Rega - Rega Planar 3

Planar 3 RS

The Rega Planar 3 RS Edition (Rega Special) is constructed using a brand-new aluminium metal skin HPL laminate to create the stiffest plinth at Planar 3 level we 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 our Reference EBLT drive belt for ultimate accuracy in speed control. Finally, the legendary handmade RB330 tonearm is mounted and supplied with the all new award winning Nd5 moving magnet cartridge. 

Optimising an icon.

Rega has pioneered the use of lightweight, ultra rigid plinths over many years. Our 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 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 our 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 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.

Key Features

Brushed metal dark aluminium HPL laminated plinth

RB330 Precision tonearm

Nd5 MM cartridge factory fitted

Neo turntable PSU MK2 included (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.

Lifetime warranty against manufacture defects

Nd5 Moving Magnet Cartridge

Each Nd5 is meticulously hand-made by our 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 our 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.

Double brace technology

3 mm phenolic bottom brace and metalized skin phenolic top brace. The Planar 3 RS Editions plinth is strengthened further  using our double brace system. 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 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 which directly addresses the issue of mass absorption and unwanted energy transmission.

Central bearing

Rega designed patented brass main hub central bearing, 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. Featuring our latest bearing housing and tonearm tube designed using intelligent redistribution of mass, ensure 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.

Technical Specifications