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Rega Nd3
The all new Nd3 moving magnet cartridge was developed over 10 years and promises to deliver ‘next level’ performance from moving magnet technology. The Nd range(patent pending) we believe is a world first to use ultra-high powered Neodymium magnets which allow us to create this totally unique design.
Advanced Technology
Each Nd3 is meticulously hand-made by our highly skilled technicians. The stylus profile is a high quality elliptical profile manmade polycrystalline diamond, which is bonded to a round titanium shank. The design uses brand new generator geometry with perfect symmetry to achieve accurate channel balance. The Nd3 also has an optimised pole gap for superior linearity and cross talk characteristics, this provides a far wider soundstage than the previous models. This new cartridge is created with miniaturised parallel coils which are wound in house utilising 38-micron wire with just 1275 turns. This produces a low inductance, low impedance generator giving vastly improved high frequency response. In keeping with our commitment to sustainability, the Nd range is supplied in 100% recyclable packaging.
Key Features
- Bonded elliptical profile stylus
- Aluminium cantilever
- Neodymium magnet
- Unique generator
- Rega 3 point mounting system
- Highly rigid lightweight PPS body
- Handmade stereo cartridge
- 100% recyclable packaging
- Lifetime warranty against manufacture defects
Nd Magnet technology
Often used in Moving Coil designs (including our own) we believe the Nd3 is the first moving magnet to utilise a Neodymium (Nd) N55 magnet. This is the world’s most powerful commercially available magnet and is a crucial component that makes this unique design possible by delivering extra power than standard bar magnet designs.
Glass filled PPS body
The complete assembly is housed in our zero tolerance Injection moulded glass filled polyphenylene sulphide body (PPS) which is a lightweight and highly rigid material. A low mass body reduces stress on the tonearm bearings and aids free movement which is critical in accurate vinyl replay. This new body design was inspired by our hugely successful MC range.
Cantilever & stylus profile
The Nd3 aluminium cantilever is fitted with a bonded precision elliptical stylus. This profile provides exceptional tracking accuracy and extracts great levels of detail from the vinyl surface.
Factory Fitted options
The Nd3 cartridge will be offered as a factory fitted option on the Planar 2 and Planar 3 turntables offering exceptional performance and value for these models. The factory fitted package is offered at a discounted rate compared to when purchased separately, ask your Rega dealer for details.
Rega rebuild scheme
The unique pivot pad design of Rega cartridges improves performance by eliminating the mechanical joint between the stylus housing and the main body. This vastly improves tracking ability and stability of the stylus. If you should damage or wear out your Rega cartridge, simply return it to you Rega dealer and they will supply you with a rebuild cartridge fitted with a new cantilever, stylus and pivot pad. Each rebuild is fully tested as a new cartridge would be. The rebuild is sold at a reduced price once you trade in your worn or damaged cartridge that is equivalent to a replacement stylus offered by other manufacturers.
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Professional Reviews 91/100
Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
91/100
Build Quality
87/100
Features Usability
88/100
Value for Money
93/100
Rega’s Nd3 brings open, extended treble and remarkably expressive vocal detail to affordable moving-magnet playback. The Ear highlights its superb timing, serious bass and convincing image depth, while the rigid three-point mount makes setup especially elegant on compatible Rega arms. It is a high-resolution, rhythmically engaging upgrade that challenges budget-MM expectations.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Open, extended treble delivers fine vocal detail, expression and stronger high-frequency resolution than Rega’s Carbon cartridge.
Superb timing, serious bass and particularly good image depth create a balanced, engaging sound.
Rigid three-point fixing provides straightforward mounting and automatic alignment on compatible Rega tonearms.
Strong value: the review finds its detail, dynamics and sophistication unusually ambitious for an affordable MM cartridge.
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Cons
The three-point mounting system’s automatic-alignment advantage is chiefly limited to compatible Rega tonearms.
Compared with Rega’s far more expensive flagship moving-coil cartridge, it is softer and less precise.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 91/100
The Ear found the Nd3 unusually open, expressive and well timed for an affordable moving-magnet design. It combines extended treble and fine vocal detail with serious bass, convincing dynamics and notably strong image depth.
Overall Sound
93/100
The Ear describes a major step up from Rega's Carbon, calling the Nd3 open and extended at the top end, superbly timed and markedly more sophisticated. Fine vocal effects and expressive phrasing come through especially clearly, while the presentation retains balanced engagement and substantial bass.
Tracking Retrieval
90/100
Although the review does not directly report difficult-groove tracking tests or inner-groove performance, it praises the Nd3's ability to retrieve fine vocal detail and high-frequency resolution. Its bonded elliptical stylus is not an extreme-profile design, but the reported clarity and resolution are very strong for its class.
Soundstage Imaging
90/100
The review specifically highlights particularly good image depth, linking it to the cartridge's greater high-frequency resolution. It says less about stage width and image placement, but the reported depth suggests a spacious and convincing presentation.
FEATURES USABILITY PERFORMANCE 88/100
Tonearm compatibility / system fit.
Tonearm Compatibility
88/100
With a healthy 5-6mV output and a stated 1.75g tracking force, the Nd3 should be straightforward to use with typical MM phono stages. Its three-point fixing is especially convenient on compatible Rega arms, where it provides automatic alignment, though that particular advantage is less relevant on non-Rega turntables.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
87/100
The Nd3 uses the same body form as Rega's Ania MC and employs a rigid three-point mounting arrangement. Threaded mounting points eliminate fiddly nuts, while Rega-tonearm owners also benefit from automatic alignment; the review offers little detail on long-term durability.
Value for Money
93/100
The Ear calls the Nd3 a highly sophisticated cartridge for the money and says it provides an awful lot of well-balanced engagement at its asking price. Its ability to deliver extended treble, detail, dynamics and bass is presented as unusually ambitious for an affordable MM cartridge.
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Verified Dealers
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Authorized dealers for Rega Nd3
- Absoulute Audio plus Video — in-store — Aiken, South Carolina, United States (website)
- In Living Stereo — in-store — New York City, New York, United States (website)
- Resolution A/V — in-store — New York City, New York, United States (website)
- The Music Room — online and in-store — Erie, Colorado, United States (website)
- 3mA Audio — online and in-store — Houston, Texas, United States (website)
- A Tube High Fidelity — online and in-store — Almere, Flevoland, Netherlands (website)
- Accent On Music — in-store — Mount Kisco, New York, United States (website)
- Acoustic Sounds — online and in-store — Salina, Kansas, United States (website)
- Acoustic Streams — in-store — Lower Drift, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Acoustica — online and in-store — Chester, England, United Kingdom (website)
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