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.
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.
All
Nd7
reviews
Manufacturer details
- Nominal Output Voltage: 5-6mV
- Stylus: Fine line nude diamond profile
- Fixing: 3 point fixing
- Coils: Miniaturised parallel coils
- Window Colour: Yellow
- Tracking pressure: 1.75g
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:
- The brand prioritizes achieving "musical coherence" and "timing" in its products, even if it means sacrificing some transparency or absolute detail, resulting in an engaging listening experience.
- They have a design approach focused on minimizing mass and maximizing rigidity in its turntables, resulting in reduced vibration and enhanced detail retrieval from vinyl recordings.
- Rega offers a distinct aesthetic across its product line, emphasizing simple, functional designs with a consistent visual language that many customers find appealing and timeless.
Select products
Planar 1 Plus
- Positioning: The entry-level turntable with a built-in phono stage, making it ideal for beginners.
- Description: Features a built-in phono stage that eliminates the need for an external preamp. This makes it more accessible compared to other models like the Planar 3 RS Edition, which requires additional components for optimal performance. Its low noise motor and advanced drive belt technology offer a solid performance for small rooms and budget-conscious users.
Planar 78
- Positioning: A specialized turntable designed exclusively for 78 RPM records.
- Description: Stands out with its dedicated 78 RPM speed, catering specifically to collectors of vintage records. Unlike the Planar 1 Plus, which is more versatile, the Planar 78 uses high-quality components like the RB220 tonearm to deliver precise playback for 78 RPM enthusiasts.
Planar 3 RS Edition
- Positioning: A mid-range turntable offering enhanced features and performance.
- Description: Notable for its high-pressure laminate plinth and custom Neo MK2 PSU, providing superior speed control and reduced motor noise. Compared to the Planar 1 Plus, it offers a more refined soundstage and build quality. Its advanced tonearm and cartridge options make it a strong upgrade from entry-level models.
Planar 10
- Positioning: A premium turntable designed for ultimate performance.
- Description: Uses ceramic oxide platter and RB3000 tonearm, delivering exceptional accuracy and speed stability. It offers a significant upgrade over the Planar 8 with its advanced materials and design. Its sophisticated power supply and build quality make it a top choice for serious audiophiles.
Naia
- Positioning: Rega's ultimate turntable, representing the pinnacle of their design and engineering.
- Description: Features a graphene-impregnated carbon fiber plinth and zirconium toughened alumina bearing, providing exceptional rigidity and resonance control. It surpasses the Planar 10 with its innovative materials and construction. Its advanced tonearm and power supply options cater to the most discerning audiophiles.
Our take on the brand
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Used
Rega
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Provides a balance of analog qualities with high resolution and detail retrieval
- Clear and devoid of specific character, with a silky and extended tonal balance
- Impressive dynamics without sounding bloated or overly punchy
- Excellent tracking ability and low noise floor, revealing details and nuances in recordings
- Delivers an involving and intimate musical reproduction, described as 'brilliant and gorgeous'
Product Considerations
- Clean vinyl records are essential as the Microline stylus brings out noise
- May not satisfy listeners seeking a cartridge with a strong signature in bass, mids, or highs
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. Hana ML: The Umami Blue paints with distinct and detailed lines, while the ML is more 'analog' and focuses on the ensemble sound, with better bass definition than the ML
- Vs. DS Audio 003: The Umami Blue offers a huge amount of transparency, while feeling more analog-like
- Vs. Hana Umami Red: The Umami Blue has the same subtlety and grace, detail and precision, and outstanding imagery as the Red, but the Red has more dynamism and rhythmic drive, as well as extra air in the top-end
Takeaway: The Hana Umami Blue cartridge provides a balanced and detailed listening experience, extracting the essence of recordings without imposing its own colorations, making it a good option. It's a fantastic option for those seeking a high-performance cartridge that offers a window into the music's original character.
Video review
Our take on the brand
The DV XX-1 moving coil cartridge was the first cartridge to feature a "magnetic flux damper" (patent) and softened magnetism" (patent) processes that reject the magnetic fluctuation that is detrimental to a moving coil cartridges performance.
The The DV XX-2 MkII phono cartridge retains the benefit of the flux damper but features the Alnico-5 magnet and the similar rigid construction to the Te Kaitora Rua moving coil cartridge. Alnico magnets exhibit high magnetic flux density combining with a low coercive therefore magnetic resistance is lower than other magnetic types such as rare earth and ferrite, providing the exceptional stability of the XX-2 MkII output voltage. There is also the additional advantage of low magnetic and electrical resistance contributing to a discernable improvement in sound quality.
The XX-2 MkII phono cartridge also exhibits deep powerful bass, treble is both clear and lively possessing none of the hardness found in many moving coil designs. The XX-2 MkII phono cartridge also features a 6 mm solid boron cantilever fitted with a Pathfinder Line contact stylus. PCOCC (pure copper ohno continuous casting process) copper wire is used for the coil.
