A Revered British Audio Maker Gives Its Popular Turntable a Hi-Fi Upgrade

The best-selling turntable gets an audiophile-grade upgrade.

Rega Planar 3 RS editionRega

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The Rega Planar 3 is a turntable icon. Initially released in the mid-1970s, it became a hit for budget audiophiles because of its superb sound quality and relatively affordable price. It was also unique among belt-driven turntables at the time because of its minimalist design — largely due to its slim yet rigid plinth — and striking glass platter.

Fast-forward to the present day, and the British hi-fi manufacturer makes a modern version of its Planar 3. The 2016-released model stays faithful to the original’s design but has been upgraded with newer components, such as a more rigid plinth and an updated tonearm. Audio Advice says it’s “without a doubt” its best-selling turntable — it costs $1,125.

Well, Rega just released a special-edition model that’s essentially an upgraded version of that best-selling turntable.

Rega Planar 3 RS Edition

Rega Planar 3 RS edition
According to Rega, the RS Edition model “has stunning dark brushed metallic plinth, edged in high gloss black.” 
Rega

A special-edition upgrade

The Rega Planar 3 RS Edition shares a lot in common with the standard Planar 3 that Rega sells. It features the same pulley and belt-drive system, 24-volt motor, striking glass platter and electronic speed control.

What’s different is that Rega gave the RS Edition a few upgraded components — plus a fresh coat of paint — to promise an even more refined sound.

Rega Planar 3 RS edition
While the standard Planar 3 is available in several different finishes, the RS Edition comes in just one: dark metallic brushed aluminum.
Rega

The two standout upgrades are with the RS Edition’s plinth and phono cartridge. It features the stiffest plinth of any Planar 3 turntable (thanks to a high-pressure laminate that Rega says is typically reserved for its higher-end Planar 6, Planar 8 and Planar 10 turntables).

And the RS Edition comes with Rega’s Nd5 moving-magnet phono cartridge (which sells for $675 a pop). The standard Planar 3 doesn’t come with a phono cartridge, but can be configured with one — including the Rega Nd5 (which brings the standard Planar 3’s price up to $1,595).

Also, unlike the standard Planar 3, the RS Edition comes with Rega’s Neo MK2 PSU power supply that has been custom-matched for each individual motor. (This component costs $445 and is an optional up for the standard Planar 3.)

Rega Planar 3 RS edition
The RS Edition has a more rigid plinth and more advanced phono cartridge than Rega’s standard Planar 3.
Rega

Price and availability

The Rega Planar 3 RS Edition is available now and comes in one finish: dark metallic brushed aluminum. It costs $1,795.

If you’re interested in an audiophile turntable, the RS Edition promises to actually be a pretty good deal; if you were to buy the standard Rega Planar 3 turntable, configure it with a Rega Nd5 and buy Rega’s power supply module — it’d cost over $2K.

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