{"product_id":"rega-apheta-3-moving-coil-cartridge","title":"Rega Apheta 3 | Moving Coil Cartridge","description":"\u003ch1 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.375rem] font-bold\"\u003eRega Apheta 3 | Moving Coil Cartridge \u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFifteen years of moving coil development, distilled into one remarkably resolved cartridge.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eRega has been refining its moving coil cartridge designs for well over a decade, and the Apheta 3 represents the clearest expression of what that accumulated knowledge looks like in practice. Built around a unique undamped generator design, a fine line nude diamond stylus, and a one-piece CNC-machined aluminium body, it is a cartridge that makes no concessions to convenience and several deliberate ones in the direction of musical truth. At £606, it sits at the point in the Rega range where serious analogue performance becomes genuinely accessible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eTo discuss the Apheta 3 or arrange a demonstration, call us on \u003ca class=\"underline underline underline-offset-2 decoration-1 decoration-current\/40 hover:decoration-current focus:decoration-current\" href=\"tel:01603627010\"\u003e01603 627010\u003c\/a\u003e or email \u003ca class=\"underline underline underline-offset-2 decoration-1 decoration-current\/40 hover:decoration-current focus:decoration-current\" href=\"mailto:info@martinshifi.co.uk\"\u003einfo@martinshifi.co.uk\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"border-border-200 border-t-0.5 my-3 mx-1.5\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"[li_\u0026amp;]:mb-0 [li_\u0026amp;]:mt-1 [li_\u0026amp;]:gap-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [\u0026amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eFine line profile nude diamond stylus — the same mounting technique used in Rega's reference Aphelion 2\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eUltra high-powered custom neodymium magnet for a stronger, more resolved signal\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eIron micro cross assembly, hand wound with high-specification wire\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eCNC-machined one-piece aluminium anodised body — a difficult and expensive process that allows zero-tolerance alignment of every critical dimension\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eSmoked rigid protective cover designed for safe handling during fitting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eNo tie wire, no foam damper — Rega's unique undamped generator design eliminates the high-frequency resonance inherent in conventional moving coil cartridges\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"\u003eRega Lifetime Limited Warranty against manufacturing defects\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"border-border-200 border-t-0.5 my-3 mx-1.5\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003eTechnology \u0026amp; Design\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eMost moving coil cartridges use a steel tie wire suspension system, which creates a high-amplitude resonance in the upper frequencies — typically between 8 and 12 kHz. The standard remedy is a foam rubber damper, which deteriorates with age, cannot eliminate the broader structural ringing, and forces a compromise between brightness and warmth that rarely resolves satisfactorily. Rega took a different view.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThe Apheta 3 contains neither a tie wire nor a foam damper. Instead, it uses a unique rhomboid cantilever pivot — undamped and of ultra-low mass — powered by a purpose-designed neodymium magnet system exclusive to Rega. The coil is hand wound on an iron cross assembly fifty percent smaller than the original Apheta, reducing the moving mass still further and allowing the stylus greater freedom to trace the groove accurately. The one-piece aluminium body is machined to zero tolerance, ensuring that the relationship between the pivot pad mounting hole and the magnet mechanism is precisely maintained — a level of engineering that requires both specialist equipment and considerable experience to achieve consistently.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThe result is a cartridge that moving coil enthusiasts have long sought: extended, clear high frequencies combined with firm, controlled bass, with no artificial damping pulling either characteristic in the wrong direction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"border-border-200 border-t-0.5 my-3 mx-1.5\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003eListening Experience\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThe Apheta 3 has a directness and composure that reflects its engineering priorities. It does not flatter recordings — it simply retrieves what is in the groove with a precision that can be quietly revelatory on well-mastered material. Transient detail is rendered cleanly, without the edginess that lesser moving coil designs can introduce at the top end, while the bass has the kind of definition and weight that comes from low moving mass rather than electronic assistance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eOn complex orchestral passages, the Apheta 3 maintains composure where lesser cartridges begin to smear. On vocal recordings, the absence of resonance artefacts allows the midrange to breathe naturally. Whether your collection leans towards jazz, classical, or rock, it is a cartridge that rewards careful listening without demanding it — the music simply arrives with greater clarity and involvement than you may have been used to.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"border-border-200 border-t-0.5 my-3 mx-1.5\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003eSuggested Pairings\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThe Apheta 3 is a moving coil cartridge and requires an MC-capable phono stage. Within the Rega range, the natural partner is the \u003ca class=\"underline underline underline-offset-2 decoration-1 decoration-current\/40 hover:decoration-current focus:decoration-current\" href=\"https:\/\/shop.martinshifi.co.uk\/products\/rega-aos-mc-phono-stage\"\u003eRega AOS MC phono stage\u003c\/a\u003e at £1,500 — factory pre-set for Rega MC cartridges, with circuit design drawn directly from the reference Aura MC. It is a well-matched and considered step up from the Fono MC for those building a system around the Apheta 3.