About The Rega Planar 6 Turntable
The Rega Planar 6 really takes things to the next level. It features the lightest stiffest plinth ever fitted to a turntable in this class and this provides the perfect platform for the RB330 one piece tonearm, a new precision constructed bearing and sub platter and the speed accurate mass loaded glass platter. The Planar 6 is perfect for high performance cartridges such as the Rega Nd5 or Nd7 moving magnet models. If you want the ultimate, Rega's Ania Pro moving coil cartridge reveals the full musicality this wonderful turntable is capable of.
Audio Trends have been fans of Rega products for over 30 years and particularly the original Planar 3, then the P3 and RP3 and in more recent times, the return of the Planar 3 which has proven to be an absolute winner. For many, the price and performance balance of the Planar 3 - typically well under $2,000 with cartridge - delivers a very satisfying level of performance. However, pay approximately another $1,000 and you get to play with the Planar 6! At first glance they both look pretty much the same, but don't be misled, there is a huge amount of engineering brilliance to be found in the Planar 6 which is not found in the Planar 3.
Excellent build quality, reliability and ease of use combine to make a product which, if used correctly, will offer you a lifetime of musical enjoyment. Omitting unnecessary gimmicks allowed Rega to concentrate the manufacturing costs on the high quality parts necessary to reproduce music accurately. The Planar 6 is fitted with a hand assembled RB330 tonearm, precision main bearing and a low vibration, low noise 24v motor with a Neo electronic power supply hand matched to each individual motor to reduce vibration. The minimalist design of the Rega Planar 6 plus the use of extremely high quality components, ensure that your very precious turntable should last for many years.
Light Weight & Super Rigid Plinth: The Planar 6 is built around the huge success of the RP8 and RP10 turntables. It is the first new Rega turntable to be constructed with an ultra lightweight Tancast 8 polyurethane foam core plinth (a material developed for the aerospace industry). This material is sandwiched between a new HPL (high pressure laminate). HPL is exceptionally thin whilst extremely rigid and is presented in a stunning non-marking Polaris Matt Grey scratch resistant finish with high gloss polymer black edge trim. The Planar 6 also incorporates Rega's double brace technology, with integral custom matched aluminium tonearm and hub pillars to ensure maximum rigidity and accuracy.
Neo Power Supply: The Neo PSU uses the RP10 DSP (digital signal processing) generator built upon a high stability crystal. The DSP generator will divide the accurate signal from the crystal to the exact frequency required to turn the platter at the selected speed. The DSP generator will also produce a near perfect sinusoidal waveform to drive the motor. This, along with an efficient drive amplifier, generates a 24V AC balanced signal of less than 0.15% distortion, which is completely un-affected by any changes in the mains/line voltage and conditions. This then drives the turntables anti-vibration circuit, which is situated beneath the turntable. Result: spot on speed accuracy & stability with zero effect from fluctuations in mains noise & voltage variations - genius!
Rigid Tonearm: Designed using the latest 3D CAD technology the latest RB330 is the culmination of more than 30 years of tonearm design experience. Due to advances in technology Rega has been able to fine tune the iconic RB300 tonearm design (introduced in 1983) and update to the RB330. The RB330 features a brand new tube which has increased rigidity to the bearing housing, arm carrier and headshell, coupled with intelligent redistribution of mass, ensuring this arm will exhibit fewer points of possible resonance. Extreme stability with almost friction free movement from the high precision bearing assemblies will assist in gathering a very high level of information from your vinyl. And on the Planar 6 the RB330 comes with a custom stainless steel counterweight.
Major Changes & Nods to the Past: Sporting cutting edge advances and clear references to the past, the Planar 6 features a number of new features which help make this turntable so alluring in both engineering and sound quality. Rega's upgrade white drive belt is included as standard and winds it's way around a new custom machined high precision drive pulley and a new single piece aluminium sub platter which sits in a patent pending, ultra-low friction central brass hub. The dual layer mass loaded platter comes in a combination of smoked and clear float glass which marries nicely with a return to a smoked acrylic dust cover, a clear nod to the style of the first Rega turntables. All of this style & substance is nicely finished off with the new aluminium foot trims and Planar syle feet.
Cartridge Choice
The Rega Planar 6 does not come standard with a cartridge. Reasons are many including the fact that you may already have a favourite that you wish to install. No problems here. However, the greater majority of our Turntable customers are getting into vinyl for the very first time or are returning after a long absence from the game. If this is you, then you need a cartridge and you need it installed ... and properly! We have several staff who are expert in installing, aligning and tweaking Turntables (for example, adjusting the VTA) and best of all one of them will do all that free of charge when you purchase any of our recommendations. It takes about 45 minutes to do it properly, so please phone ahead if you wish to come by and collect.
