Rega Planar 3 RS Special Edition with ND5 in Brushed Aluminium Black

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 Rega has ever 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 Rega's 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 has pioneered the use of lightweight, ultra-rigid plinths over many years. Their use of a lightweight particulate core with a highly rigid phenolic resin skin became the foundation 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 Rega's 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.

Nd5 MOVING MAGNET CARTRIDGE

Each Nd5 is meticulously handmade 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 crosstalk characteristics, providing a far wider soundstage than the previous models. The ND5 has been 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 Rega's commitment to sustainability, the Nd range is supplied in 100% recyclable packaging and the Nd5 was recently  reviewed by Hi-Fi Choice Rega has made significant progress in this area. The Nd5 is a dramatic improvement on its long-running forebears (Elys2 and Exact) and one of the very best designs available ... at its price point...right now”.

PLINTH

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 Edition's 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 a patented brass main hub central bearing, improving 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. It features Rega's latest bearing housing and tonearm tube designed using intelligent redistribution of mass, to 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 guarantee to gather more information from your vinyl than ever before.