Audio T Verdict
The Rega Planar 3 RS Edition takes the proven Planar 3 design and adds several of the upgrades we would commonly recommend to customers looking for more performance.
Its brushed aluminium-skinned HPL plinth is more rigid than the standard Planar 3 construction, while the factory-fitted Nd5 cartridge, Reference EBLT drive belt and custom-matched Neo Mk2 power supply form a carefully considered package.
It is an excellent choice for anyone who wants the familiar usability and hinged dustcover of a Planar 3, but would prefer a complete factory-matched turntable rather than purchasing the cartridge and external power supply separately.
Rega Planar 3 RS Edition Turntable
The Rega Planar 3 RS Edition, or Rega Special, is a higher-performance version of the modern Planar 3.
It combines the hand-assembled RB330 tonearm with a factory-fitted Rega Nd5 moving magnet cartridge, Reference EBLT drive belt and a custom-matched Neo Mk2 external power supply.
The turntable is finished with a dark brushed aluminium metal-skin HPL laminate and high-gloss black edging, giving the RS Edition a distinctive appearance while increasing the rigidity of its plinth.
Brushed Aluminium HPL Plinth
The Planar 3 RS uses a high-pressure laminate surface normally associated with turntables further up the Rega range.
This premium HPL incorporates a dark brushed aluminium metal skin with a satin finish. It creates the stiffest plinth Rega has produced at Planar 3 level while retaining the company's preference for lightweight construction.
Increasing rigidity helps maintain the relationship between the tonearm and central bearing while reducing unwanted movement and resonance.
RB330 Precision Tonearm
The Planar 3 RS is fitted with Rega's hand-assembled RB330 tonearm.
Its precision bearing housing and tapered aluminium arm tube are designed to provide high stability, extremely low friction and fewer potential resonance points.
- Hand-assembled precision tonearm
- High-precision bearing assemblies
- Near-frictionless horizontal and vertical movement
- Minimal unwanted play within the bearings
- Low-mass tapered aluminium arm tube
- Stainless-steel balance weight
- Rega three-point cartridge mounting system
- Fixed RCA phono output cable
Rega's three-point cartridge mounting system allows the factory-fitted Nd5 to be positioned accurately on the tonearm without a complicated manual alignment process.
Factory-Fitted Rega Nd5 Cartridge
Every Planar 3 RS Edition is supplied with a
Rega Nd5 moving magnet cartridge
fitted and aligned at the factory.
The Nd5 uses a perfect elliptical nude diamond stylus mounted to an aluminium cantilever. Unlike a bonded stylus, the nude diamond reduces unnecessary mass at the stylus tip and allows it to respond more accurately to changes within the record groove.
Rega's neodymium magnet generator uses miniaturised parallel coils and carefully controlled generator geometry to improve channel balance, stereo separation and high-frequency response.
As a moving magnet cartridge, the Nd5 can be connected to a suitable moving magnet phono stage or an amplifier with a built-in moving magnet input.
Neo Mk2 External Power Supply
A custom-matched Neo Mk2 external power supply is included with the Planar 3 RS Edition.
Each 24V motor is individually hand-tuned to its own Neo Mk2 motor-control circuit before the turntable leaves the factory.
The Neo Mk2 generates the waveform used to drive the motor rather than relying directly on the incoming mains frequency. This helps reduce motor vibration and improve speed stability.
- Electronic selection between 33? and 45 rpm
- Digital signal processing motor control
- High-stability crystal reference
- User-adjustable fine speed control
- Speed adjustment in 0.01 rpm steps
- Advanced anti-vibration motor circuit
- Individually matched motor and power supply
24V Low-Noise Motor
The Planar 3 RS uses a 24V low-noise synchronous motor fitted with a custom CNC-machined aluminium drive pulley.
Matching the motor to the Neo Mk2 power supply allows Rega to optimise the anti-vibration circuit for the individual motor fitted to each turntable.
This arrangement helps maintain accurate platter speed while reducing the amount of unwanted motor vibration reaching the plinth and record.
Reference EBLT Drive Belt
A Rega Reference EBLT drive belt is fitted as standard.
Its specially developed rubber compound and tightly controlled dimensions create a consistent connection between the motor pulley and sub-platter.
The Reference EBLT belt is an upgrade over the standard belt fitted to the regular Planar 3 and contributes to improved rotational consistency.
12mm Optiwhite Glass Platter
The Planar 3 RS uses a 12mm Optiwhite float-glass platter with a polished edge.
The platter provides an accurate and stable surface for the record while its mass creates a useful flywheel effect once it is rotating.
A felt turntable mat is supplied to support the record during playback.
Double Brace Technology
Rega's Double Brace Technology reinforces the critical area between the tonearm mounting and the central hub bearing.
The Planar 3 RS uses a 3mm phenolic lower brace and a metal-skinned phenolic upper brace to create a structurally rigid stressed-beam assembly.
Concentrating additional rigidity in this area helps maintain accurate alignment between the cartridge and platter without adding unnecessary mass across the complete plinth.
Precision Central Bearing
The main hub uses Rega's patented brass central bearing assembly.
Its improved fit and construction are designed to reduce unnecessary stress on the bearing while supporting smooth and consistent platter rotation.
A Complete Factory-Matched Package
Included with the Planar 3 RS
- Planar 3 RS brushed metallic turntable
- Hand-assembled RB330 tonearm
- Factory-fitted Rega Nd5 cartridge
- Custom-matched Neo Mk2 power supply
- Reference EBLT drive belt
- 12mm Optiwhite glass platter
- Felt turntable mat
- Smoked hinged dustcover
What Else Will You Need?
The Planar 3 RS does not contain a built-in phono stage.
It must be connected to an amplifier with a moving magnet phono input or to a separate moving magnet phono stage.
A suitable option is the
Rega Fono MM Mk5
.
Who Is the Rega Planar 3 RS For?
A Good Choice If You:
- Want a complete upgraded Planar 3 package
- Would otherwise add an Nd5 and Neo Mk2 to a standard Planar 3
- Want electronic selection between 33? and 45 rpm
- Want a factory-fitted and aligned cartridge
- Prefer a conventional turntable with a hinged dustcover
- Have a moving magnet phono input or suitable external phono stage
- Want the distinctive brushed metallic RS finish
Consider Another Option If You:
- Need fully automatic turntable operation
- Require an integrated phono stage, Bluetooth or USB output
- Want to choose a different cartridge from the outset
- Want a choice of several different finishes
- Prefer a direct-drive turntable
- Want the foam-core plinth and aluminium sub-platter of the Planar 6
Key Features
- Dark brushed aluminium metal-skin HPL laminated plinth
- High-gloss black plinth edging
- Hand-assembled Rega RB330 precision tonearm
- Factory-fitted and aligned Rega Nd5 moving magnet cartridge
- Perfect elliptical nude diamond stylus
- Custom-matched Neo Mk2 external power supply
- Electronic 33? and 45 rpm speed selection
- User-adjustable fine speed control
- 24V low-noise synchronous motor
- Custom CNC-machined aluminium motor pulley
- Reference EBLT drive belt fitted as standard
- Rega Double Brace Technology
- 12mm Optiwhite float-glass platter
- Patented brass main hub central bearing
- Smoked hinged dustcover supplied as standard
- Lifetime limited warranty against confirmed manufacturing defects
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Rega Planar 3 RS include a cartridge?
Yes. Every Planar 3 RS Edition is supplied with a Rega Nd5 moving magnet cartridge factory-fitted and aligned to the RB330 tonearm.
Is the Neo Mk2 power supply included?
Yes. A custom-matched Neo Mk2 external power supply is included as standard.
What is the difference between the Planar 3 RS and the standard Planar 3?
The RS Edition adds a stiffer aluminium-skinned HPL plinth, factory-fitted Nd5 cartridge, custom-matched Neo Mk2 power supply and Reference EBLT drive belt. These upgrades would normally need to be purchased separately for the standard Planar 3.
Can I buy the Planar 3 RS without the Nd5 cartridge?
No. The Planar 3 RS is supplied as a complete package with the Nd5 cartridge fitted as standard.
Can the cartridge be upgraded later?
Yes. A compatible cartridge can be fitted later, although its height, weight, output and compatibility with the RB330 tonearm and your phono stage should be checked first.
Does the Planar 3 RS have a built-in phono stage?
No. It requires an amplifier with a moving magnet phono input or a separate moving magnet phono stage.
Can I connect the Planar 3 RS to a line input?
Not directly. To use a standard AUX, CD or other line-level input, you must first connect the turntable to a separate moving magnet phono stage.
Can the speed be changed electronically?
Yes. The Neo Mk2 provides electronic switching between 33? and 45 rpm without manually moving the drive belt.
Can the turntable speed be adjusted?
Yes. The Neo Mk2 allows fine electronic speed adjustment in steps of 0.01 rpm.
Does the Planar 3 RS include a dustcover?
Yes. A smoked hinged dustcover is supplied as standard.
What finish is available?
The Planar 3 RS is available in a dark brushed metallic aluminium finish with high-gloss black edging.
Can I arrange a demonstration?
Yes. Contact your local Audio T store to discuss availability and arrange a demonstration with a suitable amplifier and moving magnet phono stage.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Specialist advice from experienced in-store teams
- Demonstrations available through selected Audio T stores
- Help matching the Planar 3 RS with a suitable amplifier and phono stage
- Professional turntable setup and ongoing support
- Part exchange available on suitable equipment
- Home demonstrations may be available depending on location and system requirements
- Ongoing support from the UK's oldest independent specialist Hi-Fi retailer
Contact your local Audio T store
to arrange a demonstration or discuss whether the Rega Planar 3 RS is right for your system.