P6 RS resume :
The Rega Planar 6 RS Edition is a special edition of the Planar 6 built around a high-pressure laminate (HPL) plinth coated in aluminium, the most rigid and neutral plinth Rega has ever designed for its turntables. It borrows several key parts from the Planar 8: the hand-built RB880 tonearm, the main bearing, the twin Rega Reference EBLT belt drive, and the Neo PSU MK2 power supply individually adjusted with each motor. Supplied with the manufacturer’s flagship MM cartridge, the Rega Nd9, it needs a phono preamplifier to join your system. Tested and auditioned in the maPlatine.com listening room in Rennes.
A best-seller of the British manufacturer for more than 40 years, the Planar 6 gets a special edition that shakes up the range. The new Rega Planar 6 RS Edition introduces a brand-new HPL laminate combined with an aluminium coating.
The result is clear: the most rigid and neutral plinth Rega has ever designed for its turntables. And as often with Rega, the spec sheet tells a story of trickle-down from the higher end, first and foremost the Planar 8.
We received, measured and auditioned it in our listening room in Rennes. Here is what to take away from this RS edition, and which products to pair it with to get the most out of it.
For full details, availability and customer reviews, see the Rega Planar 6 RS product page on maPlatine.com.
Rega, the pioneer of lightweight, ultra-rigid plinths
Rega is the first brand to have chosen lightweight, ultra-rigid plinths. For many years, the manufacturer has used a lightweight particle core coated with a very rigid phenolic resin.
This choice is behind the high level of performance achieved by the brand’s turntables. The Planar 6 RS Edition pushes this philosophy even further.
Discover all the Rega products available at maPlatine.com.
An HPL plinth clad in aluminium: the most rigid in the range
The Planar 6 RS Edition receives, as the P3 RS did before it, a high-pressure laminate (HPL) usually reserved for the Planar 6, Planar 8 and Planar 10 models. It is covered with a dark brushed metal plate, edged in lacquered black. The whole forms a highly aesthetic plinth.
This complex design prevents energy absorption and unwanted resonances, which would add unnatural distortion to the music. Conversely, a heavier mass can transfer more unwanted energy, such as motor or bearing noise, directly into the spinning record and therefore into the cartridge.
Spacers allow a double thickness of phenolic resin in the key areas. Add to this the Double Brace technology, a twin reinforcement fitted between the tonearm mounting and the main bearing, exactly where extra rigidity is needed. The assembly is structurally very solid.
Key takeaway :
HPL plinth plus aluminium coating: the most rigid and neutral plinth Rega has ever designed, reinforced by the Double Brace technology between tonearm and main bearing.
Neo PSU MK2 and twin EBLT belts: the Planar 8’s drive train
The RS edition ships with the Rega Neo PSU MK2 regulator as standard. As on the Planar 8, it is optimised and individually adjusted by hand with each motor. This power supply controls speed, allows electronic 33/45 rpm switching, and also acts as an anti-vibration circuit for the motor.
The low-noise 24V motor is fitted with a CNC-machined pulley. It drives the aluminium sub-platter via two Rega Reference EBLT belts, delivering the ultimate speed accuracy.
These drive parts and the main bearing are entirely borrowed from the Planar 8. The platter is the double-layer 16 mm opti-white glass version.
Neo PSU MK2 power supply hand-adjusted, 24V motor, twin Reference EBLT belts, main bearing from the Planar 8 and 16 mm double-layer glass platter.
RB880 tonearm and Rega Nd9 MM cartridge as standard
The Planar 6 RS is fitted with the legendary RB880 tonearm, the very same one that comes as standard on the Planar 8. Entirely hand-built, it draws on more than 35 years of experience: friction-free bearings, low-resonance tube profile, wiring with low-capacitance conductors and new RCA plugs.
The tonearm accepts very high-end cartridges, both MM and MC. If you choose a cartridge from another brand, you will need to fit a spacer under the tonearm to obtain perfect VTA.
As standard, the Planar 6 RS is delivered with the manufacturer’s flagship MM cartridge: the excellent Rega Nd9.
Key takeaway :
Hand-built RB880 tonearm (the one from the Planar 8) and Rega Nd9 MM cartridge as standard, the manufacturer’s most accomplished moving magnet cartridge.
On listening: a supercharged Planar 6
The first measurements are unequivocal: we are clearly in the presence of a supercharged Rega P6 turntable. All the musicality and swing typical of the manufacturer’s turntables are there, but with greater definition and neutrality.
As always, the reproduction is very coherent and particularly well balanced. The dynamics are remarkable and, above all, they feel much better controlled. Presence and openness are also strengths: vocals stand out for their presence and realism.
Every modification made to the Planar 6 inevitably brings it closer to the Planar 8, even if it does not fully match the latter in nuance and subtlety. The Rega P6 RS is a complete success: it pushes even further the performance of the British manufacturer’s long-standing best-seller.
Planar 6 RS Edition: what it borrows from the Planar 8, what is unique to it
| Component | Origin | What it brings |
|---|---|---|
| RB880 tonearm | From the Planar 8 | Hand-built, friction-free bearings, low-resonance tube |
| Neo PSU MK2 power supply | Hand-adjusted as on the Planar 8 | 33/45 rpm speed control and anti-vibration circuit for the motor |
| Main bearing and drive train | Borrowed from the Planar 8 | Twin Reference EBLT belts, ultimate speed accuracy |
| HPL plinth with aluminium coating | Unique to the RS edition | The most rigid and neutral plinth ever designed by Rega |
| 16 mm opti-white glass platter | Unique to the RS edition | Double-layer version, controlled inertia |
| Rega Nd9 MM cartridge | Fitted as standard on the RS | The manufacturer’s flagship moving magnet cartridge |
Which products to pair with the Rega Planar 6 RS?
An essential reminder first: as soon as a turntable enters your system, a phono preamplifier is required, whether built into your amplifier or as a standalone unit. Here are our recommended pairings, all available at maPlatine.com.
Key takeaway :
A phono preamplifier is required as soon as a vinyl source enters your system. See our guide on how to choose a phono preamplifier
Read our guide: how to choose a phono preamplifier.
Rega AOS phono preamplifier
Why this pairing? The 100% Rega path when you step up to a low-output MC cartridge such as the Apheta 3, which the RB880 tonearm accepts without a spacer. More ambitious than the Aria in the manufacturer’s catalogue, the AOS is dedicated exclusively to low-output MC cartridges.
Aurorasound Vida Prima phono preamplifier
Why this pairing? The immediate partner for the Nd9 MM cartridge supplied as standard: its MM position provides 40 dB of gain at 47,000 ohms. Two rotary selectors are enough to configure everything, plus two MC positions depending on your cartridge’s internal impedance (below or above about 14 ohms).
Gold Note PH-10 phono preamplifier
Why this pairing? The versatile choice to accompany the Planar 6 RS in the long run. Its MM and MC gains (45 and 65 dB, adjustable from -3 to +6 dB) and its nine load values (from 10 ohms to 47 kOhms) welcome the Nd9 today and any low-output MC cartridge tomorrow.
To learn more, check out our guide to the best cartridges for the Rega Planar 6 and our turntable buying guide.
Rega Planar 6 RS: your questions, our answers
What is the Rega Planar 6 RS Edition?
It is a special edition of the Planar 6 built around a new HPL laminate coated in aluminium, the most rigid and neutral plinth ever designed by Rega. It borrows the RB880 tonearm, the main bearing, the twin EBLT belt drive and the Neo PSU MK2 power supply from the Planar 8.
What is the difference between the Planar 6 and the Planar 6 RS?
The RS edition adds the HPL plinth with aluminium coating, the RB880 tonearm from the Planar 8, the Neo PSU MK2 power supply individually hand-adjusted, the twin Rega Reference EBLT belt drive and the Rega Nd9 MM cartridge fitted as standard.
Which cartridge comes with the Rega Planar 6 RS as standard?
The Planar 6 RS is supplied as standard with the Rega Nd9 MM cartridge, the manufacturer’s flagship moving magnet cartridge.
Do I need a phono preamplifier with the Planar 6 RS?
Yes. Like any turntable, the Planar 6 RS requires a phono preamplifier, either built into your amplifier or as a standalone unit. With the standard Nd9 MM cartridge, an MM/MC model such as the Aurorasound Vida Prima or the Gold Note PH-10 is a natural pairing. To move up to a low-output MC cartridge, the Rega AOS is dedicated to this use case.
What does the Planar 6 RS borrow from the Planar 8?
The hand-built RB880 tonearm, the main bearing, the twin Rega Reference EBLT belt drive and the Neo PSU MK2 power supply optimised and individually adjusted with each motor.
Can I fit an MC cartridge on the Planar 6 RS?
Yes. The RB880 tonearm accepts very high-end cartridges, both MM and MC. With a cartridge from a brand other than Rega, a spacer under the tonearm is required to obtain perfect VTA.
What does the Rega Neo PSU MK2 do?
It controls rotation speed, allows electronic switching between 33 and 45 rpm, and acts as an anti-vibration circuit for the motor. As on the Planar 8, it is optimised and individually adjusted by hand with each motor.
Is the 33/45 rpm speed change electronic?
Yes. Switching from 33 to 45 rpm is done electronically via the Neo PSU MK2 power supply supplied as standard, with no belt handling required.
Does the Planar 6 RS reach the Planar 8’s level?
Every modification brings it inevitably closer to the Planar 8, with definition and neutrality above the standard Planar 6. It does not, however, fully match the Planar 8 in nuance and subtlety.
Where can I audition the Rega Planar 6 RS before buying?
In the maPlatine.com listening room in Rennes, by appointment. Our team also advises you by phone on 0 810 810 121, Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.
The Rega Planar 6 RS Edition is a complete success. It pushes even further the performance of a best-seller more than 40 years old by drawing on the best of the Planar 8.
Would you like to audition it before deciding? Our Rennes listening room welcomes you by appointment. Our team also advises you by phone on 0 810 810 121, Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm, to build the system that will accompany it.