Rega Apheta 3 MC Moving Coil Cartridge
Rega Apheta 3 MC Moving Coil Cartridge

Apheta 3

For more than 15 years Rega has been perfecting its unique designs of moving coil cartridges. We have pioneered undamped micro mass generation systems coupled with high integrity jointless bodies. In recent times we have achieved new levels of power from rare earth magnets. This 15 year evolution using the latest technological manufacturing process and recognised laws bought us the hugely successful Apheta 2. With the Apheta 3 we have pushed another boundary, for several years we have been developing state of the the art diamond profiles of a “Fine Line” design mounted through 90 degrees (the same technique used in our Aphelion 2 reference model) this work has resulted in Apheta 3 extracting even more detail from the record groove which of course translates into more music.

Rega Apheta 3 MC Moving Coil Cartridge

A unique design

Apheta 3 features a super high-powered, neodymium magnet and a coil meticulously hand wound on an iron cross that is fifty percent smaller than the MK1 model. This weight reduction allows us greater freedom to track the vinyl groove. The Apheta 3 is housed within a completely redesigned, single piece, aluminium anodised body and protected by a CAD designed, smoked rigid cover to protect the internal fine wires, making handling whilst fitting, safe and risk free. The Apheta 3 is the perfect partner for the latest Planar 8 and Planar 10 turntables. The Apheta 3 can be supplied factory fitted at a discounted package rate. Please ask your retailer for details.

Key Features

  • Fine line profile nude diamond stylus
  • Iron micro cross assembly
  • Ultra high powered custom Neodymium magnet
  • High specification wire
  • Aluminium CNC machined one piece body
  • Lifetime warranty against manufacture defects
Rega Apheta 3 MC Moving Coil Cartridge

Rega’s Moving Coil cartridge design is unique in its approach to achieving an ultra-low mass generator which is undamped (no tie wire) using a unique rhomboid pivot for the cantilever powered by a purpose designed, exclusive to Rega, Neodymium magnet system. This type of design requires a zero-tolerance engineered cartridge body which is Rega’s area of expertise and with the Apheta 3 these bodies are machined from one piece of the highest quality aluminium. This is a difficult and expensive process requiring all of Rega’s years of experience to achieve. In particular, the “zero” tolerancing of the body is required in the alignment and dimension of the pivot pad mounting hole and the magnet mechanism mounting hole relationship.

Conventional MC cartridges utilize a steel suspension system (tie wire) which creates a high amplitude H.F. resonance (normally around 8-12 kHz). Such resonance is unacceptable and is usually damped by a rudimentary piece of foam rubber. However, the foam rubber deteriorates with age and cannot prevent the complete structure from vibrating and “ringing”. The specifics and adjustment of the tie wire and damping determine whether the cartridge is under damped (bright) or over damped (warm and bass heavy). A happy medium is rarely achieved. This encouraged Rega to pursue a new direction inspired by modern materials and the basic laws of magnetism. The Apheta 3 contains neither a tie wire nor a foam damper. Moving coil aficionados will all recognise the long search for super clear, high frequency combined with firm, tight bass, characteristics all Rega moving coils exhibit.

Rega Apheta 3 MC Moving Coil Cartridge
Apheta 3 icon

Technical Specifications

Tracking Pressure

1.9 - 2.0 g

Input Load Impedance

100 Ω

Output Impedance

10 Ω

Nominal Output Voltage

350 μV

Channel Balance

≥ 20 μV

Separation

≥ -29 dB

Mass

6 g

For full technical specifications, download Apheta 3 Instruction Leaflet below.

Load settings for adjustable MC stages

Impedance
100 Ω
Capacitance
1000 pF
Gain Setting
High ('On' position for Rega phono stages)

Downloads

Environmental Labelling of Packaging

Complementary Components

Rega Aria MK3 MM MC Phono Stage

  • Compatible with moving magnet and moving coil cartridges
  • Fully adjustable MC stage
  • Half width custom designed case
Rega Aura MC Phono Stage

  • Compatible with all typical low output moving coil cartridges
  • Three stage, all symmetrical pre-amplifier
  • Fully adjustable
Rega RB330 Tonearm

  • New bias assembly
  • Re-designed vertical bearing housing
  • Integrated arm clip
  • Improved spring housing
  • Low capacitance phono cable
  • Improved lower friction, precision horizontal and vertical bearings
  • Re-designed 100g mild steel balance weight
Rega RB880 Tonearm

  • New aluminium vertical bearing housing
  • Redesigned, stainless steel sleeve and vertical bearing shaft
  • Extreme levels of stability
  • Almost friction free movement
  • Hand matched bearing assemblies
  • Low capacitance phono cables
Rega Planar 6 Turntable

  • RB330 tonearm
  • Exact, Ania or Ania Pro (optional)
  • 16 mm Dual layer float glass platter
  • Double brace technology
  • Tancast 8 foamcore plinth
  • Custom matched Neo PSU
  • Smoked dust cover
  • Reference EBLT drive belt
Rega Planar 8 Turntable

  • RB880 tonearm
  • Ania, Ania Pro or Apheta 3 (optional)
  • 18 mm Triple layer float glass platter
  • Double brace technology
  • Tancast 8 foamcore plinth
  • Custom matched Neo PSU
  • Custom designed smoked dust cover
  • Reference EBLT drive belt
Rega Planar 10 Turntable

  • RB3000 tonearm
  • Apheta 3 or Aphelion 2 (optional)
  • 18 mm Ceramic Oxide diamond cut platter
  • DB technology with ceramic top brace
  • Tancast 8 foamcore plinth
  • P10 Advanced PSU
  • Custom designed smoked dust cover
  • Reference EBLT drive belt

Experience Rega

Contact your nearest Rega dealer or global distributor

Lifetime Limited Warranty

All Rega products carry a Lifetime Limited Warranty.

Every product we make is designed and assembled in the UK to the highest possible standard. This warranty covers confirmed manufacturing defects. This warranty does not cover wear and tear, or parts that are considered consumable. Any unauthorised modifications or failure to follow the Rega recommended guidelines in the product manual may invalidate the warranty. Due to local laws, warranties may vary by country in which units are sold. Please contact your Rega retailer or distributor for warranty details. Your statutory rights are not affected.