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Rega Planar 3 RS
RS Edition
new
The Rega Planar 3 RS Edition (ega pecial) 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
- Brushed Metallic
Available in metallic brushed aluminium
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 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.
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Professional Reviews 90/100
Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
88/100
Build Quality
91/100
Features Usability
88/100
Value for Money
96/100
The Planar 3 RS delivers rhythmically assured, deeply involving vinyl playback, pairing agile musical flow with transparent tonal balance. Its Nd5 cartridge brings fast, hard-hitting bass and an open, detailed treble that stays composed with imperfect records, while the rigid HPL plinth, RB330 arm and Neo PSU elevate this into a remarkably polished performance package. Sound Advice also praises its exceptional value.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Exceptionally agile, immersive timing and musical flow, particularly with fast or energetic recordings.
Transparent, low-colouration presentation with fast, detailed, hard-hitting bass and an exciting yet non-fatiguing treble.
Excellent fit and finish; the lightweight design still feels robust, refined and confidence-inspiring.
Strong value: the included upgrades cost substantially less than specifying them individually on a standard Planar 3.
&
Cons
More vulnerable to external vibration on unsuitable furniture, so it performs best on a dedicated shelf or carefully isolated support.
The external power supply requires additional space, and cartridge changes may need an arm spacer because VTA is not adjustable.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 88/100
The Planar 3 RS is praised for an unusually direct, rhythmically assured and immersive presentation, with particularly strong results on fast, energetic music. Its musical strengths are tempered by placement sensitivity, while the supplied arm receives little direct performance commentary.
Overall Sound
96/100
Sound Advice describes an effortless command of musical flow, agility and timing that keeps the listener fully immersed rather than merely observing. It also praises the RS's transparency and lack of coloration, alongside fast, hard-hitting bass and a detailed, exciting treble that avoids becoming fatiguing.
Speed Stability
88/100
The review repeatedly commends the deck's sense of timing and its ability to make fast material feel agile and coherent. It does not provide measured wow-and-flutter results or directly discuss long-term pitch accuracy, although the Neo PSU offers fine electronic speed adjustment.
Tonearm Performance
83/100
The RS uses Rega's hand-assembled RB330 precision tonearm, paired here with the Nd5 cartridge. The review identifies the arm as part of the established Planar 3 package but offers little direct comment on bearing behavior, adjustability or tracking performance.
Noise Isolation
78/100
The reviewer warns that the relatively solid, simple Rega is more susceptible to outside interference on unsuitable furniture than some Pro-Ject alternatives. A dedicated wall shelf or carefully chosen support is recommended for it to perform at its best.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
91/100
Sound Advice finds the fit and finish excellent, and says the lightweight, simple construction nevertheless feels robust, substantial and confidence-inspiring. The polished-edge glass platter, RB330 arm and well-executed plinth contribute to a package that feels appropriately special.
Features Usability
88/100
The Neo Mk2 PSU provides electronic speed control with fine adjustment, while the package includes the RB330 arm and Nd5 cartridge. This remains a focused manual turntable rather than a convenience-led design, and it benefits from thoughtful placement on a dedicated support.
Value for Money
96/100
At £999, Sound Advice calculates that the RS saves at least £200 versus specifying its upgrades individually on a standard model. The reviewer calls it sensational value and identifies it as the best £1,000 turntable available, while acknowledging that the £600 Pro-Ject Debut Evo 2 remains the cheaper alternative.
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Authorized dealers for Rega Planar 3 RS
- Absoulute Audio plus Video — in-store — Aiken, South Carolina, United States (website)
- In Living Stereo — in-store — New York City, New York, United States (website)
- Resolution A/V — in-store — New York City, New York, United States (website)
- The Music Room — online and in-store — Erie, Colorado, United States (website)
- 3mA Audio — online and in-store — Houston, Texas, United States (website)
- A Tube High Fidelity — online and in-store — Almere, Flevoland, Netherlands (website)
- Accent On Music — in-store — Mount Kisco, New York, United States (website)
- Acoustic Image — in-store — Los Angeles, California, United States (website)
- Acoustic Sounds — online and in-store — Salina, Kansas, United States (website)
- Acoustic Streams — in-store — Lower Drift, England, United Kingdom (website)
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