Although the Planar 6 is not in the esoteric league, it is designed for listeners who have a serious musical appreciation. One of the following Audio Trends favourites will deliver optimal results at a fair price. No question, the Rega Nd5 is the first choice if you are limited by budget or already have a moving magnet phono input you wish to use. For not too much more, the Rega Nd7 Moving Magnet Cartridge is definitely the cartridge of choice. This combo has a sound synergy and cost performance ratio that is very, very hard to go past. Mate the Planar 6/Nd7 combo with a Rega Fono MM Phono Preamp & you'll be in vinyl heaven for an extremely reasonable price. Of course, if you want the ultimate Planar 6 setup then you need the Ania Pro Moving Coil Cartridge preferable going into a Rega Aria Phono Preamp. That is one amazing sounding combo.
Rega Planar 6 Turntable Reviews
"Unbox the new Rega Planar 6 and you'd be forgiven for expecting a turntable experience not dissimilar to the company's long line of Award-winning turntables. But this new and improved deck marks a huge step up in performance from the previous generation - and that former Award-winner was hardly shabby. The previous RP6 came fitted with an Exact moving-magnet cartridge. This option is still available ... but the company now offers a variant with its new Ania moving-coil cartridge. That's what we have on test here.
The Rega Planar 6/Ania's masterful handle on rhythm and subtle detail is better than before, with refinement adding to the deck's customarily musical and insightful performance. We're impressed with Rega's new level of performance. The Planar 6's balanced, mature presentation is something you'll appreciate the more you listen to it. So get listening
Our Verdict: Rega aims high and scores with a wonderfully refined, articulate and precise turntable that's lovely to listen to" What Hi-Fi?
"The belt-driven unsuspended Planar 6 doesn't deliver the ultimate punch, detail, or transporting emotional thrill of the very finest vinyl playback gear money can buy, but that's hardly the point, or the design goal. The point is that like all the best and longest-lived audio gear, the Planar 6 compels us to play record after record, to revisit music we love, and explore music we have yet to discover. To say that the Planar 6 sets a new standard for Rega 'tables at this price point is not damning with faint praise; it's instead high praise for what Rega has accomplished - and continues to." The Absolute Sound Editors' Choice Awards 2023
Our Take On The Rega Planar 6
The Rega Planar 6 represents a significant leap in performance and design, setting it apart in its class. Its ultra-lightweight and rigid plinth, made with aerospace-grade Tancast 8 polyurethane foam, offers a solid platform for superior sound reproduction. This material is sandwiched between high-pressure laminates, ensuring durability while maintaining a sleek, scratch-resistant finish. Paired with the RB330 tonearm and precision-crafted components like the mass-loaded glass platter and sub-platter, the Planar 6 is engineered for exceptional speed accuracy and stability. It also features Rega's Neo power supply, which ensures consistent motor speed, unaffected by mains voltage fluctuations, delivering outstanding musical accuracy and clarity.
With its minimalist design and high-quality components, the Planar 6 is designed for long-term performance and durability. It offers an impressive soundstage when combined with high-performance cartridges such as the Rega Nd5 or Nd7 moving magnet models. For those seeking the ultimate audio experience at anywhere near this price point, the Rega Ania Pro moving coil cartridge fully unleashes the turntable's potential. Though priced above the entry-level Planar 3, the additional engineering and precision make the Planar 6 an excellent value for those serious about vinyl playback. Its blend of advanced technology and nods to classic Rega design - like the smoked acrylic dust cover - make it a favourite among audiophiles seeking high fidelity without unnecessary gimmicks.
Main Features & Specifications
- Design: Fully Manual Belt Drive Turntable
- Cartridge Options: Available without Cartridge or with Rega Nd5 (Nude Elliptical) or Rega Nd7 (Nude Fine Line) Moving Magnet Cartridge or Rega Ania Pro (Nude Vital) Moving Coil Cartridge Factory Fitted & Aligned
- The Planar 6 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.
- Electronic Speed Change: Two Speeds: 33⅓/45 rpm
- Tonearm: Hand assembled RB330 Tonearm: High precision bearing assembly & stainless-steel counterweight
- Platter: Mass loaded custom dual layer smoked / clear 16mm thick float glass platter: Includes deluxe 100% wool mat
- Power Supply: Fully regulated outboard Neo Power Supply with 33 ⅓/45 Speed Change Supplied Standard. Each motor matched by hand to its own Neo PSU ensuring optimum anti-vibration control.
- Lid: Includes Hinged Smoked Acrylic Dustcover
- Available Finishes: Matt Polaris Grey or Matt White
- Turntable Dimensions (WxHxD): 448 x 120 x 365mm (dustcover closed)
- Neo PSU Dimensions (WxHxD): 180 x 50 x 155mm
- Turntable Weight: 5.2kg
- Neo PSU Weight: 0.6kg
- Origin: Engineered & Manufactured In England
- Manufacturer's Warranty: Turntable 3 Years, Cartridge 90 Days
- Learn more about Rega
Note: Main Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE.