I have an all Rega system with the P6 turntable. I just replaced my Exact cartridge with the ND5 and I couldn't be happier. I can't get away from my hi-fi system, listening to my record collection over and over again. The stereo aspect has improved, the bass is more pronounced, the highs and mid-range are fuller - just a joy to listen. The only downside is that the ND5 cartridge is larger than the Exact and I have to figure how to raise the tonearm because, now, the stylus sometimes touches the record in the up position. I need to lift the cue lifter's cuing platform by freeing up the grub screw on the platform using a 1.2 mm screwdriver and raise it slightly. I have yet to do that. Just so you know.
Definitely agree the overall tone and presentation are more important than analytical details for enjoying the music. Which is why I’ve been hesitant to spend anymore money than an Exact on a cartridge. How do these ND5 and ND7 cartridges compare to the Exact? I’ve struggled finding any commentary directly comparing.
@@snowuninc the ND7 is a major step up from the exact. Exact is great in its own right. If you are looking for more resolution and tone, the ND7 will give it to ya.
@@sonicplayroompiano4302 great question. I would say it sounds different than the Exact and in my opinion both have good merits. What the exact does so well in my opinion is have a wholeness to its tone and presentation that really exudes the PRAT of the cartridge. I would say the Nd5 has these attributes as well but they just sound different. If you could compare them that would be great. I think you would be happy with either cartridge. Sorry I couldn’t give a solid answer towards one or the other. The Nd7 is for sure superior to both but costs more than both.
@joeyshifishop thank you for your reply. Do you think the nd7 would be overkill for my RP3 which also has the upgraded tango spinner subplatter? If you were to use a word or two to compare the nd5 and exact cartridges would you say one sounds brighter/darker than the other for e.g.? Thanks again
i just got the p3/nd5. very nice. i set the table up per instructions and all seems to work well. wondering if you think it is worth having a "professional) set up the tone arm balance/anti skate to optimize all the bits. thx
if you bought it from a store then maybe for peace of mind ask them to help out but it's not completely necessary; fortunately the Rega 3-point fixing overcomes the biggest set-up obstacle, which is cartridge alignment (as well as VTA). Tracking force and anti-skate are easy to achieve too; watch some set up videos and you'll be there in no time.
As stated by rich, you should be all good, that said if you have a local rega shop, it's always nice to have a second set of eyes on it and a tracking force gauge.
Hi, another great video if I could afford a nd5 would give it a try but I wold like to upgrade my elyis 2 to an exact , I have already replaced the sub platter to a fidelity top sub platter and that has improve the wow and flutter , bought a mk1 Neo psu but my p3 at a good price being 4 months old , but in hindsight should gone for the 50yrs anniversary p3 with exact fitted and Neo mk2 psu , although have saved some money but been better went for the anniversary one as was only £899, you may think what the limitations of your intergrqted amp and speakers to see if yiy hete the difference. Regards mark
I'm waiting for a P3/Nd5 to top off a system comprising - FonoMM5, Lehmann Audio Linear headphone pre amplifier (for HD 650's), Quad 303 power amp and Rega R3 loudspeakers. Fingers crossed it will sound ok.
Well audio technica and Nagaoka are hot brands in the DIY upgrade scene right now. I cannot say that they are not competitive, because they are from an audiophile standpoint. I would assert that the approach Rega takes to cartridges is more towards musicality. In this price range of $300- $900 I think there are a lot of broad interpretations of what is "good." For me the Rega Nd series emphasizes a different sound than what both Audio Technica and Nagoaka aspire for and so they are just different. I prefer Rega's take, however I am seeing others preferring others brands. It would be best to go to a local shop and get to hear them side by side. For me personally my choice is easy, I chose the Rega. But I am a dealer and that sounds cheesy, so take it for what it is worth.
Very interesting! For a p6, purely in term of sonic match, would you recommend an nd7, an Ania pro, or an apheta 3 ? Or even a nagaoka or a Hana SL ? 😁 System currently is Elex mk4 with Fono mm mk5 and focal aria 906 speaker but I might upgrade the phono stage if necessary or if I choose an mc.
@@remiwjuniski1808 well we are Rega Fans. I have always found the Ania Pro to be pretty amazing with the P6. People do speak highly of the Nagaoka and Hana.
@@joeyshifishop ok thanks :) how would you describe the difference between the nd7 and the Ania pro and do you recommend the fono mc/mm or going to the Aria phono stage ?
@@remiwjuniski1808 the Aria is a huge step up from the Fono MC. That said the Fono MC is a great pre amp and one I recommend to people with P3’s and P6’s all the time. Nd7 vs Ania Pro, the Ania Pro is more resolving while retaining good pace, rhythm and timing. The tone of the Ania Pro really brings instruments alive in ways that good MC’s do.
Music presentation vs. Sound presentation. In my experience gear that emphasizes sound stuff often mucks up the timing and dynamics. There is also an audio cult based around the perception/obsession with tonal accuracy.
@@paulrogers7067 ok well I have a PhD in media studies. I also have been a recording engineer for over 25 years and I have a software and hardware development background. Maybe it’s more that you want me expressing myself differently or with a different lexicon of terminology.
I have an all Rega system with the P6 turntable. I just replaced my Exact cartridge with the ND5 and I couldn't be happier. I can't get away from my hi-fi system, listening to my record collection over and over again. The stereo aspect has improved, the bass is more pronounced, the highs and mid-range are fuller - just a joy to listen.
The only downside is that the ND5 cartridge is larger than the Exact and I have to figure how to raise the tonearm because, now, the stylus sometimes touches the record in the up position. I need to lift the cue lifter's cuing platform by freeing up the grub screw on the platform using a 1.2 mm screwdriver and raise it slightly. I have yet to do that. Just so you know.
