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Did you see the latest Regal Planar 3? If not, take a closer look and you’ll notice it’s changed. We have the complete Rega Planar 3 review and the way the evolution journey has finally reached the destination. About constant changes that the Planer 3 has been going through for the past four decades makes it the best. You might have been a fan of this model for years, or just came to know about it, the record table speaks simplicity and elegance. And all of this can be bought home at an affordable price.
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What is the Rega Planar 3?
Now the Rega record player as we all know has been a legendary model and a premium one as well. And the Planar 3 is on the top right now. In recent times, this mid-level iconic turntable has also been sold by the name RP3. But then in 2016, it is re-engineered and then came back as Regal Planar 3. The company claims that it comes with just 2 main components that were seen in the RP3 model. And they say that they have also upgraded the tone-arm.
The Brand Rega: Something worth Noticing
The first British brand called Rega Research had been established in the year 1973. This was an initiative by Roy Gandy and Tony Relph. And hence you can understand the name behind the company as these were the surname initials. The first record player that Rega built was in the ’70s and then it was sold by Cosmocord UK. This was sold under the brand name Rega in Denmark, France, and Germany.
The catalog of Rega has expanded so much over the years. They are well known for making hi-I record players, Stereo amplifiers, phono cartridges, tone-arms, phono pre-amps, CBD players. They also make high-quality belts and platters.
Rega Planar 3: Overview
This can be a perfect record player, in case you want to get back to the vinyl times after a long time spends with digital music. This is a well built and robust turntable, at the same time gives off business vibes. The set-up is super easy as well. There is a built-in phono and a company fitted cartridge. You just need to plug in the AC adaptor, remove the lid, and the work is done!
It is very clear from the brand that when they decided to replace the five times award-winning RP3, they wanted to offer something better. The designer team of Rega had worked for two years on the development of Planar 3. This led to an iconic three model that wasn’t seen before. The team had worked hard on improving each of the aspects providing better ergonomics, sonic performance, and usability for the customer’s vinyl collection.
Pros and Cons of Rega Planar 3
- For the price point, it offers incredible sound quality.
- You get the dust cover as well.
- The tone-arm is of superb quality.
- The build quality is excellent and seems durable.
- The background noise is non-existent with this record player.
- Very easy to use and set-up is done within minutes.
- You have to remove the platter for speed change.
- The hinges on the dust cover should be of better quality.
Design and Key Features of Rega Planar 3
When I talk about the design of the Planar 3 I have to say that it looks classy. The plinth is glossy and you get to choose between white, red, and black. Then there is an impeccable finish seen that has nicely set off by a metallic brace on the top. This runs diagonally from bearing towards arm mount. There are also several improvements seen in the Rega Planar 3 that shouldn’t be missed and are worth a mention.
Tone-Arm
Rega 3 turntable record player comes with an amazing RB 330 tone-arm. There are 3D CAD and CAM technology seen. You can see the evolvement of the tone-arm experience. It reduces any kind of resonance. There are extreme stability and friction-free movement with great precision. The bearing also makes sure that you can gather all information from the vinyl.
Plinth
You get glossy, laminated, acrylic, and stiffer plinth. This has been the key factor in the way improved appearance. The power switch is ergonomically positioned. As we mentioned earlier, you can get three color options here and choose as per individual needs.
Double Braces
You get a thicker and improved 3 mm bottom brace. There is also a new metal skin top brace.
Bearing Housing
The company has re-designed the brass central bearing. You get improved construction and fit. It reduces the stress over the bearings as well.
Sub-platter
The record player has a newly designed sub-platter. It has improved stiffness and accuracy as well.
Platter and Foot
This is the float glass polished rim that the manufacturers call “OptiWhite.” It not just offers an improved accuracy but also gives the record player a stunning look. Then you also get a well-designed foot that offers stability and reduces the overall vibration transfer.
Strong Motor
The new motor that comes with this record player is 24 V and you get an additional Neo PSU. This offers speed change electronically and also better anti-vibration circuit although that’s sold separately. There is also a cover tray for the motor that has integrated cooling as well.
Sound Quality
You get the best sound for the price you pay. The Elys 2 and RB 330 together offer you superb timing, attack, and resolution. The tone-arm can compete with the expensive moving coil cartridges. It can give better detail from the vinyl grooves that you decide to play. The vocals remain clear, the sound is crisp and realistic. You also get good bass with each track.
Performance
The set-up for this record is low effort. The cartridge comes aligned and fitted from the factory. Therefore you just have to fit the dust cover, if you want. Then set the tracking force for a cartridge that can be done by moving its counterweight with the back of the tone-arm. Then for setting the bias, use the large dial that is placed on the arm side.
Verdict:
Planar 3 is a record player that offers you a complete musical experience. You won’t need to spend your money anywhere else, as this mid-ranged turntable can offer features that one gets inexpensive models. The company has made so many changes and you can see a steady improvement over time. If you are searching for a value for money product, this is it!
Who Should Buy Rega Planar 3 Turntable?
Well, if you are serious about reviving the vinyl music experience this will be perfect for you. It offers ease of set-up so will also be liked by beginners. Then the features offered at the price point are something that will allure you if you have in-depth knowledge and experience with record players as well.
What do the Customers have to Say about Rega Planar 3?
While I did my research on the customer reviews for the record player, I observed that there were not many negative reviews. It seems that most of the owners are satisfied with their purchase. Here are some important things that the buyers observed with Planar 3:
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- A customer says “ I had just finished the set-up last night. After going through many reviews for the Elys cartridge I went with the moonstone cartridge by Sumiko. The system has pre-amp and crown-amp with definitive speakers. Most of the vinyl record collection I have at home was bought in 1970. There are not many albums that I played yet, but I did see that the ones I did had sounded wonderful. The turntable doesn’t hum and can reproduce accurate music. I am happy with this record player.
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- Another customer says “ Rega Planar 3 has the motor replacement that comes under its spindle directly. It causes interference with EMF when the tone-arm starts getting closer to the record center. You won’t be able to ground this table as it has active grounding.
FAQs about the Rega Planar 3
Do I get this with a record player with a new or older RB 330 tonearm?
You will get the new model of RB 330 tone-arm with this turntable.
Is it able to play records at 78 RPM?
No. This turntable offers two speeds of 33 and 45.
Does this come with a dust cover?
Yes. You get a transparent and removable dust cover.
Does Rega P3 Turntable have the upgraded DC motor?
No. This Rega p3 doesn’t support upgrades
Does this also have the upgraded DC motor?
Final Verdict:
At the end of the Rega Planar 3 Review, I have to say that there are some things that you need to focus on. It is a record player that you will see at its full capacity when you combine it with good quality cartridge and electronics.
The operation is quiet. It means that you will be able to enjoy quality music without any noises coming from the electronics background or mechanical disturbances caused by the system. The build quality is undoubtedly exceptional and is an overall easy to use the turntable. A remarkable record player that offers high-end features for the price.
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