Rega P3 RS Edition turntable

This special ‘RS’ edition of the Rega Planar 3 is made from a brand new HPL laminate combined with an aluminium coating to create a stiffer plinth. In fact, it's the most rigid and neutral skirting Rega has designed for the Planar 3.

Rega Planar 3 RS: skirting board

Rega was the first brand to choose lightweight, ultra-rigid plinths. For many years, the brand has used a lightweight particleboard base coated with a very rigid phenolic resin. This choice is behind the high level of performance achieved by the manufacturer's vinyl turntables. For the first time, the new Rega Planar 3 RS Edition is fitted with 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. Together, they form a highly aesthetic base.

The complex design of the base prevents energy absorption and unwanted resonance, which would add unnatural distortion to the music. Similarly, a heavier mass can transfer more unwanted energy, such as motor or bearing noise, directly into the spinning disc and therefore into the cartridge. The use of spacers allows a double thickness of phenolic resin in these key areas, which directly solves the problem of mass absorption and the transmission of unwanted energy.

Added to this is the double brace system fitted specifically where extra rigidity is required (Double Brace Technology), between the tone arm attachment and the spindle/bearing. The whole assembly is structurally very solid.

Rega Planar 3 RS: motor and power supply

The RS edition comes as standard with a Rega Neo PSU MK2 regulator which, as on the Planar 6, has been optimised and individually hand-tuned with each motor. This power supply not only controls the speed, allowing 33/45t speed changes, but also acts as a motor anti-vibration circuit. The low-noise 24v motor found on the Rega P6 is fitted with a CNC-machined pulley. It drives the sub-platter via the Rega Reference EBLT drive belt. This offers the ultimate in speed precision. The 12 mm thick opti-white glass platter rests on the moulded ABS counter-platter.

Rega Planar 3 RS: arm and cartridge

The new Rega Planar 3 RS is equipped with the legendary RB330 tone arm, which is made and assembled entirely by hand. It benefits from 35 years of experience and features friction-free bearings and a low-resonance tube profile. The cabling features low-capacitance conductors and new RCA plugs.

This arm allows the mounting of very high-end cartridges, both MM and MC. As always, if you choose a cartridge from another brand, you'll need to add a spacer under the arm to ensure a perfect VTA.

As standard, however, the Planar 3 RS is equipped with Rega's excellent new Nd5 MM cartridge.

Rega Planar 3 RS: test and listening

The first measurements are unequivocal! This is a supercharged REGA P3 turntable!

We find the musicality and swing typical of the manufacturer's turntables. The reproduction is very coherent and particularly well balanced. The dynamics are remarkable and go even further than the standard P3. It also seems much more controlled, offering exemplary rhythmic tracking! Presence is also one of its strengths... Vocals are remarkably present and emotional.

Every modification made to the Planar 3 inevitably brings it closer to the Planar 6, even if it doesn't quite match the latter's performance in terms of nuance, subtlety and neutrality.

The REGA P3 RS is a complete success. It pushes the performance of the British manufacturer's best-seller for over 40 years even further.

It is clearly Rega's most powerful P3 to date! And what's more, it's magnificent!

Our favourite!