MM Vs MC Phono Cartridges: The brand new Rega Nd7 versus their flagship Aphelion 2!

[@Inlinefour-m9j]

My Lenco L70 with Denon DL103 never ceases to amaze me.. I always go back to it.

[@davidspendlove5900]

Denon 103 is legend.

[@PearlAcoustics]

I like mine too!

[@Inlinefour-m9j]

@@davidspendlove5900 Such a lovely cartridge, and great for heavier tonearms.

[@John-g1x5y]

@@PearlAcoustics

[@crtgamer2355]

WOW! Even just listening on KZbin, I'm stunned at how different they sound. On my studio monitor headphones, the Aphelion is in it's own league here. It is more dynamic, 3 dimensional and sound separation is incredible. I think the ND7 is warm and sounds really good, more than acceptable for most records, especially pop music, rock, dance etc. For someone who is into jazz or classical etc. the Aphelion is the way to go, it sounds like a million bucks honestly.

[@PearlAcoustics]

@@crtgamer2355 thanks for your contribution to the topic

[@paulrogers7067]

Always informative. Have been a buyer of rega decks since 1983. Highly recommended. Haven't gone down the rega cart path yet but will consider it. Have used ortofons and dynavectors mostly. Analogue rules. Regards from Australia

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks! Greetings from Belgium!

[@aryanazih8867]

It's always a pleasure sitting down and watching what magic you bring us all. Thank you for this catching enthusiasm. 🎉❤

[@PearlAcoustics]

Glad you enjoy it! 🙏

[@damayor62]

Outstanding as always Harley and thank you for the great explanation on MM vs. MC. Yet another technical difference explained by you coherently. I also want to thank you for mentioning the albums/tracks you used and keep up the great work.

[@PearlAcoustics]

My pleasure! So pleased you enjoyed it. I will do my best to keep going. ! 😉

[@TheCharlesAtoz]

Photo of a dapper gentleman!! Thanks for that Harley!

[@PearlAcoustics]

😀 you’re welcome!

[@DonHamlin]

Excellent explanation of the different types of cartridges. Really informative.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it! Best wishes from Belgium

[@RogerMargado]

I had heard moving coil cartridges had better sound, and thanks to you, I have a better understanding. Of course now thanks to you I'm gonna have to upgrade my Pro-ject X1 😅

[@alexlopez-u3i]

I upgraded my project rpm from MM to MC and ill never look back. What a difference!

[@1999zrx1100]

Don’t forget the Grace F9e, back in the 80’s they out performed many cartridges well above it’s price range. Those were the days. I’ve had great success for many years with Grado’s Moving Iron cartridges. 🤓🙏

[@PearlAcoustics]

Ah indeed, Grace…. A blast from the past. Thanks for the reminder. 👍

[@dceldeen]

Thanks for the review and clips. I have highly resolving system and I can hear the difference. I still love the MC over the MM. MM always seem to be more recessed than MC. Even my wife hears this and she would love to sell all my gear and just get a sound bar. Haha

[@PearlAcoustics]

😂 oh no, please don’t let her! Thanks for your kind words

[@gdwlaw5549]

With a rather modest turntable and cartridge I think Rega and this video have motivated me to take a look at the P3 and ND7. I'm so fortunate to have a local Rega independent reseller! Have a great Sunday

[@PearlAcoustics]

Have fun! Go for it!

[@chalkyc]

Upper bass is lifted on the MM, so with the MC it is easier to hear her voice, but both excellent , my system is just Kef Ls 50 wireless. thanks for the very interesting tak

[@PearlAcoustics]

@@chalkyc you’re very welcome. Thanks for your feedback

[@paulyounger6839]

So timely - I was just pondering an MC or MM purchase and up pops Harvey! Excellent, informative content as ever 👏

[@PearlAcoustics]

Glad I got the timing right for you! Best wishes, Harley

[@AreTwo2]

Very Interesting session thanks. MMM People puzzle me - how can 3500 people view this and less than 300 vote "up" ??? show biz eh ?? ... thanks again for your work.

[@PearlAcoustics]

You’re very welcome! Thanks for taking the time to comment!

[@Markymarkvinylnut]

Super video Harley, a super evaluation of another fab rega product (and lovely to have met you at the Bristol hifi show earlier in the year)

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you! So glad you enjoyed it.

[@medonk12rs]

Clear preference for the Aphelion. Much more air and detail. The ND7 sounds muffled in direct comparison 🙈... Denafrips DAC --> new Musical Fidelity A1 --> Klipsch Cornwalls

[@PearlAcoustics]

@@medonk12rs thanks for your feedback

[@DocMulholland]

Beautiful. Many thanks for the elaborations and recordings! The P10 + Aphelion is my dream turntable, still putting money aside but it is going to happen... In the meantime, my cat also really enjoys slumbering on my turntable-lid, it's one of her favourite places 😅

[@PearlAcoustics]

Many thanks for your very kind words and comment. Enjoy the music.

[@theheathster2]

Thanks for the downloads. As one might expect, the Aphelion is clearly superior. The ND7 puts in a good show, but is smaller in scale and a trifle shut in by comparison. However, an Aphelion on my P6 would be overkill, so a ND7 will be on the short list when my Exact wears out.

[@PearlAcoustics]

You’re very welcome. I find your logic and reasoning absolutely spot on. Enjoy the music! Harley

[@mosfet500]

Thanks again Harley, terrific! For me the Fono sounded cramped and lifeless. The ND7 Aria was better but not even close to the class of the Aphelion, open, dynamic and detailed - just a wonderful cartridge. I wish I had listened before I listen to to your comments, I think listeners will appreciate this video more if they do.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for sharing your experience. Indeed, I like your suggestion of listening to the sound samples first… 🙏

[@charlesflynn4850]

Age-related hearing loss above 8 kHz is a textbook case. It was very helpful of you to mention that much of the musical treble is between 2.5 kHz and 6 kHz. Someone in the industry recently told me that age-related hearing loss could explain the preference for "bright" loudspeakers on the part of some older loudspeaker reviewers.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for sharing this comment

[@charlesflynn4850]

@@PearlAcoustics You are welcome, I hope to see the audio industry pay more attention to this issue. It is, after all, in their best interests.

