Rega Naia - Turntable

The RB Titanium tonearm is the most advanced and precise production tonearm we've ever released. The entire arm structure is designed to minimize mechanical joints while using the stiffest materials in all critical areas. The RB Titanium ensures virtually frictionless movement both horizontally and vertically, with no measurable play in the bearing assemblies. The RB Titanium uses a new one-piece titanium vertical bearing housing and a titanium vertical pivot assembly. The recommended Rega Aphelion 2 MC tonearm will be mounted on our unique one-piece hand-polished aluminum armtube to minimize mass. The design is completed by a tungsten counterweight shaft and counterweight.

To achieve the ultimate balance between low mass and extreme rigidity, Rega pioneered the use of graphene-impregnated carbon and a Tancast 8 polyurethane foam core. Both materials are widely used in the aerospace industry and provide the perfect platform on which to assemble a turntable. The ultra-lightweight random structure of the foam core helps reduce vibration transmission, while the rigidity of the casing ensures that microscopic movements of the plinth do not occur during playback. The addition of graphene further increases the strength and rigidity of the carbon fiber, creating the stiffest production plinth we have ever produced.

The Naia uses a custom aluminum subplatter with a mandrel and center bearing made of ZTA (zirconium-reinforced alumina). ZTA was previously developed for use in much larger machines used in the paper industry. Its abrasion resistance was much higher than that of alumina oxide, making it the perfect material for a center bearing assembly. Exceptionally complex to manufacture, its production is similar to that of other ceramic oxides. Starting from a spray-dried powder preparation, the part is formed in an isostatic press (which applies pressure in all directions to create a uniform density). The part is then turned in its rough state (before firing) and fired at 1600°C for 3 days before the bottom flange and bore are ground before final honing to match the mandrel diameter. The mandrel and bearing are then held together as a single block to ensure a perfect fit.

The ZTA is better at resisting abrasive wear and is exceptionally hard, as both the spindle and bearing are made of the same material. This reduces the risk of wear because they have the same hardness. The spindle runs on an ultra-thin layer of fully synthetic oil, further reducing wear. The result of this complex engineering process is the strongest, most precise, and most durable bearing we've ever produced.

The NAIA Reference Power Supply offers the ultimate in motor control stability, convenient electronic speed switching, advanced anti-vibration control, and user-adjustable electronic speed fine tuning to ensure maximum precision and control over the life of the motor.

Seen in Rega's latest custom case, the reference power supply is designed to run our low-noise 24V motor as quietly and precisely as possible. Motor speed and control are achieved using a highly stable crystal-based Digital Signal Processing (DSP) generator. This device divides the precise square wave from the crystal into the exact frequency needed to spin the platter at the selected speed.

The DSP core also generates a near-perfect sine wave to power the motor. Vibration suppression and fine-tuning of the speed are then performed on the power supply to optimize the performance of each motor.

For three years, Rega worked with chemists to research and develop a new, custom-made rubber compound for drive belts. Using a special vulcanization process, the new drive belt offers superior consistency of elastic modulus (a constant representing the degree to which a substance possesses a particular property, particularly elasticity).

These new belts are produced using state-of-the-art, ultra-precision tooling designed by Rega (inspired by collaboration with the high-tech manufacturer of Formula 1 engine components), resulting in “perfectly round” and “dimensionally accurate” belts, essential for perfect speed stability.

"Mass absorbs energy: lost energy equals lost music!" A super-lightweight plinth combined with a ceramic upper and lower brace, mounted specifically where extra rigidity is needed, between the tonearm mount and the main hub bearing. This forms a structurally solid, "stressed beam" assembly.

This rigid plinth design prevents energy absorption and unwanted resonances that would add unnatural distortion to the music. Likewise, a heavier mass can transfer more unwanted energy, such as motor or bearing noise, directly to the rotating record. The tonearm and cartridge must be able to read accurately, directly from the platter. This unique Rega double-bracing solution ensures the greatest possible detail is recovered.

The use of stiffeners instead of the entire surface allows for increased thickness in these key areas, while further reducing the weight of the plinth, directly addressing the problem of mass absorption and unwanted energy transmission.