About The Rega Planar 3 Turntable
A refined classic, the Rega Planar 3 can trace its lineage all the way back to the original turntable produced by Rega in 1973. All the hallmarks are present and accounted for, such as a thick glass platter, one piece RB330 tonearm, outboard power supply option and a nice selection of finishes.
The Rega design team has worked tirelessly to improve every aspect of this turntable offering improved ergonomics, usability and first and foremost, sonic performance. The new 'Planar 3' is truly a new turntable from Rega and carries over just two components from the previous model.
"Mass Absorbs Energy - Lost Energy Equals Lost Music!" Roy Gandy
DB Technology (Double Brace Technology): Rega pioneered the use of lightweight rigid plinths. Tradition was the heavier the plinth or base the better the performance. However, clever use of lightweight particulate core with a highly rigid phenolic resin skin became the foundations of the high level of performance achieved by the now iconic original Planar range. The new Planar 3 takes this design philosophy to the next level. A lightweight acrylic laminated plinth strengthened using a new improved double brace system mounted specifically where the increased rigidity is required (between the tonearm mounting and the main hub bearing) which forms a structurally sound "stressed beam" assembly. This rigid plinth design prevents energy absorption and unwanted resonance, 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 use of braces instead of the complete skin allows double thickness phenolic resin in these key areas while providing further weight reduction to the plinth which directly addresses the issue of mass absorption and unwanted energy transmission. The Planar 3 is available in three high-gloss finishes - high-gloss black, high-gloss white and our favourite, high-gloss red.
RB330 Tonearm: Designed using the latest 3D CAD & CAM technology, the new RB330 is the culmination of more than 35 years of tonearm design experience. Featuring a brand new bearing housing and Rega's latest tonearm tube designed using intelligent redistribution of mass ensure this arm will exhibit fewer points of possible resonance. Extreme stability with almost friction free movement from the new high precision bearing assemblies guarantees to gather more information from your vinyl than ever before.
- Featuring a new bias assembly, re-designed stiffer vertical bearing housing, integrated arm clip and an improved spring housing with easier to read numbers.
- Rega made, new low capacitance phono cable with Neutrik RCA plugs
- Improved lower friction, precision horizontal and vertical bearings
- New design 100g mild steel balance weight
Other Features Of The Planar 3
The new Planar 3 has a re-designed brass main hub central bearing, improved fit and construction reducing stress on the bearing itself. The sub-platter has also been re-designed for improved accuracy and improved stiffness. Really this is just a tweak as the previous models were very good. Same with the 12mm glass platter. It has a new float glass 'Optiwhite' polished rim which delivers great manufacturing accuracy and stunning looks. Well some of us think so! Even the support feet have been tweaked to increase stability and reduce vibration transfer. There is also a new and improved motor control PCB with integration for the addition of the optional Neo PSU for electronic speed change and improved advanced anti-vibration circuit. The Rega Neo PSU is sold separately and the improvement in sound quality and convenience is not subtle.
Cartridge Choice For The Planar 3
Most of our customers who purchase a Turntable like the Rega Planar 3 are doing so for the first time. They've often had it recommended by a friend or read one of the many favourable reviews -like the one below - and want something a bit better than the entry point Turntables ($400 - $600) but don't want to "go overboard!" If this sounds like you, then you will probably need a Phono Cartridge to suit. The Rega Planar 3 doesn't normally come supplied with a Cartridge which allows you to choose. If you're new to this area, then it can be a minefield! So, what to do?
Our go to Cartridge recommendations for the Planar 3 include the Elys or Exact moving magnet cartridges made by Rega themselves or, alternatively, the 2MR Blue moving magnet cartridge from Ortofon. Yes, the Planar 3/RB330 will also do justice to the Rega Ania Moving Coil Cartridge if you can spare the extra dosh but depending on what makes up the rest of your system we would probably suggest you shell out for the Rega RP6/Ania combo instead.
