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v.1.9.0 updated 07/17/2026

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Rega Carbon

The Rega Carbon ships as the stock cartridge on the British maker's entry level turntables. This MM design pairs a conical stylus with a 2.5 mV output for any standard MM phono input. Rated tracking force runs from 2.0 to 3.0 g. The replaceable stylus is the Carbon Stylus, and Phono Culture lists 2 compatible replacement styli.

HomeBrand
Mounting
standard 1/2"
Weight & Dimensions (H×W×D)
5 g
Output Voltage
2.5 mV
Recommended Load
47 kΩ
Tracking Force
2.0–3.0 g
Cantilever
carbon

Additional Info

The Rega Carbon is forgiving and easygoing, smoothing surface noise so worn records stay listenable. Its carbon cantilever and spherical tip give a warm, natural midrange with lifelike vocals and solid dynamics, while outright detail and tracking precision take a back seat. Bass runs full rather than razor-tight, an easy match for rock, pop and vintage LPs on modest systems. The stylus is replaceable, keeping running costs low.

Replacement styluses for Rega Carbon

RegaCarbon Pro Upgrade StylusElliptical
Audio-TechnicaATN3600LConical
Sound × Setup
Detail
62%
IGD Control
58%
Noise Suppression
64%
Dynamics—Attack
68%
Soundstage/Imaging
65%
Bass Density
66%
Vocals/Midrange
70%
Forgiving Character
78%
Tonearm mass medium 46%
light 31%·heavy 23%
Capacitance up to 100 pF 60%
100-200 pF 30%·from 200 pF 10%
Phono gain 43–46 dB 75%
35–38 dB 0%·39–42 dB 25%
Rega Carbon (MM) pairs well with medium-mass tonearms. Requires 43–46 dB gain phono stage; ensure low capacitance (<100pF) interconnects to avoid treble rolloff. Ideal match: integrated amps with dedicated MM input or quality external preamp. Tracking force: 1.75g. Excellent entry-level choice.
Collectors
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add 01/29/2026 · upd. 08/02/2026