Rega Apheta MC Cartridge

OK...I am a Rega Fam...so I am curious...

Anyone hold out hope that this will be an exceptional product? Anyone heard it? Any thoughts??? They claim it is a very unique design for a MC cart...

Comments???

http://www.rega.co.uk/index2.htm

 

We are trying to get one for test....
Would be really nice to put a moving coil on a Rega in a set it and forget it style! Im hoping it's great!

keep you posted...

 

Anyone heard this one yet?

 

This must be the very first MC cartridge from Rega.

 

Absolutely, that is why I am interested in it....

 

I love my Rega Planet 2000 and will no doubt get the Apollo if I have not decided to go the SACD route.

 

I think the really interesting component of this cartridge is that it will fit a REGA perfectly without any shims, etc. At the price point, I'm betting it will be a good performer as well. Can't wait to get one in.

REGA has informed us it might be right after CES....

 

My Dealer in Ann Arbor, Overture Audio, is supposed to be getting an Apheta cartridge in soon. I'm looking forward to hearing it. FWIW- I too am a Rega fan, with an all Rega system.

 

I want to hear the Apheta on a P1.

 

Well, I have a P1 waiting for me when I get home! No Apheta yet though...

 

Uh Oh.... Stereophile had a long review on this one...they did did not like it...and this was from a guy who generally is a Rega fan....

 

I saw this review over the weekend. The author is Art Dudley, and yes he's a BIG Rega and an even bigger Quad and Linn fan. I've been reading the mags for going on 15 years now and can count the number of non-positive reviews on my fingers.
Listen for yourself, these guys aren't infallible.

 

yeah, a $1,700 cartridge on a $400 table. makes perfect sense. they should sell the cartridge with the table for $2,000.

don't know why Rega makes cartridges anyways (particularly a high end one). too much competition from specialists.

 

I agree - Rega cartridges just seem to unnnecessarily reflect badly on their tables and tonearms. They would be better to licence the manufacture with the VTA-friendly Rega specs.

 

Agreed. We are going to get one after CES with the P9, so we'll see how it goes...

Art Dudley's a pretty sharp guy though. I have to believe that if HE didn't like it being a huge Rega fan (as am I) it may be a stinker.

Im gonna keep the faith for a couple of months though!

 

I had an Elys for years and liked it a lot but Rega carts seem to have a bit of a hyped top end with a slightly recessed upper midrange. Makes things sparkle a bit and takes away any harshness. Great for playing early digital recordings.

 

I have an Exact 2 with my P7...and an Exact with my P25...all is well here...

 

Update. Anyone else have any thoughts on the Apheta????

 

I think Jeff mentioned he was reviewing one. Some mention of Dudley maybe having some loading issues....

 

Review will be out on June 5 in issue 10. However, I can tell you all this much, it's about loading. If you have a phono preamp that will go down to somewhere between 35 and 70 ohms (100 max) its all gravy!

If your phono preamp only goes down to 1000 ohms, I suspect the Apheta will sound thin to you...

It's a great performer though! There are a few other MC's that work just fine on that table though. Some need shims some dont.

Read the full story in TONE Audio 10.....
Out June 5!

 

I got mine today. I've played a couple of sides and like it so far.

 

Got the Apheta today? If so, please provide additional details as soon as you are able...

What Phono pre are you using?

 

Definitely, let us know how you like it. What table do you have it on again?

 

I installed it on my new P9. I know it will take some time to run in, but my first impression have been very good. So good that I stayed up all night playing vinyl.

 

That's a good sign! My experience with the Apheta after a few hundred hours is that the highs will smooth out a bit and the mids will flesh out a bit as the cartridge wears in....

Enjoy!