Editor's Choice Award - the-ear.net
"This Cartridge is a Revelation"
Aphelion 2 is the Fourth generation of Rega's unique handmade moving coil cartridges. Taking the technology developed from the original Aphelion and the latest Apheta 3 to the next level, Rega engineers have now fine-tuned every aspect of the original designs.
The Ultimate in Micro Engineering and Design
The Aphelion 2 is the ultimate in micro engineering and design. Its unique hand-wound micro cross and coil assembly is built directly onto a Boron rod cantilever. The advanced ‘fine line’ profile nude diamond is then mounted through 90 degrees, which offers extreme levels of stiffness and control over the stylus. This design requires a ‘zero tolerance’ approach to engineering to achieve the highest level of performance from a Rega cartridge to date. It is designed to complement the reference range of Rega turntables, including the Naiad.
Editor's Choice Award - the-ear.net
"This cartridge is a revelation, there’s no other word for it," raves Jason Kennedy, the-ear.net, May 22, 2020. "In combination with the Rega P10 it resolves detail that you hadn’t imagined was in the groove, it cuts through the myth of vinyl warmth to reveal that this format is as neutral and capable of high resolution as anything, especially any format that offers a wide variety of material to suit all tastes. If you want to know exactly what your records sound like it is very highly recommended."
Unique Ultra-Low Mass Generator
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.
With the Aphelion 2, these bodies are machined from one piece of the highest quality aluminum. 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.
Super Clear, High Frequency Combined with Firm, Tight Bass
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 Aphelion 2 contains neither a tie wire nor a foam damper. Moving coil aficionados will all recognize the long search for super clear, high frequency combined with firm, tight bass, characteristics all Rega moving coils exhibit.