A Typical Rega Planar 3 Review
The good folk at Hi-Fi Choice gave the Planar 3 an Editor's Choice Award and said the following:
"How substantial are the changes to the new Planar 3? Rega claims that only two parts of the Planar 3 are shared with the outgoing RP3, effectively making it all new. If you look closely, however, it quickly becomes clear that while the basic form is the same as before, there are some key differences. Key to the way that the Planar functions is a new bracing system that links the arm mount and bearing together... This makes the Planar 3 a great deal more rigid and controls the movement between the two. Rega calls this arrangement a 'stressed beam' and claims that coupled with the stiffer plinth, the Planar 3 is considerably more inert than any previous version, which should audibly reduce distortion. The arm has been even more heavily reworked. The new RB330 is visibly similar to the old RB300, but given it includes a new bearing housing, arm tube and counterweight, it can realistically be thought of as all new...
In many ways the sonic performance of the Planar 3 echoes the aesthetic improvements that have been made. There is a substance to the sound that shines through almost regardless of the partnering equipment, managing to create a sense of space and soundstage where many similarly priced rivals might struggle. There is a three dimensionality to the Planar 3 which allows it to sound believable and consistently enjoyable. This spaciousness doesn't require a toe tapping beat to reveal itself either. The lovely repress of Air's Moon Safari is involving and intimate, but still possesses an ambience that makes it sound real. The beautiful 'All I Need' is delivered with an almost liquid quality with Beth Hirsch's vocals layered effortlessly across a soundstage that is simply exceptional.
Something that helps across a wide variety of music is the fact that the Planar 3 has gained a bass response that is deeply impressive for a turntable built from these materials at this price point. It manages to produce powerful and impressively deep bass that never loses the texture and detail needed to be a convincing part of the performance rather than big uncontrolled slabs of low end.
The Planar 3 is consistently entertaining. It is unfazed by any genre of music that is thrown at it and the basic attributes it possesses are consistent regardless of whether you're listening to something small scale and elegant or a massive piece of live rock... More than almost any relatively affordable turntable I have listened to in recent times, it doesn't require the caveat that it is good at the price. This consistency and ability is admirable, but what really impresses is that it also manages to impart very little of itself while it does so.
There is unquestionably some of the life and energy that's often associated with Rega turntables, but the Planar 3 gives fine neutrality and should be as happy in a low-power valve setup as a high-power solid state one." Hi-Fi Choice
Our Take On The Rega Planar 3 Turntable
We have been fans of Rega for decades and we don't think there are more than one or two 'old-timers' that can lay claim to selling the product longer than we have. Roy Gandy has been selling his turntables for over 50 years and not just one now and again. Sales around the world are staggering. You will struggle to find a review anywhere that bags or discredits the brand. They are extremely well engineered and therefore give their owners many years of pleasure. Plus they sound amazing... and that's why we sell them! Believe what you read because it's all true.
Main Features & Specifications
- Design: Two Speed Manual Belt Drive Turntable
- The Planar 3 is a manual turntable. If you would like a neat semi-automatic solution which looks good and operates flawlessly the Audio Technica AT6006R Tonearm Safety Raiser is a great way to automatically lift the tonearm at the end of the record, reducing stylus wear.
- Tonearm: Latest RB330 Tonearm with 3-Point Mounting
- Lift: There is a Hydraulic Lift on the Tonearm
- Special Features: Double Brace technology
- Plinth: Light Weight Plinth Design
- Platter: Superb 12mm Glass Platter
- Drive Belt: Advanced EBLT Drive Belt fitted as standard
- Mat: Includes a Black Wool Mat
- Dustcover: Includes hinged clear Acrylic dustcover/lid
- Motor: 24 Volt low noise low vibration hand tuned motor assembly
- Speeds: 33⅓ & 45 rpm – manual speed change. Optional Neo PSU provides electronic speed change.
- Upgrade Power Supply: Naturally the Planar 3 comes standard with a Rega power supply. But you can upgrade to the optional fully regulated Neo PSU which gives you the convenience of electronic speed change at the touch of a button and, more importantly, better performance. Believe us, the improvement in sound quality is well worth it.
- Available Finishes: Gloss Black, Gloss White, Gloss Red & Light Oak Effect
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 447 x 117 x 360mm - Lid closed
- Nett Weight: 6 kg
- Designed & Manufactured In England
- Manufacturer's Warranty: 3 Years
- Learn more about Rega
Note: Main Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE.