Description

Rega Planar 3 RS Edition with ND5 MM Cartridge

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 the 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 motor. This low-noise 24v motor drives the subplatter 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.

Rega is known for its innovative use of lightweight, ultra-rigid plinths, a feature developed over many years. By combining a lightweight particulate core with a rigid phenolic resin skin, the company established the foundation for the exceptional performance of its iconic original Planar range.

The latest Planar 3 RS Edition builds upon this approach by incorporating High Pressure Laminate (HPL), a material typically used in higher-end models like the Planar 6, Planar 8, and Planar 10. This HPL enhances rigidity and features a visually striking brushed metal dark aluminium skin with a satin finish. Additionally, the design includes a double brace system positioned strategically between the tonearm mounting and the main hub bearing, forming a structurally sound “stressed beam” assembly for optimal support.

This advanced plinth design minimises energy absorption and unwanted resonance, which could otherwise distort the audio. Heavier materials are avoided as they can transmit more unwanted energy, such as motor or bearing noise, into the record. Instead, the use of braces and double-thickness phenolic resin in critical areas effectively addresses mass absorption and unwanted energy transmission, ensuring high-fidelity sound reproduction.

Key Features of the Rega Planar 3 RS Edition

• 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.

ND5 Moving Magnet Cartridge

Each Nd5 is meticulously hand-made by Rega’s 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.

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 and improves speed stability and rotational speed accuracy.

Double brace technology

3 mm phenolic bottom brace and metalised 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, a 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 a 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, 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 guarantee to gather more information from your vinyl than ever before.

Technical Specifications of the Rega Planar 3 RS Edition