@@georgegerich7030 glad to hear! The Nd5 is a great cartridge.
Definitely agree the overall tone and presentation are more important than analytical details for enjoying the music. Which is why I’ve been hesitant to spend anymore money than an Exact on a cartridge. How do these ND5 and ND7 cartridges compare to the Exact? I’ve struggled finding any commentary directly comparing.
@@snowuninc the ND7 is a major step up from the exact. Exact is great in its own right. If you are looking for more resolution and tone, the ND7 will give it to ya.
How does the exact cartridge compare to the nd5? I have an RP3 with elys cartridge and looking at upgrading cartridge. Thanks
@@sonicplayroompiano4302 great question. I would say it sounds different than the Exact and in my opinion both have good merits. What the exact does so well in my opinion is have a wholeness to its tone and presentation that really exudes the PRAT of the cartridge. I would say the Nd5 has these attributes as well but they just sound different. If you could compare them that would be great. I think you would be happy with either cartridge. Sorry I couldn’t give a solid answer towards one or the other. The Nd7 is for sure superior to both but costs more than both.
@joeyshifishop thank you for your reply. Do you think the nd7 would be overkill for my RP3 which also has the upgraded tango spinner subplatter? If you were to use a word or two to compare the nd5 and exact cartridges would you say one sounds brighter/darker than the other for e.g.? Thanks again
i just got the p3/nd5. very nice. i set the table up per instructions and all seems to work well. wondering if you think it is worth having a "professional) set up the tone arm balance/anti skate to optimize all the bits. thx
if you bought it from a store then maybe for peace of mind ask them to help out but it's not completely necessary; fortunately the Rega 3-point fixing overcomes the biggest set-up obstacle, which is cartridge alignment (as well as VTA). Tracking force and anti-skate are easy to achieve too; watch some set up videos and you'll be there in no time.
As stated by rich, you should be all good, that said if you have a local rega shop, it's always nice to have a second set of eyes on it and a tracking force gauge.
I suggest get some motor oil and bearing grease from Rega and lube both
Hi, another great video if I could afford a nd5 would give it a try but I wold like to upgrade my elyis 2 to an exact , I have already replaced the sub platter to a fidelity top sub platter and that has improve the wow and flutter , bought a mk1 Neo psu but my p3 at a good price being 4 months old , but in hindsight should gone for the 50yrs anniversary p3 with exact fitted and Neo mk2 psu , although have saved some money but been better went for the anniversary one as was only £899, you may think what the limitations of your intergrqted amp and speakers to see if yiy hete the difference. Regards mark
I have thé Rega p3 with MP 110 yellow Nagaoka
@@thierrymeert5729 I have set one of those up for a customer on a P3 and they loved it.
I have a P3 with the 150. It’s fantastic. I might do the MP-500 for my next upgrade.
I'm waiting for a P3/Nd5 to top off a system comprising - FonoMM5, Lehmann Audio Linear headphone pre amplifier (for HD 650's), Quad 303 power amp and Rega R3 loudspeakers. Fingers crossed it will sound ok.
Hey Joey. I'm being told by a few folks the AT 740ML or 750SH are a better cart. What's your take mate?
Well audio technica and Nagaoka are hot brands in the DIY upgrade scene right now. I cannot say that they are not competitive, because they are from an audiophile standpoint. I would assert that the approach Rega takes to cartridges is more towards musicality. In this price range of $300- $900 I think there are a lot of broad interpretations of what is "good." For me the Rega Nd series emphasizes a different sound than what both Audio Technica and Nagoaka aspire for and so they are just different. I prefer Rega's take, however I am seeing others preferring others brands. It would be best to go to a local shop and get to hear them side by side. For me personally my choice is easy, I chose the Rega. But I am a dealer and that sounds cheesy, so take it for what it is worth.
@@joeyshifishop Thanks Joey for your POV. Much appreciated. I'll keep you informed!
Hi Joey, i have a p3 anniversary edition with Exact. Would the nd5 or the nd7 be the best upgrade path? Regards from Holland!
@@FransbertSchermerMV the Nd5 will be an improvement. The Nd7 will be a significant jump up.
Very interesting!
For a p6, purely in term of sonic match, would you recommend an nd7, an Ania pro, or an apheta 3 ? Or even a nagaoka or a Hana SL ? 😁
System currently is Elex mk4 with Fono mm mk5 and focal aria 906 speaker but I might upgrade the phono stage if necessary or if I choose an mc.
@@remiwjuniski1808 well we are Rega Fans. I have always found the Ania Pro to be pretty amazing with the P6. People do speak highly of the Nagaoka and Hana.
@@joeyshifishop ok thanks :)
how would you describe the difference between the nd7 and the Ania pro and do you recommend the fono mc/mm or going to the Aria phono stage ?
@@remiwjuniski1808 the Aria is a huge step up from the Fono MC. That said the Fono MC is a great pre amp and one I recommend to people with P3’s and P6’s all the time. Nd7 vs Ania Pro, the Ania Pro is more resolving while retaining good pace, rhythm and timing. The tone of the Ania Pro really brings instruments alive in ways that good MC’s do.
Thank you :)
Music presentation vs. Sound presentation. In my experience gear that emphasizes sound stuff often mucks up the timing and dynamics. There is also an audio cult based around the perception/obsession with tonal accuracy.
@@tonyfafoglia2927 good points!
I like your love of analogue but you really need to study more and learn more about this great hobby and equity and music production in general
@@paulrogers7067 ok well I have a PhD in media studies. I also have been a recording engineer for over 25 years and I have a software and hardware development background. Maybe it’s more that you want me expressing myself differently or with a different lexicon of terminology.