turns. This carefully controlled construction produces 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.
Glass-Filled PPS Cartridge Body
The generator assembly is housed within an injection-moulded glass-filled polyphenylene sulphide body, commonly abbreviated to PPS.
This material is lightweight, highly rigid and dimensionally stable, allowing the generator components to remain accurately positioned while placing minimal additional stress on the tonearm bearings.
The body design was inspired by the rigid cartridge structures developed for Rega's moving coil range.
Rega Three-Point Mounting
The Nd9 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 third fixing also creates a secure mechanical connection between the cartridge body and headshell.
Compatibility and alignment should be checked carefully when the Nd9 is being considered for a non-Rega tonearm.
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 Nd9, set its 1.75 g tracking pressure, adjust the tonearm bias and check the complete turntable and phono-stage setup.
The supplied three-point spacer is included for packing purposes only and must not be fitted between the cartridge and 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 fitting arrangements.
Factory-Fitted Planar 8 Option
The Nd9 is available as a factory-fitted and aligned option with the
Rega Planar 8
.
The Planar 8 provides a suitably revealing platform through its RB880 tonearm, lightweight skeletal plinth, triple-layer glass platter and custom-matched Neo Mk2 power supply.
Choosing the factory-fitted package ensures that the Nd9 is mounted and aligned before the turntable leaves Rega, removing the need for separate cartridge installation.
Contact Audio T for current finish and package availability.
Moving Magnet Phono Stage Compatibility
Despite its advanced stylus and cantilever, the Nd9 remains a moving magnet cartridge.
Its 5 to 6 mV output is suitable for a conventional moving magnet Phono input or a dedicated external MM phono stage such as the
Rega Fono MM Mk5
.
It does not require the additional gain or specialised loading used by a conventional low-output moving coil cartridge.
The cartridge 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.
Nd7 or Nd9?
Rega Nd7
The
Rega Nd7
uses the same broad neodymium generator design with a fine-line nude diamond and aluminium cantilever.
- Fine-line nude diamond stylus
- Aluminium cantilever
- N55 neodymium magnet
- 5 to 6 mV moving magnet output
- Suitable for the Planar 6 and Planar 8
Rega Nd9
- Reference Nd moving magnet cartridge
- Fine-line nude diamond stylus
- Solid boron rod cantilever
- Lower cantilever mass and greater rigidity
- N55 neodymium magnet
- Factory-fitted Planar 8 option
- This product page
Rega Cartridge Rebuild Scheme
The Nd9 does not use a detachable user-replaceable stylus assembly.
Its pivot pad is integrated into the main cartridge body, removing the mechanical joint that would otherwise 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 cantilever, stylus 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 to qualify for the rebuild arrangement.
Key Features
- Rega's reference moving magnet cartridge
- Handmade in England
- Fine-line nude monocrystalline diamond stylus
- Approximately 3 µm x 30 µm stylus profile
- Solid boron rod cantilever
- Ultra-fine cantilever connecting tube
- 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
- Amber cartridge window
- Compatible with the Rega rebuild scheme
- Factory-fitted option for the Rega Planar 8
- Supplied in 100% recyclable packaging
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Rega Nd9 a moving magnet or moving coil cartridge?
The Nd9 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 Nd9 use?
It uses a fine-line nude diamond with an approximate profile of 3 µm x 30 µm.
Why does the Nd9 use a boron cantilever?
Boron is both lightweight and highly rigid. It can respond quickly to groove movement while transmitting stylus motion to the generator with less flexing and distortion.
What is the difference between the Nd7 and Nd9?
Both use fine-line nude diamond styli and Rega's neodymium generator. The Nd7 has an aluminium cantilever, while the Nd9 uses a lighter and more rigid solid boron rod.
What tracking force should be used?
Rega specifies a tracking pressure of 1.75 g.
Is the Nd9 available with the Planar 8?
Yes. The Nd9 is available as a factory-fitted and aligned Planar 8 cartridge option.
Can the Nd9 stylus be replaced at home?
No. The stylus is not detachable. A worn or damaged cartridge 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 8 package advice
- Support through the Rega cartridge rebuild scheme
- Advice comparing the 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 Nd9 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.