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eOn the turntable side, Rega recommends the Apheta 3 for the \u003ca class=\"underline underline underline-offset-2 decoration-1 decoration-current\/40 hover:decoration-current focus:decoration-current\" href=\"https:\/\/shop.martinshifi.co.uk\/products\/rega-planar-8-neo\"\u003ePlanar 8\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca class=\"underline underline underline-offset-2 decoration-1 decoration-current\/40 hover:decoration-current focus:decoration-current\" href=\"https:\/\/shop.martinshifi.co.uk\/products\/rega-planar-11\"\u003ePlanar 10\u003c\/a\u003e, where the RB880 and RB3000 tonearms respectively give it the precision bearing performance it deserves. It can also be supplied factory-fitted to either deck at a discounted package rate — ask us for details when ordering. Those coming from the \u003ca class=\"underline underline underline-offset-2 decoration-1 decoration-current\/40 hover:decoration-current focus:decoration-current\" href=\"https:\/\/shop.martinshifi.co.uk\/products\/rega-planar-6\"\u003ePlanar 6\u003c\/a\u003e may find it a rewarding upgrade cartridge, though the step to a Planar 8 body is one worth considering at the same time for the full benefit. If you're uncertain which pairing makes sense for your existing setup, we're well placed to advise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"border-border-200 border-t-0.5 my-3 mx-1.5\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"overflow-x-auto w-full px-2 mb-6\"\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"min-w-full border-collapse text-sm leading-[1.7] whitespace-normal\"\u003e\n\u003cthead class=\"text-left\"\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"col\" class=\"text-text-100 border-b-0.5 border-border-300\/60 py-2 pr-4 align-top font-bold\"\u003eSpecification\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"col\" class=\"text-text-100 border-b-0.5 border-border-300\/60 py-2 pr-4 align-top font-bold\"\u003eDetail\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-border-300\/30 py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eType\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-border-300\/30 py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eMoving coil\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-border-300\/30 py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eStylus profile\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-border-300\/30 py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eFine line nude diamond\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-border-300\/30 py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eTracking pressure\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-border-300\/30 py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003e1.9–2.0 g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-border-300\/30 py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eNominal output voltage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-border-300\/30 py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003e350 μV\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-border-300\/30 py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eInput load impedance\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-border-300\/30 py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003e100 Ω\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-border-300\/30 py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eOutput impedance\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-border-300\/30 py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003e10 Ω\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-border-300\/30 py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eChannel balance\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-border-300\/30 py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003e≥ 20 μV\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-border-300\/30 py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eSeparation\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-border-300\/30 py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003e≥ −29 dB\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-border-300\/30 py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eMass\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-border-300\/30 py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003e6 g\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-border-300\/30 py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eBody\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-border-300\/30 py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eCNC-machined one-piece aluminium\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-border-300\/30 py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eRecommended gain setting\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-border-300\/30 py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003eHigh ('On' position for Rega phono stages)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-border-300\/30 py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003ePrice\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"border-b-0.5 border-border-300\/30 py-2 pr-4 align-top\"\u003e£606\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003chr class=\"border-border-200 border-t-0.5 my-3 mx-1.5\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"text-text-100 mt-3 -mb-1 text-[1.125rem] font-bold\"\u003eThe Right Cartridge, Properly Fitted\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThe Apheta 3 is available to purchase and have professionally fitted at our Norwich showroom. Correct cartridge alignment is critical to getting the best from any moving coil design, and our team has considerable experience with the full Rega range. Factory fitting as part of a turntable package is also available — call us to discuss the options.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eCall \u003ca class=\"underline underline underline-offset-2 decoration-1 decoration-current\/40 hover:decoration-current focus:decoration-current\" href=\"tel:01603627010\"\u003e01603 627010\u003c\/a\u003e, email \u003ca class=\"underline underline underline-offset-2 decoration-1 decoration-current\/40 hover:decoration-current focus:decoration-current\" href=\"mailto:info@martinshifi.co.uk\"\u003einfo@martinshifi.co.uk\u003c\/a\u003e, or visit us at 85–91 Ber Street, Norwich, NR1 3EY.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rega","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57459200491894,"sku":null,"price":1445.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0810\/1147\/files\/apheta-3-intro.jpg?v=1773394247","url":"https:\/\/shop.martinshifi.co.uk\/products\/rega-apheta-3-moving-coil-cartridge","provider":"Martins Hi-Fi","version":"1.0","type":"link"}