[@jazzonlp]

I was surprised how much better the Nd7 sounded through the Aria and I agree the Aphelion2 is top notch here.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for sharing your feedback

[@robertyoung1777]

I’m a big fan of certain moving magnet cartridges; especially Nagaoka brand. It’s a sound I like. For certain records, a round conical diamond stylus shape is better (I’m thinking of styrene 45s). A sharp shape stylus could damage those records. The more “fine line” the stylus shape the more important it is to have it perfectly installed on the tone arm. A good compromise are mild elliptical shapes that aren’t as fussy to install and are safer for record grove longevity than “fine line” hyper elliptical shapes. Great talk on moving magnetic designs and why they still are good choices. Thank you.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for sharing your experience and also for your kind appreciation

[@MrLsouza77]

For real world records (and its issues), go conical with a quality generator. The record exibited here is 0.0000000% warped. I never saw anything like this.

[@davidspendlove5900]

Thinking of returning to mm after decades of mc use.Mcs just sound thin and bright to me now , mm phono stages are quieter too.Every man to his own of course. That said the venerable Denon 103 is superb, not hi fi just music.I actually liked this better on my planar 10 than some expensive coils , it just should not work in a lightweight arm , go figure.

[@PearlAcoustics]

👍

[@mikedevlin2048]

An interesting comparison… after several listening sessions on several different setups I think the Aphelion has more to give. As good as the Aria is it’s not allowing the Aphelion to realise its full potential… The Aura is probably a better match. Personally I would be looking at Tom Evans or Rothwell high end phono stages to pair with an Aphelion 2 Thanks once again for an excellent episode 👌🏻

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks Mike, very interesting feedback. I would be very interested to hear the Aura or maybe one if the two you mention… indeed the cartridge is more than twice the price of the phono preamplifier…. The topic continues. Best wishes, Harley

[@SamEarleyFL]

As a musician, I can definitely hear that the Aphelion 2 has the clearest and most full sound. The brass is fuller and the percussion is more detailed. The vocal is more life-like in timber and quality. The Nd7 Fono Mk5 file sounded the next best, but does loose some of the fullness, separation and details. Then the other Nd7 file had the least full and detailed sound out of the group. What is the difference between the Nd7 and the Nd7 Fono Mk5?

[@PearlAcoustics]

Hi Thanks got your comment and contribution to the topic. Not sure I understand your question though…

[@SamEarleyFL]

@@PearlAcoustics when I went to the website and downloaded the files, there was 3 listed below. One says Nd7, the other says Nd7 Rega Fono Mk5. I was asking what the difference is? "Aphelion-2-Rega-Aria-Ive-got-you-under-my-skin-fafe9c.wav" "Nd7-Rega-Fono-Mk-5-Ive-got-you-under-my-skin-3mf8jk.wav" "Nd7-Rega-Aria-Ive-got-you-under-my-skin-xu6fgi.wav"

[@SamEarleyFL]

@@PearlAcoustics Nd7-Rega-Fono-Mk-5 and Nd7-Rega. What is the difference?

[@PearlAcoustics]

@@SamEarleyFL hi do you mean n the download files? Nd7 is the name of the cartridge and Rega Fono mk5 is the name of the pre-amplifier I plugged it into

[@rongreen1538]

When one looks at how thin the wires are within the cartridge and then compare that to most tonearm cables the difference is ridiculous. Why do we need tonearm cables as thick as hosepipes? Thank you for taking the time to make this very interesting and informative video.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@maxine2798]

they both effectively carry the signal but they have different jobs to do. With a moving coil cartridge the coils have to move in response to the groove on a record. The arm cable needs to be robust but weight isnt an issue. The impedance of the arm cable needs to be low, so thicker cable works. In the cartridge the coils have a certain impedance and the thinness of cable is part of that design. There are a couple for starters

[@rongreen1538]

@@maxine2798 Thank you for your reply.

[@AdiMaco]

This is a wonderful podcast!

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks!!!🙏

[@TheDjcarlos67]

That Paolo Nutini album is also a fave of mine Harley. I’m currently in the market for a new cartridge so this is perfect timing. To my ears, the MC cartridge did sound significantly better than the MM cartridge when playing the classical piece, but much less so on Claire’s song. Both sound good though. I’ll add the MM cartridge to my list for consideration but I’m very interested in the Nagaoka MP110 moving iron cartridge, which you can get for £175 including the removable headshell for my Sumiko tonearm. Thanks for the video🎶🎵😎

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for your lovely comment. Good luck in your upgrade project. Feel free to come back and re-comment when you have made your final choice.

[@rapier5]

The efficiency of MM, it's higher output that is, is a virtue to respect on its own. Efficiency is a virtue in almost all cases. Not the first but one. The need for more amplification of MC's introduces an interesting variable. Steve Gutenberg recently got excited about a step up transformer for an MC and then connecting to the MM input of his amp.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for your comment, and contribution to the topic. I need to check out the Guttenberg video.

[@Bogdan0zaurus]

Hello Thank you for this excellent video in which you managed to give us many interesting explanations and many beautiful stories. It's one of the best I've seen lately. P.S. Please let James know that I have a Rega Planar 8 and a cat that is not at all interested in sitting on it 🐱

[@PearlAcoustics]

Glad you enjoyed it. I will certainly let James know but he will be jealous 😀

[@remiwjuniski1808]

Great work, especially the recording comparing the phone stage! Any chance you would upload recording of the Ania pro ? Would be a very interesting comparison with the nd7 I think :)

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks! Maybe one day but no pksns at the moment. I need to let this one sink in first and we’ll see from there. Maybe someone else in KZbin will start doing this, as people seem to find it interesting?