The output voltage of 0.28mV is higher than that of the XX-2 and 6 ohms impedance are suited to most moving coil phono stages. For ridgity of construction the XX-2 MkII phono cartridge body is machined from 7075 aluminium the hardest available. However, having only a total weight of only 8.9 grams it is suitable for a variety of popular tonearms.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Exceptional stability and remarkably low magnetic resistance due to the magnetic flux damper technology and Alnico-5 magnet system
- Precise and unwavering tracking, even during demanding musical passages, because of its rigid construction and solid boron cantilever
- Extracts fine details from vinyl grooves while maintaining a natural, organic presentation, capturing every nuance with stunning accuracy
- Precise imaging, deep, controlled bass, and silky, extended highs because of the 0.14 x 0.08mm Line contact PF stylus
- Presents music naturally and in an unforced manner
Product Considerations
- Requires a premium investment
- Needs a high-quality phono stage to perform optimally
- Careful setup is recommended to achieve the best results
- One review noted a 'thuddy' quality to the sound, but this may be due to setup issues or cartridge-tonearm mismatch
- Rich sounding electronics can cause excess warmth due to the bass, according to one review
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The XX-2 MKII is more even-handed and produced great slabs of bass, compared to the Lyra Helikon
- The XX-2 MKII has a darker tonal balance and funky bass lines, compared to the Dynavector Te Kaitora Rua
Takeaway: The Dynavector XX-2 MKII is a high-end cartridge that retrieves a lot of detail from vinyl while remaining natural sounding, making it a standout choice for serious vinyl enthusiasts. It is an excellent choice for people looking for a solid upgrade to their analog setup.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Built in Japan by Audio-Technica, Voice by VPI: Goldy Dual Moving-Coil Phono Cartridge Plays with High Separation, Wide Responsiveness, Enticing Presence, and a Natural Midrange The Goldy is another VPI - Audio Technica partnership product. Using the award winning AT-OC9 series as a base with VPI’s voicing, the Goldy is a line contact stylus on a boron cantilever. The Goldy has the same internal and dampening modifications as the Shyla cartridge in addition to other material changes as well.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Rich and present sound in the lower-midrange fills out the performance beautifully
- Thrilling and highly resolved musical entertainment in broad tonal and dynamic terms
- Drive and excellent timing, yet feels solid, which is a nice combination
- Easy to install due to threaded inserts and clear view of the cantilever and stylus
Product Considerations
- Screws supplied with the Goldring cartridge may not be suitable for all tonearms due to thread length
- The finish is pretty basic, being well done but just a basic black
Takeaway: The Goldring cartridge is a very engaging cartridge that extracts an infectious sound from vinyl, putting a smile on any music lover's face. It will give a live performance in the listening room.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Built in Japan by Audio-Technica, Voice by VPI: Shyla Dual Moving-Coil Phono Cartridge Plays with High Separation, Wide Responsiveness, Enticing Presence, and a Natural Midrange
Inspired by Audio-Technica's flagship ART Series, and a collaboration between the iconic Japanese cartridge manufacturer and the analog experts at VPI, the Shyla dual moving-coil cartridge combines expert design and natural, musical voicing focused on the midrange while also dialed-in to provide strong, deep lows and detailed highs. Featuring a premium magnetic core, special line contact stylus, and 0.26mm-diameter solid boron cantilever, Shyla proves a fantastic tracker that refuses to lose its composure even during challenging passages. Once it hits the grooves of an LP, this premium, high-separation, wide-response model reproduces music with enticing presence, imaging, liveliness, and dynamics.
On the technical side, Shyla boasts all the elements that have helped make both Audio-Technica and VPI renowned names in the high-end industry for decades. As such, Shyla's coils and terminal pins use PCOCC to maintain exceptional purity and conductivity. Its neodymium magnet and permendur yoke significantly increase magnetic energy, while the rated 0.6mV output speaks to its powerful performance.
Shyla's exterior construction is equally important. Modified with advanced internal dampening, its mold ensures exceptional stability and rigidity, limiting unnecessary coil movement and reducing distortion. Similarly, its machined aluminum/hard plastic hybrid body further lessens resonance. Last but not least, the presence of threaded holes allows for easy, hassle-free mounting.
Partnerships between revered high-end companies don't come better than Audio-Technica and VPI. Hear Shyla and experience why.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Warm sound with increasing frequency response at higher frequencies
- Very responsive to high level tracks
- The cartridge is versatile
- Natural, musical voicing focused on the midrange, while also dialed in to create strong, deep lows, and detailed highs
Product Considerations
- Requires careful mounting, especially connecting the color-coded wire connectors to the cartridge pins
- Can reveal limitations in older recordings
- Adjustments needed for tracking force, vertical tracking angle (VTA), and azimuth
Takeaway: The VPI Shyla phono cartridge provides excellent details, dynamics, and depth of image, while having a good overall balance and perspective. It is musically involving and would be quite appealing to bundle with the purchase of a VPI turntable or as an upgrade cartridge.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
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
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
- 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
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The Hana SL Mono extracts more musical information, offering a more complete account of the recording than stereo cartridges
- It delivers a solid, controlled bass response, making the most of bass-shy recordings
- Surprisingly quiet, minimizing groove noise for a smoother listening experience
- It enhances the impact, rawness, rhythm, and swing of classic recordings
Product Considerations
- The Hana SL Mono is a low-output design
- Fitting the cartridge may require a detachable headshell, unless swapping cartridges for mono listening
- The Shibata stylus is an unusual choice, as older mono cartridges generally used a stylus with either a conical or elliptical tip profile
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The SL Mono revealed previously hidden depths and treble information that was lost with the Benz Micro Ace
Takeaway: The Hana SL Mono is a must-hear for serious listeners who want authentic monophonic audio, and is capable of revealing hidden depths in mono recordings. Its superior tracking ability and quiet performance make it a valuable addition to any vinyl enthusiast's setup.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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