Rega Apheta 2 Cartridge

[Amadave]

Has anyone has heard this cartridge? If so, what are your impressions. How does it compare to the original Apheta? I am consider upgrading if the difference is substantial. I have the Rega RP10 turntable.

[miner]

Be sure you are able to load it down to 50 ohms for best sound. You have a superb turntable.

[Jerome W]

Originally Posted by miner

Be sure you are able to load it down to 50 ohms for best sound. You have a superb turntable.

Yes absolutely.
I listened to the Apheta on a RP6 and with a Rega IOS phono stage. The music sounded truly phenomenal. If the Apheta 2 is better, and you have the phonostage for it, then you'll be in the train for paradise.

[audio bill]

Found some related discussion about the comparison in the Naim forum which you may find helpful. I hope that it's ok to post the link provided, I initially tried to make it inactive but the system automatically embedded it as an active URL.

[Amadave]

Originally Posted by Jerome W

Yes absolutely. I listened to the Apheta on a RP6 and with a Rega IOS phono stage. The music sounded truly phenomenal. If the Apheta 2 is better, and you have the phonostage for it, then you'll be in the train for paradise.

I currently have the Rega Aria phono stage. It looks like the jump to the IOS is a pretty big jump price wise. Maybe next time I'm at the dealer, I give both the Apheta 2 and IOS a listen.

[Amadave]

Originally Posted by miner

Be sure you are able to load it down to 50 ohms for best sound. You have a superb turntable.

I have the Aria phono stage and manual recommends 100 ohms with the Apheta cartridge. It does have an adjustment to go to 70 ohms. What, if any, would be the effect of going from 100 to 70 ohms. I'm not very technical.

[Amadave]

Originally Posted by audio bill

Found some related discussion about the comparison in the Naim forum which you may find helpful. I hope that it's ok to post the link provided, I initially tried to make it inactive but the system automatically embedded it as an active URL.

Thanks for the link. It sounds like at least one of the commenters feels like there is a big difference.

[Antonmb]

With the RP10, if your budget will allow you might also consider Rega's new Aphelion cartridge. It's just been announced recently so it may not be readily available yet but should be a significant step up from the Apheta.

[Dr Tone]

Originally Posted by Amadave

I have the Aria phono stage and manual recommends 100 ohms with the Apheta cartridge. It does have an adjustment to go to 70 ohms. What, if any, would be the effect of going from 100 to 70 ohms. I'm not very technical.

Warmer & fatter, slightly less dynamic. You can use the resistance setting to fine tune the sound to your preference. Slightly higher than recommended will thin the sound down a bit but increase dynamics and the opposite in the other direction.

I know the general agreement was 50-70 for the original Apheta but not sure if it's still the consensus with the Apheta 2. Each person's overall system will dictate the best setting.