Rega Nd5

A high-performance moving magnet (MM) phono cartridge with elliptical stylus profile. A great upgrade for the Planar 3 and Planar 6.

$899

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Buy today! Normally in stock for purchase.
Built by hand in England.

Creative Audio is Winnipeg’s authorized Rega dealer.

Image Gallery

Back view of the Rega Nd5 phono cartridge.

CAD drawing of the motor assembly on the Rega Nd series phono cartridges.

Rega Nd5 phono cartridge shown mounted to the Rega Planar 6 turntable.

“The Nd5 is faster, tighter and more precisely focused than its more affordable sibling. It produces more of the harmonics and quieter details that combine to create a realistic, three dimensional image and this also results in a more engaging result that makes you want to keep on playing whatever is on the turntable. ”

— The Ear Review (Best Buy rating)

The Creative Audio Review

Rega’s new Nd series of moving magnet phono cartridges share the same basic physical structure which includes a neodymium magnet motor assembly never seen before in an MM design (normally they are reserved for more expensive moving coil or MC cartridges). All of this is housed in an extremely rigid but lightweight structure. Rega believes strongly that a low mass cartridge reduces stress on the tonearm’s bearings, allowing for freer movement of the cartridge’s motor assembly and thus resolving more fine, low-level detail. The only physical difference between the Nd5 and the entry-level Nd3 is the stylus tip; while the Nd3 uses a diamond tip bonded to titanium, the Nd5 stylus tip is all diamond in a more precise elliptical shape. This may read as a subtle difference but we are here to tell you that the sound quality difference is anything but subtle. The first word that came to mind as we listened was focus. The difference, when compared to the Nd3, was akin to adjusting the focus ring on a camera and suddenly the entire presentation seemed more cohesive. Here’s another word: scale. With the Nd5 the size of the soundstage increased in width and particularly depth. The Nd5 allows you to more precisely place every instrument and this just adds to the realism of the experience. We also felt that the bass on the Nd5 gained both depth and control, while vocals sounded a touch more organic. Overall, there is no question that Nd5 offers up a superior musical experience. Both as an upgrade to the Nd3 as well as the older Exact model, the Rega Nd5 is a superb achievement from our friends at Rega.

Sound Advice

While it will sound fantastic from the first needle drop, give the Rega Nd5 cartridge 25-50 hours to sound its best, after the suspension has broken in.