Detail, precision and value
Rega Carbon is an MM cartridge designed for simple installation and adjustment, with carbon cantilever, replaceable stylus and a tracking-force range of 2 to 3 g.
Carbon is Rega's moving-magnet cartridge designed to provide an easy entry into analogue playback without complicating installation. The compact body uses standard two-screw mounting and houses a carbon cantilever with removable stylus, allowing the wear component to be replaced without changing the whole cartridge. Its relatively high output suits conventional MM phono stages, while the broad tracking-force range simplifies correct set-up.
Key features
- Carbon cantilever
- Removable stylus
- Tracking force from 2 to 3 g
- Nominal output of 2.5 mV at 1 kHz
- Standard two-screw mounting
Simple installation
Carbon is designed to minimise the installation difficulties normally associated with turntable cartridges. Standard two-screw mounting allows use with many compatible tonearms, while the 2 to 3 g tracking-force range provides more adjustment margin than many specialist cartridges. This makes it suitable both for an initial installation and for replacing a worn cartridge on a compatible turntable.
Cantilever and replaceable stylus
The carbon cantilever transfers stylus movement to the MM generator and the tip assembly can be removed by the user when replacement is required. Rega also offers the Carbon Pro stylus as a separate upgrade for users wishing to develop the cartridge while retaining the Carbon body. This modularity avoids replacing the whole cartridge through normal stylus wear and makes maintenance more direct.
Pairing with Rega turntables
Carbon is fitted as standard to several entry-level Rega turntables, including Planar 1, Planar 1 Plus and Planar 2. Its 2.5 mV output at 1 kHz is compatible with conventional MM phono stages. The design prioritises ease of use and adjustment tolerance, keeping the path from cartridge to phono stage simple and predictable.
Use and maintenance
The replaceable stylus makes Carbon particularly practical in everyday use. When the tip reaches the end of its service life, there is no need to alter tonearm wiring or realign a new cartridge body: the compatible removable stylus assembly can simply be replaced. The relatively broad tracking-force range also makes periodic adjustment checks with a dedicated gauge straightforward.
