Any thoughts/experience with Rega Aphelion or Apheta 2 MC cartridges?


Hi people, Is anyone using or have used the Rega Aphelion or the Apheta 2 cartridges? I was tending toward the Ortofon Cadenza Bronze but my HiFi sales/superannuation guy warned me off the brand.

I have been researching cartridges but really, unless you have had one in your system, I cannot express an opinion on any.

I have a Micro Seiki BL-91L with an MA-505LS arm. He's the big boy I want to match.

I also have a Kuzma Stabi Ref 2 with a Kuzma Stogi Reg arm and a CAR 30 cartridge which I am happy with but have not experimented with.

I would appreciate anyone's opinion on the Rega cartridges as, on paper, they look good.

Thanks, A.

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Showing 1 response by aveburyblue

Hi A
I have a different turntable and arm so it's never a straight forward comparison. I have a Rega RP10 fitted with an Apheta 2 cartridge with a Unison Research Phono One valve pre-amplifier. This set up was chosen after a lot of blind listening demos at the dealer. The Apheta 2 cartridge got damaged (has anyone else done this?). Whilst it was being repaired by Rega (expensive but a good service) I fitted an Ortofon Cadenza Bronze and there was no comparison. Everything sounded flat and lifeless in comparison. It's a good cartridge but with the RP10 set up the Apheta 2 is clearly matched to give an open and detailed sound. I chose the valve pre-amp to add some warmth to the detail.  I would audition the Apheta 2 with your turntable. Hope this helps a bit.My question is - should I upgrade to the Rega Aphelion or will Rega be introducing a new cartridge soon?
All the Best
NN