[@mrkitewine7700]

Thanks very much for this video and especially the demo tracks. I was particularly interested in the difference between the Fono and Aria phono stages with the ND7. I am on the cusp of purchasing an off board MM phono stage and wanted to know if I was missing out by getting the cheaper Fono mk5.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Glad it was helpful!

[@A_RosnerNZ]

I spent half an hour listening to the samples on the website. I heard more difference between the two different phono stages than the two cartridges. That was in headphones though (Momentums, wired, to a dedicated DAC, so quite resolving)

[@PearlAcoustics]

Hi.. thanks for sharing your findings! I hope you enjoy the experience 😉

[@manitoublack]

Thanks Harley. (also great photo from your younger years ;)

[@PearlAcoustics]

😀👍🙏

[@kakarrot62]

excellent video Harley. Thanks so much

[@PearlAcoustics]

My pleasure!

[@yippie6862]

Oh, I hear the difference. More detail, more 3D, and better atmosphere. But 8 times the price better? I'd be very happy with the ND7. It is a little warmer and less detailed, however, it's probably a better match for my plethora of 80's records anyways. Thanks for the Demo. Pretty sure the ND7 will be my next cartridge.

[@PearlAcoustics]

You’re very welcome. Thanks for your comment

[@DrNoahBoddy004]

Quite honestly, Harley, that difference (TO ME) and I repeated it nine times, is so slight, I could probably tweak a couple of knobs on an equalizer and have the ND-7 sound like the Aphelion! I mean this business of keeping up with the Joneses and all the associated aggro of transformers, and preamps, and specialist cabling and God-knows what else! I mean, really! It can get on one’s nerves at the end of it all.🌹 (Why not just end it all with an ND-7, a Planar 8, a drop-dead gorgeous pair of walnut Reference 1 Metas from KEF, and for goodness sakes, a nice, juicy Musical Fidelity NuVista 800.2 Integrated powerhouse!) think of all that shelf space we could buy more records with!🌹💎

[@peterlarkin762]

Hadn't seen a 800.2 before - that is one cool amplifier.

[@DrNoahBoddy004]

@@peterlarkin762 ….and it’s worth every euro they want for it, too! A true set, and forget piece. I’m flying through my lotto tickets now, because I want two of them! One for Analog use only, the other for CDs only!🌹

[@DrNoahBoddy004]

@@peterlarkin762 …..and they’re worth every Euro Mus Fi wants for them. An ultimate set, and forget gem 💎 to enjoy for years to come! I’m flying through several Lotto tickets because, I want two of them : one for analog sources only, and the other for CD, and MD only!🌹

[@PearlAcoustics]

Hi thanks for the feedback. Did you download the recordings from the website? You should be able to detect a significant difference. But, it’s the music that’s important. Best wishes from Belgium

[@davidroy3029]

I agree, no difference. But could be my old hearing.

[@NickP333]

Ha! 😂 I have to leave the dust cover on my turntable when I’m not using it, because my cat insists on sleeping on top of mine as well. The MC seemed a bit more dynamic with more separation between instruments and more clarity. The MM sounded great as well, just not as detailed, but a bit warmer in tone. Is the MC worth thousands more? I guess that’s up to the end user. Thanks, Harley. Appreciate the videos.

[@PearlAcoustics]

😀 so glad you enjoyed it! My cat is too old to jump up onto my home turntable. 😂

[@NickP333]

@@PearlAcoustics Haha! 😂 Love it, Harley….cats are too funny. My main (stereo) deck is probably about 4 feet off the ground on my component rack, while my dedicated mono TT is about 3 feet off the ground. She always picks the higher up stereo one with the pricey MC cart on it. Anyone who understands cats know they tend to seek out a perch of sorts to keep an eye out on possible predators. It’s just instinctual. Thanks again, Harley.

[@PearlAcoustics]

@@NickP333 😀👍 thanks!

[@ptbfrch]

Even on the KZbin music, the difference is startling in terms of clarity, realism, air, dynamics, and separation. But the Nd7 sounds good! How does it do with inner groove distortion?

[@PearlAcoustics]

I think it tracks very well. Old and not so good recordings sounded ‘nice’

[@anmic3590]

Hi! Thank you for all the explanations. I have the Rega Planar 3 2000 with an Adikt Linn. Do you think that the nd7 will be a night and day difference? Thank you!

[@PearlAcoustics]

You’re very welcome. I am sorry, I am not an expert on all the different cartridges, I wish I was! But hopefully someone will come to my rescue here! Good luck. H.

[@anmic3590]

@@PearlAcoustics Thank you!

[@RonStephens-h7h]

Very good explanation of the differences between MM and MC. As far as the listening test goes, I can hear a significant difference just with the in room recordings. I use an Audio Technical AT-F7E which I think is superb value as an MC for around £250-£300. This of course begs the question, is a £500 MM worth the money?

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you for your kind comment and appreciation. My reasoning, is: if your existing system sounds good, leave it alone and enjoy the music, and only consider upgrading when a piece of equipment fails beyond reasonable repair, or if you do have deep pockets and a family member who would really appreciate it! 😉

[@paulyounger6839]

@@PearlAcousticsGreat reply - if it ain’t broke… (referring to both one’s system and one’s relationships 😂)

[@PearlAcoustics]

@@paulyounger6839 👍

[@Ricky-cl5bu]

Some great cartridges there brilliant

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks!

[@matthewtaylor7355]

Hartley. Moving coils can b had on Ali express for 150 GBP +. And customer comments express strong approval. My mc audio technica cost 450 and sounds xcellent

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for sharing

[@mitsuhote]

So, just out of curiosity, could you do the Audio-Technica VM740ML and VM95ML (or whatever you deem an appropriate match) ... for comparison, about price points?!

[@PearlAcoustics]

It would be an interesting comparison but for that I really would need to have a more appropriate set up (ie atm Roth SME type interchangeable head shell and lots of time! 😉

[@24bellers20]

I still have an Ultimo 10x cartridge from the 80s. It was £50. Sounds ok to me.

[@PearlAcoustics]

That’s great!

[@Ricky-cl5bu]

Love rega equipment great stuff

[@PearlAcoustics]

Me too!

[@r423sdex]

I am not that impressed with it. But the story is good.

[@PearlAcoustics]

@@r423sdex thanks for your feedback

[@espendanielhagenolsen7945]

I loved this video. I am nowhere near to get an MC like the Aphelion and play my RP8 with the Exact through the in-built Elex-R phono currently. Looking to get the Nd7 when it is available in Norway. Excited about the good reviews. Then, let’s see if I can invest in MC “infrastructure” some time in the future.

[@PearlAcoustics]

So pleased to receive your feedback. There’s no need to rush upgrades, it’s the music that counts, I would be very interested to hear your feedback once you have the nd7. Many people are asking me how it compares with the Exact. Enjoy the music!

[@espendanielhagenolsen7945]

@@PearlAcoustics Cheers! I'll get back to you when the Nd7 is installed and gets some playtime. Still waiting on it here in Norway. It was due September 10 but not yet arrived.

[@PearlAcoustics]

@@espendanielhagenolsen7945 👍

[@gaborozorai3714]

It would be interesting to know what your take is on moving iron cartridges. In theory they should have greater potential than either MM or MC as both magnets and coils are stationary, and therefore no compromises need to be made in sizing and orienting them while the moving mass can be lower than even in a low output MC. For the same reasons they should be easier to make. Yet, only a handful of manufacturers are making them. Nagaoka, Soundsmith and Grado maybe.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for your comment. Sadly, I don’t have enough experience with them to give you any insights here. It was a very long time ago I last heard one. Maybe someone else can help us out here?

[@ignicioperez4647]

Thanks a lot for this very instructive and interesting video, Harley. I still have a lot of room for improvement regarding my turntable set up. I currently have a Planar 3 with an Exact MM with which I’m still very satisfied btw. I’m planning in the medium term to upgrade to a Planar 8. In the meantime, do you think getting the ND 7 for the Planar 3 makes any sense or should I wait for the P8 upgrade? Congrats again on your amazing videos. Best wishes, Ignacio

[@PearlAcoustics]

Hi Ignacio, thanks for your ever so kind words of appreciation. With regard to your upgrade, if you are enjoying what you have right now, I would hold off until you do the upgrade… . If, in the other hand your cartridge stylus is worn out or damaged, then upgrading now, would do any harm. I hope that helps? Enjoy the music, Harley.

[@jonathanreder7309]

Given the small price difference, a more useful comparison would be between the Nd7 and the Ania (mm with vivid stylus vs mc with elliptical).I will be needing to replace the Exact on my Planar 6 in a few months, so one of these two will be an obvious next step

[@PearlAcoustics]

Hi, thanks for your comment. I totally agree about your suggestion of a more logical comparison. Obviously, the topic of this talk was comparing MM with MC and I selected the top of the range of both to see how far each technology could go.

[@allanjacks7147]

The Aphellion gives a much richer sound to the Woodwinds. I think it was the Oboe. I went with a very good Clearaudio MM and know the MM are really well priced. I can’t justify that difference going for the MC.

[@PearlAcoustics]

I totally get your reasoning. Thanks for your comment.

[@EricKrieger]

Sorry to say this, and It might just be me, but the link to download the music doesn't work.

[@osliverpool]

Doesn't work for me either.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Hi, sorry about this - there was an access rights issue. It should fixed now!

[@PearlAcoustics]

Hi, sorry about this - there was an access rights issue. It should fixed now!

[@osliverpool]

@@PearlAcoustics All good now, thanks!

[@EricKrieger]

@@PearlAcoustics Thank you so much!

[@justinparkman3585]

My rp6 has the Ania its never been great on some use records especially inner groove i play 45s mainly . what would be better the Ania pro or the Nd7

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for your question. I am so sorry, I really am not qualified to answer this question. Perhaps Rega can help you more?

[@1jhnpennington]

I'd be very interested to know know how these sound in comparison to your new Topping D90 Mk3 DAC if you can get an equivalent recording.

[@r423sdex]

Not in the same ball park. Digital has lower noise and massive dynamic range. Plus better channel separation. Digital doesn't scratch, and you can play it out and about on your phone,car.

[@PearlAcoustics]

I would too! 😉 but no recording available, at the moment (that I know if) the Clare Teal CD is mastered differently from the vinyl, so it’s not an accurate comparison

[@tomwebb7091]

FORGET the comparo at the end of the video and just judge from the links. Of course, nothing still beats "being there" and cutting out the digital recording/encoding middle man but for me its a case of compromises as ever. The ND7 has the more apparant "meat on the bones" MM sound vs the Aphelion which has the usual MC traits of air and opening up the room and extending the top n bottom BUT i can also detect a hint of dryness with the Aphelion and it just seems to have a bit less musicality (i hate this word really, maybe engaging is better) than the ND7. For a mere fraction of the price i would totally be going the ND7 route as getting the best out of it will cost substantially less too (for me low output MC carts NEED full vacuum tube phonos and step ups to be worthwhile and regain the meat on the skeleton so to speak. I personally feel budget solid state phono pre do not belong with most MC carts and the qualities of say an Icon Audio tube/transformer combo or say an Opera Consonance 40, an Ear phono with seperate tranny or a Modright tube phono is more the direction to take which means anywhere from £1700 upwards required just to boost the MC signal to an amp!! The Rega ND7 on the other hand will sound great with an Ifi Zen 3 phono stage at a fraction again. As much as i'd love to have the crazy money top spend on an Aphelion and full MC/Tranny phono i'm glad the ND7 seems to offer so much for so much less. After all my Dcogs wishlist of OOP titles is still over 500!

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for sharing your findings and experience

[@kevintan2221]

I think a comparison between the ND7 vs Ania Pro would be more relevant.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Hi, thanks for your comment. Indeed what you suggest is totally logical. However, in this case the topic of my talk was comparing the technology of MM versus MC. Maybe for a future episode!

[@remiwjuniski1808]

@@PearlAcousticslooking very much forward for it !

[@PearlAcoustics]

@@remiwjuniski1808 👍

[@AllboroLCD]

What about moving iron? Ive got me an Empire moving iron cart ive yet to use as ive never gotten to finding a stylus for it.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Indeed, an interesting question, which I do not feel qualified to answer. If I find out more I will! Good luck finding a needle.

[@AllboroLCD]

​@@PearlAcoustics Thank you sir, I got a hand-me-down Technics SL-1200 coming my way soon I think would be a perfect candidate for it. An in depth exploration in combinations of lower tier tables w/ Higher tier carts & vice versa would make a great video.

[@PearlAcoustics]

@@AllboroLCD you’re welcome

[@danielgeiger7739]

Great stuff. As far as I know, MM tracking force was higher rather because of stylus shape (conical), vs MC with fine line/Shibata with lower VTF. So force adjusted for area is more similar due to different stylus shape. Even on laptop, the MC takes a veil off compared to the MM. Easy to tell. On a slightly different note, there are some phono stages with demagnetization function (including a new TEAC PS). I have a hard time figuring out what that might do. You obviously do not want to change the magnetization of the permanent magnets in either MM or MC designs. But copper cannot be permanently magnetized. So is the demag function a pointless gimmick? Am I missing something? I am familiar with demag on scanning electron microscope and have literally seen the difference. Sill waiting on my SUT to plug into the Naia ... Made a leveling platform for the Naia from 1.5" oak, matching my Sibelius 🙂

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks Daniel, very kind. I really am at a loss about demagnetisation in this context. (Tape heads yes, but cartridges)? Hopefully someone better qualified than me will help us out! When your NAIA is fully set up, would love to see a photo!

[@danielgeiger7739]

@@PearlAcoustics Dear Harley, thanks for your input. I am glad I am not missing something with that demag function. Agree on tapes. Maybe I thrown the question onto ASR. Re Naia, I posted some on insta: instagram.com/p/C-3s7eSSdvk/?img_index=1 I think I tagged you. If the link does not work, it is under user @undaobscura, current post -2.

[@flageborg]

Please make comparison files from the album you mention in video - Sting - Englishman In New York

[@PearlAcoustics]

Hi, thanks for the suggestion. Unfortunately, I am not allowed for copyright reasons, otherwise I would have done. I have a video coming up next in Stings’ ‘The Last Ship’ I hope you like it.

[@ronchambers3713]

I need this type of review, I have an ortofon 2m black and struggle with th❤e idea of upgrading from it, I have a pro-Ject xtension 9, feeding my sim audio 340 integrated and fyne F502sp speakers. I suspect I am confused about what can make things better, btw I use the supplied by sim mm input

[@PearlAcoustics]

@@ronchambers3713 thanks for your feedback. These things can be tricky. The most important thing is not to jump too quickly. Try and define what you think might be better sound wise) and try and get advice from there… Good luck!

[@Drivehead103]

I can't recommend the ortofon lvb 250 upgrade enough. I was very reluctant but immediately impressed. It was like I got a new Hi-Fi integrated amplifier. Was not expecting such a dramatic change! I have been listening to a lot of jazz lately but this cartridge has me listening to my rock and roll again! IT ROCKS!!!!

[@revelry1969]

Yeah the aphelion seems more explosive in dynamics but also a little brighter. I love my Hana ML. I bet it gives that aphelion a run. Hana is about 1/5 the cost. I am using an Aria stage as well. I love Rega phono stage. I was running Nagaoka MP-500 before the Hana and loved it. But the MC Hana really took it to a new level. The Nagaoka MP-500 would compete nicely with the ND7 and it has replaceable stylus. Why Rega didn’t make it a replaceable stylus I think is a downside. Maybe do a video with the best MM against best MM. love to see the ND7 go head to head with the MP-500

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for your comment and interesting feedback! Thanks too for the suggestion. Who knows, maybe one day. I’ll give the logistics some thought!

[@AmazonasBiotop]

Yes, and in the end there is only ~3-4 factories that glue the dimond to the cantaliver. (To all the cartrige manufacturers) And their presision for this gluing in degrees (°) is poor, or to put it in other words not aducate enugh.😢 So just there in that ONE parameter of many we throw a lot of effort and money out of the window. In other words it dosent matter if you pay infinity of money.. Thus issue will not improve! When still it is the same factory..😅 When we have more advanced stylus shapes. That means actually that the requriment of the setup of the cartrige and with that ALL the angles of the advanced stylus shape in the groove and how it meets the groove sides. Of the FINE LINE contact area that the stylus has. For example SRA angle is now actually getting really important. In other words we can NOT just as a defult the tone arm parallell to the record surface. As you could set and forget it with the simplest stylus shape (conical).🎉 In other words to get the true/most of the performance out of a advanced stylus shape and the cartrige. We have to pay EXTRA atention to the setup and CANT just slap it on and now I have out of noware nirvana..😂 For SRA there is micro meter precision of the tone arm to dail it in while playing the rexord ON THE FLY! So many of these expensive cartriges is a waste of money in the hands of consumers that really not always know how to take advantage of the offered benifits and technologies that the advanced and pricy cartrige have to offer.😢 When knowing all of that we will get better performance of a CORRECTLY setup MM than a MC that the owner thinks that it is correct but in reallity dont know half of it !😮 When the complexity goes up and almost each angle or setting on a TT cartrige alignment can be done at least in 2-3 ways.. And one of them is more optimal than the other two setup procedures! 😮 So we see that this will get really complex really fast.😢❤ What I am indirect saying is that without knowing if how in this example the SRA were set up or what method or if it were adressed and set up at all!😮 That will influence the given records. We have no trackrecord of Harleys methods or skill level of setting up a cartrige? When anybody can MOUNT a cartrige but set it up (adjust) is a compleatly differernt storry.😅 (When I have seen the best if the best like Michel Fremer using advanced setup technices, with microscope and so on. As a god method but not the most optimal method!) Sorry, I dont want to rain on somone else parade but just to highlite the pitfalls for them that thinking of buy higly priced cartriges by listening on the provided recorded samples. When the setup procedure and selected metods is not reviled.❤ It could be just compleatly fine or soso but we dint know what we are listening to.🎉 Thanks for a intresting video!❤

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for your kind appreciation and for sharing your experience. With Rega cartridges that are designed to be screwed to the pick-up are with three screws in a fixed position so the tracking should be correct. The Rega arm and cartridge set up is fixed, and is designed that way. So the only real adjustment is tracking force. I hope that helps explain the situation a bit?

[@AmazonasBiotop]

@@PearlAcoustics Oh, so the third screw force the whole assembly (cartrige) to sit in one predefined spot.😅 So any individual differences between cartridges can't be adjusted and sorted out (you get what you get).🤓 Yes, we all know what one size fit all drawback has. It is in its nature. That it is not best and just good or OK (we are hopefully in the ballpark).🥳 It is good and covinent but for those that use instruments, test records and ears to sort out the individual differences and to not leave any performance on the table. 🎶 Then the 3 screw approach is not for those users.🤕 Wonder if it is enough to only use only the two screw's and then being able to get the option to all adjustments. 🤔And just use the third screw as a starting point. Or if the cartridge manufacturer have designed so that the third screw has other duties than just "guide" and hold the cartridge in the pre defined spot?🤔 Anyway now we know it were just mounted as instructed and no adjustments were made at all except Vertical Tracking Force (VTF). And that is what ~95% probably will do I guess.👍 It is I that want to set up the optimal for that individual cartridge at hand. With the "basic": SRA (VTA), antiscate, overhang with Lofgren B (my preferred "mathematician" equation), zenith, azimuth and of course VTF.🫶 (note that some of them will influence one of the other parameters, therefore it is a iterative adjustment process.) Yes, it is a interesting hobby and there is so much to learn and dive deep into if someone want to do it. But rewarding and piece in mind to know that all stones has been turned over and noting is left to chance.🫶 It is the same why you for example let the driver factory make changes in the wire (shape) they used for the voice coil for your Sibelius speakers. That was because you were after perfection and as a speaker manufacturer you need to turn over every stone to get excellence for the given technical solutions you made in your design. 💖 Then if the customer place your speaker against the wall or a bit out in the room will give a rather big different experience and just that is my analogy that we don't know what the end user does or he/she experience level to set up the speakers or in this case the cartridge is. And I get it that majority will not go into study and learn all the mechanical and physical angels and forces that a stylus has.🤗 So it is good with a good enough guide extra screw hole for the masses.👍 Thank you for your interesting videos that we have watched for years!💖

[@PearlAcoustics]

@@AmazonasBiotop hi, thanks for your very kind appreciation and thanks too for following up on your previous comment.

[@danny85901]

For my money even through KZbin the A2 sounds far better. More airy, more detailed and a broader soundstage. Now here's the million dollar question - does my Apheta3 sound closer to the ND7 or to the A2?

[@PearlAcoustics]

Definitely much closer to the Aphelion 2! Enjoy the music.

[@majtextwriter1794]

Under my skin song via Google chrom on TV signal via old Pioneer integrated amp (my 2nd system, no DAC) via voigt pipe speakers: - Fono Mk 5: sounded the most flat but tonaly closer to Aphelion - Rega Aria: most full bodied sound, warmer presentaton, very pleasing sound - Aphelion: the most lively presentation, even a siger's charm comes through. The differences were noticeable but actually small one with such sistem and source. Regarding not hi quality source/signal (the most critical element) and good old amp, I could hear something with this song. With Scheherazad much less so and consequently I even did not want to lose much time with this classical piece. But even with some good YT recordings via TV or Spotify via labtop connected to this amp, I can get significantly more details, dynamics, richness and sound stage with some good sources/recordings than with this one. I am just reporting. But i can imagine that live listening on your sistem would give three (very) much different stories than in this case. Kind regards.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for sharing your observations! 👍

[@majtextwriter1794]

@@PearlAcoustics Thank you for making hi-fi community more aware about some things and aspects not just regarding your product. Thanks to you Harley and Realworldaudio chane I've started to make my own Voigt pipes and folded Voigt pipe speakers and for now... there is no way back to mutiple speakers with crossover... only Mofi's 10 and 8 I liked in recent time, but even this ones reveals much less of component characters than good speaker with good fullragne driver. It is a lot of fun! :)

[@PearlAcoustics]

@@majtextwriter1794 you’re very welcome. And you’re right - it’s fun! Enjoy the music.

[@RogierYou]

Question is invest in a €4500 Streamer & DAC or Turntable setup?

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for your comment. Indeed. 4500 for a streamer and Dac seems a lot to me. If you want vinyl, put your budget there and make do with a Bluesound Node or evo or similar. They are very good indeed. Great sound from a turntable does require some investment. But it’s the music that matters most!

[@AdiMaco]

Ok, now, the technicals. There is no comparison between them, Aphelion is really a few times better. But, and there is a but, ND7 being an MM is generating a much higher voltage than Aphelion, but when I listened the volume was lower with ND7 (not to mention a reduced perception of dynamics but this is not what I want to bring to your attention!) which means that the problem is within the Aria phono pre. I didn't bother to download the files from the Fono MM and FONO MC pre because they are cheaper.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Hi, thanks for your comment. In fact what you observed is very interesting. I thought the same but I think it’s because the way the overall soundstage is presented. And how one cartridge reproduces certain sounds. Unless something happened in the upload files, I very carefully attenuated each recording to have the exact same volume at a certain point in each of the recordings. So you can say at one point in each of the recordings they are exactly the same volume to within 0.5db

[@92trdman]

I download the sample, wondering am I listen to MC cartridge sounds? Very transparent and details....(with LS3/5A and EL34 tubes amp)

[@PearlAcoustics]

Hi, all the samples should be labelled correctly. I hope you found it interesting? Of course you are listening to a digital recording of the analog playback from some cartridges, played back again through your Dac snd system. But it should give you an impression of how it could sound in your system.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Hi, all the samples should be labelled correctly. I hope you found it interesting? Of course you are listening to a digital recording of the analog playback from some cartridges, played back again through your Dac snd system. But it should give you an impression of how it could sound in your system.

[@louiesipes2257]

Harvey, you might have the contacts to find out…..why don’t MM makers use ceramic magnets on the cantilever? Much lighter than neo dymiium. Would be less efficient but……MC put out how many Mv? So,……..use a bigger coil. Just thoughts.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Hi, the next time I speak with a manufacturer, I will ask. Best wishes Harley.

[@louiesipes2257]

@@PearlAcoustics My apologies Harley, spell check or me one😊

[@PearlAcoustics]

@@louiesipes2257 😉 no worries. Very kind of you to reply. Best wishes

[@麟张-w9d]

what kind of microphone you are using for this record?

[@PearlAcoustics]

Hi, for the in room recording, I am using a Zoom H-6 with an MSH-6 head capsule… for the downloadable tracks, I use the same device but recorded directly to the H6

[@apollomemories7399]

Harley: Where would you position the Apheta 3 here? which is also pretty decent.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Good question. Only a little way behind the Aphelion 2, but still significantly ahead of the Nd7

[@apollomemories7399]

@@PearlAcoustics Thanks. I've been mulling over buying up from my great sounding Rega P-10, to the new NAIA, but fear that I'd have to upgrade everything else with it. Yet, I'd promised myself that I wouldn't get into that never-ending vacuum.

[@PearlAcoustics]

@@apollomemories7399 hi, I hope no one from Rega is reading this, but judging by your question, I definitely would not upgrade. When we do our HiFi shows, we use a P10 with Apheta 3 and it sounds wonderful. In fact it sounds so good we decided not to upgrade our Apheta 3 / P10 in our London showroom, for the same reason. No one has ever commented otherwise. These kind of upgrades (in my opinion) are for those who have lots of cash in the bank, not earning much interest and would not miss it, in any way if the cost of the upgrade wasn’t there. Enjoy the music.

[@apollomemories7399]

@@PearlAcoustics Thanks again. I'm more than happy to take that advice. I watch all your stuff and sometimes twice through just to grab every detail. You're easily in the very top tier of this sector.

[@PearlAcoustics]

@@apollomemories7399 🙏

[@PaoloGenziniCremonese]

Bellissimo video.. grazie

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you! So pleased you appreciated it.

[@garyausten5939]

I might have seen the answer somewhere a while ago, but is it possible to use a moving coil cartridge with a moving magnet preamp and would it even make fiscal sense? I have a Rega P2 and Rega Fono MM Mk5 preamp. I really wouldn't want to spend more on a cart than the TT. My current cart is an AT-VM540ML

[@PearlAcoustics]

Hi, thanks for your question. As I explain in the video. A moving coil cartridge has an extremely low voltage output, so no it will not work with your Rega Fono MM Mk5. And indeed I don’t think it would make sense in your case. If there is something lacking in your sound you could try an nd3 or 5 perhaps? I hope that helps?

[@garyausten5939]

@@PearlAcoustics OK thanks. I did see an article this morning, though that indicated there are some MC carts have a high enough voltage output to be used by an MM preamp without the need for a step-up transformer. On Amazon I saw some ranging from about what I paid for my current cart to more than I paid for my TT. I DID hear a difference in the two you demonstrated even through crappy powered computer speakers...the MC cart seemed to have a more "atmospheric" sound to it, if that's the right word...more expansive, I guess. I'm happy with what I have now...just always thinking of ways to upgrade in the future. Have a nice weekend :)

[@PearlAcoustics]

@@garyausten5939 Hi, indeed. I know Hana make a MC cartridge with a higher output but it’s still only half of a ‘normal’ MM. not sure how good it is though. Enjoy what you have, and maybe one day I’ll look into this topic again or maybe one of my KZbin colleagues will pick up the topic…? We’ll see

[@tl9756]

Did the ND7 & Aphelion 2 both have around 50 play hours before you did your comparison? ...If not you have done a great disservice to the cartridges ultimate playback potential that has much less than 50 hours as these cartridges and many others don't quite come into full play until.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Yes indeed, both had extensive usage beforehand.

[@OS_SWE]

I'm interested in knowing what exactly you and your brother could afford in those day. I'm guessing a Thorens of some kind? I also want to ask an unrelated question about the Rega Naia. How is the noise floor? In those recordings I heard noise, but I don't know if it's in the actual recording or not. I have an LP12 + Cadenza Black which I recently upgraded with the Carousel bearing, and the difference is simply mind blowing. Can't believe what I'm hearing (or rather NOT hearing). It's dead silent. Have you had the chance to hear it, and if so, how does it compare to the Naia?

[@PearlAcoustics]

Hi thanks for your question. I had an old Garrard 301 with a secondhand SME and had a 401, if I remember well! The NAIA bearing is silent, as far as I can tell. The noise you maybe hearing is probably in the recording device (I didn’t use my Studio machine) or even the cables. + there is some noise from the Aria, with the MC. But it’s very low. Never compared my NAIA with your set up. Enjoy the music, Harley

[@sasagpopovic]

Paolo Nutini 🎉🙌 album Caustic Love

[@PearlAcoustics]

😀👍

[@cynthiakis1731]

What amplifier used?

[@PearlAcoustics]

Hi Thsnks got your question. You will a detailed list of all the equipment used in this video in the description. However I can tell you it was a Sugden ANV 50

[@JohnDoe-np3zk]

Well no way I am gonna spend even 795 on that nd7 to replace the exact 2 in my p6. Would have been nice if you had spent 2 mins comparing the nd7 with exact 2 vs useless mm vs mc comparison.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Hi, sorry you didn’t appreciate the video, but it was about comparing MM cartridges with Moving Coil. maybe in another video one day.

[@anthonycunningham1026]

Clare Teal can definitely sing, but why would I spend a dime on her record when I can just listen to to Ella herself. Not quite the same as buying Harry Connick Jr. instead of Frank Sinatra or Tony Bennett, but you get the idea.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Indeed. Thanks for your comment. I totally get where you are coming from. But the point was to record each side of the lp in one take. + the Syd Lawrence orchestra is superb. And without great singers like Clare, where can anyone hear this kind of music live? And when they do, they want to hear it again at home. One last point, if I may? Clare is bringing a new, younger audience to Ella, and comments like yours are definitely helping open up the debate. So Thanks again.

[@anthonycunningham1026]

@@PearlAcoustics keeping up the standards set by All the pioneers is a great idea. Anything that keeps them interested in things other than rap or hip-hop, or Taylor swift..Et al. I guess having heard so many in person, in their prime, I became jaded. I listened to more of Clare and I am a fan. I hope that she and others keep bringing this genre to new generations for years to come.

[@PearlAcoustics]

@@anthonycunningham1026 absolutely! Well said. Thanks for your contribution to the topic. Enjoy the music!

[@carlmorin5518]

Certainly the sound of the Aphelion is far more detailed. I heard through my Macbook Air 2011, no DAC, not headphones. That is not to say the ND7 sounds bad. Not at all. But the Aphelio certainly has the edge.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for sharing your findings!

[@r423sdex]

Please.

[@pieterbekaert]

Funny to listen to the recordings comparing both cartridges through my smartphone speaker: I don't hear any difference... :-)

[@PearlAcoustics]

😀👍

[@guus007]

Aphelion with the Aria? Again? There is a distinctive difference between MM or MI in the one hand and MC in the other hand. Music has more soul with MI. I sold my Apheta long time ago and never looked back. Very happy with one of the finest MI cartridges made.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Hi, good point! The fact is, I wanted to do a video comparing MM with MC in general, as a topic in itself. So I decided to with what I have and with the new Nd7 on the market, it meant I could make an interesting comparison by using the two top products in each category from the same manufacturer. MI is an interesting topic that I might come back to in the future. Thanks for your comment

[@remiwjuniski1808]

@@PearlAcoustics a comparaison Beetwen the nd7 and the nagaoka mp200/mp500 would be a very good comparaison to compare mm and mi and i would be very interessed hearing that 😇

[@PearlAcoustics]

@@remiwjuniski1808 👍 indeed. Unfortunately I am not sure I can help you there… but perhaps one day!

[@thomasmarker8198]

Huge difference even on my ipad - but for 5000€ there should be.😮

[@PearlAcoustics]

Indeed 😉👍 thanks for your comment!

[@davidthom7127]

Unfortunately, there is a sizeable improvement 😭

[@PearlAcoustics]

😉

[@krunoslavdundovic2588]

You need a better phonostage to be able to hear what aphelion can really do. aria is a solid phono but not in the aphelion range...

[@PearlAcoustics]

Which one would you recommend?

[@davidroy3029]

I heard no difference listening through headphones. Certainly, not enough to pay a much higher price with Phono amp and step-up transformers, etc. But I have 69 year old ears. Think I’ll stick to MM.

[@PearlAcoustics]

😉 thanks for your feedback. Enjoy the music.

[@papabear1417]

No discernible difference. I was however listening to the music not the kit.

[@PearlAcoustics]

😀👍

[@paullongtailpair3812]

The level of the 3 cartridges differs more than 1dB from each other so a honest comparison is not possible. You have to use a test record with e.g. a 1kHz 5cm/s lateraal and adjust this to -15dBfs ( keeping a 3dB safety margin ) on your AD converter for each cartridge and repeat the whole thing.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Hi, what I did was attenuate them to within 0.5db on a given point in each track. The variation you hear is due to the way the cartridges perform in different points in the music. So crescendos with one cartridge can be much higher than another and the same is in quiet passages. The dynamic ranges vary

[@matytinman]

Magnat MA 900 modded, Direct OFF (JJ 12AT7) + convolution filter with some bright at 6.5kHz has the better sound vs Direct ON (without tubes) + convolution filter without the 6.5kHz. KEF Q100 modded, near field. W11 optimized to play multimedia. JRiver MC 32 x64. KZbin Clare Teal. Nd7 good sound. Aphelion, much better, more highs, more open. Scherezade. Nd7 pfff. Aphelion, much betterrr. Aria phono Clare Teal. 1. Nd7 good sound. 2. Aphelion, much better, more highs, more open. Scherezade. 3. Nd7 very good sound. 4. Aphelion, something better. MK5 phono Clare Teal. 5. Nd7 good sound. Better with MK5, more clarity. Scherezade. 6. Aphelion, much better with MK5. The winner: Aphelion with MK5 phono.

[@matytinman]

👉In my opinion, the phono preamps used (Aria and MK5) are limiting, they are the bottleneck.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Hi, thanks for your comment, I think you made a typing error because, but just to point out No. 6 is the Aphelion with the Aria. The Aphelion is a MC and the Rega Fono MM Mk5 is MM only.

[@matytinman]

The numeration is what I can see with JRiver

[@manowire2112]

Agree completely - could not summarize any better