Rega Carbon

Name: Rega Carbon
Brand: REGA
SKU: 639658669f72479b37739e1d
Rating: 3.0 (26 reviews)

Based on 26 reviews

The Looria Grade (A - F) accounts for multiple factors, including sentiment, helpfulness, and more. Learn about our sources and ranking.

#130 most mentioned

Reddit · r/turntables

Great sound quality

Easy to install

Works well with Rega turntables

Affordable option

Can be upgraded with an elliptical stylus for even better sound

Not worth the high price for being identical to the cheaper Audio-Technica AT3600L

Some users report exaggeration of surface noise and bad pressings

Counterweight adjustment can be imprecise on some turntables

Verdict

The Rega Carbon cartridge receives mixed reviews, with some praising its sound quality and others criticizing its high price for being identical to the cheaper Audio-Technica AT3600L. Some users recommend upgrading to an elliptical stylus for better sound, while others suggest considering other turntables or cartridges. Overall, the Rega Carbon is a solid choice for those looking for an affordable cartridge, especially when paired with a Rega turntable.

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Replacement needle for a rare turntable (read comments)

It was part of an upgrade package for the Rega RP1 turntable. The Rega Carbon cartridge is what comes with the current Rega Planar 1 turntable. It is equivalent to the less-expensive Audio Technica AT3600 cartridge. A shop that stocks turntables would have suitable cartridges.

Neutral

aelioni

2 years ago

reddit.com/r/turntables

It's likely that this is the AT-3600L Cartridge in sheep's clothing

According to a fairly reputable YouTube Channel, extensive testing of this REGA product revealed that it appears to be identical in specs and performance to the much less expensive and widely available Audio Technica AT-3600L cartridge. I would recommend viewing that video review before you decide t...

AT-LP-120 Preamp Upgrade Path

Personally I prefer the rega or project, they focus more getting the best sound for the money so they dont add preamps and gizmos.

Positive

39pine

2 years ago

reddit.com/r/turntables

Good but overpriced

It's a very good-sounding phono cartridge, but way overpriced for what you get, because it's identical to the much cheaper Audio-Technica AT3600L. Only the name printed on the front is different!

Thoughts on this new setup including Rega Planar 3

Man JVC JL-A40 is awesome turntable don't upgrade to Rega (yea i will get planty hate but true is true)

Positive

Kurosudo

3 years ago

reddit.com/r/turntables

Quality at a Bargain Price

I usually don't waste my time submitting reviews but, this cartridge deserves some praise. If you're astute as to cartridges, you'll know that the quality of sound depends on the turntable/arm match. I'm using this on a Stanton ST-150. I originally purchased an Audio Technica cartridge for the turnt...

The Carbon is based on the AT 3600L cartridge, and can take an elliptical stylus upgrade from somewhere like (guessing you’re in the US) or turntableneedles.com. Turntableneedles seem to offer both an elliptical ($40) and a hyper elliptical ($115) upgrade stylus for the 3600L, but you’d have to contact them directly to double check that they’re compatible with your Rega Carbon.

Neutral

jaggington

3 years ago

reddit.com/r/turntables

Crappy entry level cartridge, swap it out day one

Shipped with my Rega P1. Never did care for the bright crispy sound and flat dynamics. Also seems to exaggerate surface noise and make bad pressings sound worse. It doesn't track worth a damn at the recommended weight; pressing imperfections and high bass will cause it to skip and jump out of the gr...

If you’re using the Rega Carbon, you’ll hear a pretty dramatic dynamic and tonal difference by upgrading to the Exact. I won’t say that I necessarily advise the Exact will be the best upgrade for you given your hesitancy on spending a large amount. The Nagaoka MP-100 is highly regarded as an upgrade for your table (likely what I will do next for my P2). Simply upgrading to the AT-VM95e will also see a betterment of sound.

Positive

lpmcnult

3 years ago

reddit.com/r/turntables

Value replacement

Fitted this to a Dual 505-4 after my cleaning lady managed to destroy the previous stylus. Easy to fit and sound is good and on par with the Ortofon it replaced. Worth the money.

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