The Rega Planar 3 is the latest version of the belt-driven, non-suspension model that has been in production for 40 years. Such a simple description of the device hides quite interesting details of its design. In general, many people associate the Rega brand itself with this turntable. And for decades, this model was on the list of priorities for everyone who chose a vinyl disc player. In other words, refining this turntable was a responsible task.
The Rega Planar 3 features a new RB330 tonearm, designed using CAD and 3D modeling. The tonearm has a cone tube with an integrated permanent shell, a new steel counterweight and is equipped with high-precision, low-friction bearings. During its development, much attention was paid to precise mass distribution in order to reduce resonances. This turntable has a pre-installed proprietary Elys 2 MM cartridge and an interconnect cable with Neutrik RCA connectors, which has low capacitance.
The Rega Planar 3 table is made of a denser material than the previous model, and is finished in glossy acrylic in black or white (your choice). The element reinforcing the rigidity of the body, made in accordance with the proprietary Double Brace Technology, is represented by two plates connecting the base of the tonearm with the main bearing block. The bottom plate, 3 mm thick (versus 2 mm for RP3), is placed on the bottom of the table and is made of phenolic resin, and the top plate uses the same resin, but with a metallized surface. Such a rigid design guarantees resistance to resonances with a relatively small weight of the turntable. The electric motor has an updated control board, improved cooling, receives 24 V power from the adapter and is characterized by a low noise level. To select the required disk rotation speed (33.3 or 45 rpm), simply transfer the belt from one motor pulley to another. An external Rega TT-PSU power supply with an electronic speed switching system is available as an option. The table received three new support legs made of Santoprene, which effectively cope with vibrations. The model now looks even more laconic, since its power switch has moved under the body panel.
The main bearing has been redesigned and has an improved seat, and its modified design reduces the load on the bearing itself. To transmit torque from the engine to the support disc, a belt and a new, more rigid hub (sub-disc) are used. The material for the support disk is cleared Optiwhite glass with a thickness of 12 mm. The kit includes a felt mat.
Characteristics of Rega Planar 3
Drive type: belt drive
Supported disk rotation speeds 33.3 and 45 rpm, manual speed switching
Support disk material: 12 mm thick, clear Optiwhite glass, felt mat included
Support disk hub material (sub-platter): light, durable polycarbonate Makrolon
The turntable table is made of high-density MDF, has a glossy acrylic coating; two plates connect the base of the tonearm to the main bearing block (Double Brace technology) to provide the necessary rigidity
Synchronous electric motor, AC, 24 V, low noise, low vibration
RB330 tonearm, straight, swivel, fixed shell, tapered cast aluminum tube, anti-skating, new 100g mild steel counterweight with adjustable downforce; effective tonearm length: 237 mm
Rega Elys 2 MM cartridge included (in this configuration), elliptical stylus profile, optimal tracking force: 1.75 g
Acrylic dust cover
Power supply external adapter, Rega TT-PSU power supply with electronic speed switching is optionally available disk rotation
Dimensions (WxHxD) 447x117x360 mm
Weight 6 kg
