The Naia uses a custom aluminium sub-platter with a spindle and central bearing manufactured from ZTA (zirconium toughened alumina). ZTA was formerly developed for use in much larger machines used in the paper industry. The resistance against abrasion was much higher than alumina oxide which makes it the perfect material to construct a central bearing assembly from. Exceptionally complex to make, production is similar to other oxide ceramics. Starting life as a powder preparation with spray drying, the piece is formed in an isostatic press (which applies pressure in all directions to create even density). The piece is then turned in a green state (before firing) then fired at 1600 °C for 3 days before grinding the bottom flange and bore before final honing to match the spindle diameter. The spindle and bearing are then kept together as a set to guarantee the perfect fit.
ZTA is better against abrasive wear and is exceptionally hard, with both the spindle and bearing being manufactured from identical material. This reduces the risk of wear as they have identical hardness. The spindle will run on an ultra-thin layer of fully synthetic oil which reduces wear even further. The result of this complex engineering process is the hardest, most accurate and longest lasting bearing assembly we have ever produced.
The NAIA reference power supply offers the ultimate in motor control stability, convenient electronic speed change, advanced anti-vibration control and user adjustable, electronic fine speed adjustment to ensure total accuracy and control over the life of the motor.
Housed in Rega’s latest custom-designed case, the reference PSU is dedicated to running our 24v, low noise motor as quietly and as accurately as possible. The speed and control of the motor is achieved by using a DSP (Digital Signal Processing) generator built upon a high stability crystal. This device will divide the accurate square wave from the crystal to the exact frequency required to turn the platter at the selected speed.
The DSP core will also generate a near perfect sinusoidal waveform to power the motor. Factory set vibration removal and fine speed adjustments are then made to the power supply to tune each motor for optimal performance.
EBLT TRIPLE BELT DRIVE
For three years, Rega has been researching and developing with chemists the use of a bespoke new rubber compound for drive belts. Using a specialised curing system, the new drive belt offers superior consistency of modulus (a constant representing the degree to which a substance has a particular property, especially elasticity).
These new belts are manufactured on Rega designed, state of the art, super-accurate tools (inspired by working with the manufacturer of high-tech Formula 1 engine parts) which produce ‘perfectly round’ and ‘dimensionally accurate’ belts, critical for perfect speed stability.
DB TECHNOLOGY (DOUBLE BRACE TECHNOLOGY)
“Mass absorbs energy - lost energy equals lost music”! A super lightweight plinth combined with a ceramic top and bottom brace mounted specifically where the increased rigidity is required between the tonearm mounting and the main hub bearing. This forms a structurally sound, “stressed beam,” assembly.
This rigid plinth design prevents energy absorption and unwanted resonances which will add unnatural distortions to the music. Equally, heavier mass can transfer more unwanted energy such as motor or bearing noise directly into the rotating record. The tonearm and cartridge must be able to read accurately, directly from the platter. This unique Rega double brace solution guarantees as much detail is retrieved as possible.
The use of braces instead of the complete skin allows increased thickness in these key areas whilst providing further weight reduction to the plinth which directly addresses the issue of mass absorption and unwanted energy transmission.
