About The Rega Planar 3 RS Edition Turntable
The Rega Planar 3 RS (Rega Special) Edition is constructed using a brand-new aluminium metal skin HPL laminate to create the stiffest plinth at Planar 3 level Rega have produced. This stunning dark brushed metallic plinth, edged in high gloss black creates a stunning platform for the iconic Planar 3. The RS Edition includes a custom matched Neo MK2 PSU with each motor vibration circuit hand tuned to each individual motor. This low noise 24v motor drives the sub platter via Rega's Reference EBLT drive belt for ultimate accuracy in speed control. Finally, the legendary handmade RB330 tonearm is mounted and supplied with the award winning Nd5 moving magnet cartridge.
Optimising an Icon: Rega has pioneered the use of lightweight, ultra-rigid plinths over many years. The 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 Planar 3 RS Edition takes this design philosophy to the next level using a High Pressure Laminate, (HPL) usually reserved for the Planar 6, Planar 8 and Planar 10 models for increased rigidity. In addition, this premium HPL has a stunning brushed metal dark aluminium skin with a beautiful satin finish. You will also find Rega's 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. The Planar 3 RS Edition employs a 3 mm phenolic bottom brace and metalized skin phenolic top brace.
This complex 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 allows double thickness phenolic resin in these key areas which directly addresses the issue of mass absorption and unwanted energy transmission.
ND5 Moving Magnet Cartridge: Each Nd5 is meticulously hand-made by Rega's highly skilled technicians. The stylus profile is a perfect elliptical nude diamond. This is a true ellipse created by an elliptical grinding process made from polycrystalline manmade diamond. The design uses brand new generator geometry with perfect symmetry to achieve accurate channel balance. The Nd5 also has an optimised pole gap for superior linearity and cross talk characteristics. This provides a far wider soundstage than the previous models. This new cartridge is created with miniaturised parallel coils which are wound in house utilising 38-micron wire with just 1275 turns. This produces a low inductance, low impedance generator giving vastly improved high frequency response. In keeping with Rega's commitment to sustainability, the Nd range is supplied in 100% recyclable packaging. The Nd5 was recently reviewed by Hi-Fi Choice "it is abundantly clear that Rega has built a bit of a star turn here. The Nd5 is a dramatic improvement on its long-running forebears (Elys2 and Exact) and one of the very best designs available for £300 right now".
Plinth: Brushed dark aluminium skinned HPL laminated plinth for improved rigidity.
Motor: 24 V low noise low voltage precision motor and PCB assembly, fitted with a custom CNC machined aluminium pulley.
Neo MK2 PSU: The Neo MK2 PSU is an advanced turntable power supply providing user controllable fine speed adjustment, an advanced anti-vibration motor circuit and the convenience of electronic speed change. The Neo MK2 reduces motor noise, improves speed stability and rotational speed accuracy.
Central Bearing: The Rega designed and patented brass main hub central bearing features improved fit and construction, reducing stress on the bearing itself.
Tonearm: The RB330 tonearm was designed using the latest 3D CAD & CAM technology and is the culmination of more than 40 years of tonearm design experience. Rega's latest bearing housing and tonearm tube designed using intelligent redistribution of mass ensures this arm will exhibit fewer points of possible resonance. Extreme stability, zero play in the bearings and almost friction free movement from the new high precision bearing assemblies guarantees to gather more information from your vinyl than ever before.
Our Take
The Rega Planar 3 RS Edition Turntable elevates the iconic Planar 3 design with cutting-edge enhancements and premium features. Its stunning brushed dark aluminium HPL laminated plinth, edged in high-gloss black, combines lightweight construction with exceptional rigidity to minimise resonance and distortion, ensuring pristine audio playback. Central to its performance is the handmade RB330 tonearm, optimised for stability and precision, paired with the Nd5 moving magnet cartridge featuring an elliptical nude diamond stylus for unparalleled soundstage and clarity. The 24V low-noise motor, tuned individually to the Neo MK2 PSU, offers refined speed stability and vibration control. Complemented by a 12mm opti-white glass platter, Reference EBLT drive belt, and a smoked dust cover, the Planar 3 RS embodies Rega's dedication to audio fidelity and craftsmanship.
Main Features & Specifications
- Design: Manual, Belt Drive Turntable with Rega Nd5 Moving Magnet Cartridge and Rega Neo MK2 Power Supply
- Brushed Metal Dark Aluminium HPL Laminated Plinth
- RB330 Precision Tonearm
- Nd5 MM Cartridge Factory Fitted
- Neo MK2 PSU included (Electronic Speed Control + Anti Vibration Circuit)
- 24 V Low Noise, Low Vibration Motor, Hand Tuned to the Custom Neo PSU Mk2
- CNC Machined Custom Pulley
- Reference EBLT Drive Belt fitted as standard
- Double Brace Technology
- 12 mm Float Glass Opti-White Polished Platter
- Supplied with a Smoked Dust Cover as standard
Planar 3 RS Edition Turntable
- Tonearm: Hand Assembled RB330 Precision Tonearm
- Motor: 24 V Low Noise Motor
- Platter: 12 mm Glass Polished Edge
- Connectivity: RCA - Phono
- Power: Via Mini DIN from Neo PSU
- Turntable Dimensions (WxHxD): 447 x 117 x 360 mm (lid closed)
- Turntable Weight: 6.0 kg
Nd5 Cartridge
- Nominal output voltage 5-6mV
- Stylus Perfect elliptical nude diamond
- Fixing 3-point fixing
- Coils Miniaturised parallel coils
- Tracking pressure 1.75g
Neo MK2 Power Supply
- Neo Mk2 PSU: 24 V AC protected by resettable fuse
- Power Consumption: 7.2 W
- Voltage: 24 V AC
- Wall Power Supply: Rega PS1 only
- Speed Control Step Size: 0.01 RPM
- Neo PSU Dimensions: 180 x 50 x 150 mm
General
- 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.
- Manufacturer's Warranty: Rega Components carry a Three Year Warranty covering Full Parts & Labour and a Lifetime Warranty against Manufactured Defect. Cartridges, Styli and Consumables carry a 90-day warranty.
- Designed & Manufactured In England
Note: Main Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE.