Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
All
Reference MC
reviews
Manufacturer details
Specifications
- Impedance: 4 or 6 Ohms
- Compliance: 12 μm/mN
- Output Voltage: 0.45 mV (6 Ohm) / 0.3 mV (4 Ohm) @ 5 cm/S
- Channel Balance: < 0.5 dB
- Crosstalk: > 30 dB
- Weight: 14.3 g
- Stylus: FGS
- Cantilever: Titanium / Ruby
- Transducer: Multi-Layer Core
- Coil Material: Pure Silver
- Tracking Force: 2 – 2.2 g
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Nagra products draw heavily from their professional audio recording heritage, evident in their rugged build quality, compact form factor, and the inclusion of the iconic Modulometer.
- The company meticulously handcrafts its own components, including transformers and custom capacitors, often exceeding industry standards by rejecting a significant portion of sourced parts to maintain exceptional quality control.
- Nagra integrates sophisticated solid-state electronics with vacuum tubes, achieving a balance of modern performance with the desirable sonic characteristics of tubes, often described as a musical and emotionally engaging experience.
- They offer a modular system approach, where external power supplies and vibration-free systems can significantly enhance the performance of their components, allowing for a scalable upgrade path.
Select products
Nagra Classic Amp
- Positioning: The entry-level high-end amplifier in Nagra's lineup, suitable for high-quality installations.
- Description: Features pure class A operation over a large power band. Uses tandem MOSFET transistors, which are simpler than the more complex designs in the Reference and HD lines. Its power supply concept with an overdimensioned transformer ensures stability, but it lacks the advanced mechanical damping and larger power supplies found in the more expensive models. Making it ideal for smaller rooms or those with a moderate budget.
Nagra HD Amp
- Positioning: A high-end model designed for ultimate performance in large rooms with demanding speakers.
- Description: Features a 1600 VA transformer and a dual Pi filter for stable power delivery. Offers more power and a larger chassis compared to the Classic Amp, making it suitable for larger spaces and those seeking a more powerful soundstage. However, it does not have the latest mechanical and electronic improvements of the Reference Amp.
Nagra Reference Amp
- Positioning: The flagship model, representing the pinnacle of Nagra's amplifier technology.
- Description: Distinguished by its new power supply, 25% larger than the HD Amp, and features like adjustable resonance decoupling feet and new input circuits. Offers the most refined sound with increased class A operation and advanced mechanical damping. Compared to the HD Amp, it provides even greater sonic detail and flexibility in matching with various speakers and room acoustics.
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Used
NAGRA
What if you spend more?
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Uses a Neodymium magnet, the world's most powerful commercially available magnet, enabling unique generator geometry and performance previously unattainable in moving magnet designs
- Has a nude elliptical stylus which provides exceptional tracking accuracy and extracts greater levels of detail from the vinyl groove
- The optimized pole gap gives superior linearity and cross talk characteristics, resulting in a far wider soundstage
- Miniaturized parallel coils wound in-house using 38-micron wire with just 1275 turns produce a low inductance, low impedance generator giving vastly improved high frequency response
- More refined, clean and open sound with much more shine in the treble and a relaxed and nuanced presentation
Product Considerations
- Premium pricing may be a consideration
- Requires careful setup for optimal performance
- The essentially plastic nature of the Nd body could be a concern, though Rega states the threads are durable
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Rega Exact: The Nd5 soundly trounces the outgoing Exact in every department, with a bigger soundstage, more open and sweeter sound, and more grip and grunt
- Vs Goldring 1042: The Nd5 is considerably more refined, clean and open, with much more shine in the treble and a presentation that is relaxed and nuanced by comparison
Takeaway: The Nd5 offers high-end audio quality and brings new life to vinyl, with neutrality, clarity, and excellent tracking ability. It delivers performance approaching high-end moving coil designs with the practicality of a moving magnet.
Video review
Our take on the brand
The familia red body which has always been a feature of the 10X series which has undergone minor improvements has now been manufactured for more than forty years.It represents Dynavectors most popular ever model, favoured by music lovers and audiophiles all over the world.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Enhanced musical detail and resolving power due to lighter coils
- More extended and airier sound compared to the high output version
- Vivid and rich musicality, mirroring the high output version
- Very low noise level during playback, suppressing surface noise
- Tracks warped records surprisingly well
- Requires a quality moving coil phono stage or step-up transformer due to low output (0.5mV)
Product Considerations
- Can be highly dependent on tonearm matching for optimal performance
- Some reviewers found the sound dynamically restrained and less involving in certain setups
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Dynavector DV-10X5 MkII (High Output), the low output version provides superior sonic performance with more detail, extension, and airiness
- Vs Dynavector DV20x2, the DV-10X5 MkII L can have more dynamic impact, incisiveness, and PRaT, though this may depend on setup
Takeaway: The DV-10X5 MkII L cartridge is a good choice for listeners who want enhanced detail and a more open sound from their vinyl. With a good phono stage, this cartridge can bring listeners closer to the music.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Considered one of the best moving magnet cartridges available
- Offers a sound quality that resembles a moving coil cartridge, providing an open, airy, and sparkly sound not typically associated with moving magnet designs
- Provides a big 3D soundstage, speed, and musical engagement
- Offers excellent value for money, especially considering the performance
- Uses a fine line nude diamond stylus, which is the same stylus used in Rega's most expensive cartridge, the Aphelion 2
Product Considerations
- Stylus is not user-replaceable, requiring a re-tipping service through a retailer or directly with Rega
- Alignment needs to be more careful due to the fine line stylus
- Some report waiting lists due to high demand
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- ND7 gets close to the performance of Rega's best moving coil, but is not quite equal—there is a clear drop in performance
- ND7 sounds better than the Rega Enea in terms of musicality and tonal balance
- ND7 is considered an upgrade from the Rega Exact
- ND7 offers a bigger soundstage, better dynamics, more powerful/defined bass, and better treble detail than the Rega ND5, which leads to a crisper and more refined presentation
Takeaway: The Rega ND7 is a highly capable moving magnet cartridge that delivers near-moving coil performance at a fraction of the cost and offers a sound that engages the listener. The ND7 is well worth considering for those who want a seriously good cartridge without the expense of a moving coil setup.
Video review
Our take on the brand
The MK II upgrade to our globally best-selling Hana S series cartridges enhances their musical performance and value. Master cartridge designer Masao Okada-san implements a new tapered Aluminum cantilever with increased rigidity, resulting in a remarkable improvement in transferring groove modulation from the vinyl record to the cartridge generator. The S Series MK II cartridges feature higher specified parts, advanced materials, and unique technical processes from Hana's higher-priced elite cartridge models, furthering the Hana "brilliant and gorgeous" sound.
Hana S Series MK II cartridges use a new tapered aluminum cantilever with higher rigidity and effective mass reduction at the stylus tip. This results in greater clarity and increased music transfer from vinyl records to cartridge generator. Critical parts, including the Yoke, Pole-pieces, and gold Terminal pins, have been cryogenically treated for a more natural sound.
The improved, non-resonant body shape, modeled after the Hana M Series, is damped with a matte Soft Feel Black elastomeric resin paint and features a brass cap with threaded cartridge mounting fittings. The heavier MK II cartridges offer better coupling and expanded compatibility with a wider range of tonearms, improving bass and dynamics.
The SL MK II generator, as found in the Umami Blue and ML, incorporates an Alnico magnet and cross-coil using high-purity 30-micron copper wire with an 8Ω impedance. This improves signal-to-noise, reduces moving mass for higher resolution and trackability, and optimizes performance for a broader range of phono stages.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Larger soundstage, better macro and micro dynamics, and more openness on the top end than the original SL
- More information retrieval and better separation of instruments compared to the original SL
- Presents a coherent musical picture with great dynamic expression and good musical flow
- Threaded holes for easier mounting
Product Considerations
- Stylus guard design is the same as the original SL, which is considered contentious to deal with
- Falls short in terms of ultimate openness on the top end and probing the depths of a bassline
- Output level is reduced to 0.4mV from the original SL's 0.5mV
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Hana SL (MK I), the MK II outperforms the original in every aspect of sound, with stark differences in sound quality
Takeaway: The Hana SL MK II is a significantly improved cartridge offering a quantum leap in performance compared to its predecessor, making it a worthwhile upgrade for current SL owners and a great value for new buyers. It delivers excellent sound quality and musicality.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- A Neodymium N55 magnet is used, the world's most powerful commercially available magnet, potentially providing more power and lower overall mass
- A noticeable signature style of sounding spacious and open is delivered, bringing a sense of air usually associated with moving coil cartridges
- Impressive instrument separation with a much wider soundstage
- An optimized pole gap provides superior linearity and cross talk characteristics, which provides a far wider soundstage than the previous models
- The three-point mount system simplifies alignment, particularly for Rega turntable owners and ensures perfect alignment when used with Rega tonearms
Product Considerations
- The counterweight side of things was a little trickier than some other models because there's no traditional kind of dial and numbers on the counterweight
- The connection pins on the back are smaller than those on the Carbon, so the delicate tags had to be carefully squeezed so that they made a tight fit on the new cartridge
- It is a little reserved in the mid-range, which some listeners may seek out, while others maybe not so much
- Holes do not have brass inserts for the bolts to screw into, but a thread is cut into the body; given that the body is plastic, concern that tightening with the Rega torque driver might strip the thread
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Ortofon 2M Red: Impressive instrument separation with a much wider soundstage
- Vs Rega Carbon: It is open and extended in the treble and superbly timed for its asking price, which really makes the Carbon sound course and dull in the high frequencies
Takeaway: The Nd3 is a step up from entry-level cartridges, providing a noticeable improvement in sound quality, like greater detail and better instrument separation, and it brings welcome sound characteristics and sophistication at an affordable price. The Nd3 is well-suited for those looking for a more open and dynamic listening experience.
Video review
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