The new Rega Research Planar 3 has improved sonic performance, aesthetics and usability, carrying over just two components from the previous model. The turntable features a lightweight acrylic laminated plinth strengthened using a new improved 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.
Rega has pioneered the use of low mass, high strength designs, becoming the foundation of the high level of performance achieved by Rega turntables. Low mass, high strength design directly addresses the issue of energy absorption and energy transmission, which reduces unnatural distortions to the music. Such was the redesign effort that all new main bearings, sub platters, platters, motor controls, feet and even arm clips saw significant revision.
Details of the new Planar 3 turntable include:
Plinth - High gloss acrylic, laminated plinth, stiffer and vastly improved appearance, ergonomically positioned power switch. Two plinth finishes currently available are gloss black & gloss white.
Double braces - Improved thicker 3mm phenolic bottom brace and new metalized skin phenolic top brace.
Bearing housing and precision main bearing – Re-designed brass main hub central bearing, improved fit and construction reducing stress on the bearing itself.
Sub platter - Re-designed sub platter, improved accuracy and greater stiffness.
Platter – New 12mm float glass ‘Optiwhite’ polished rim.
Redesigned foot - New improved foot to increase stability and reduce vibration transfer.
24V motor – low noise twin phase motor with new motor control PCB.
Motor cover tray with integrated cooling.
Compatible with the TT-PSU electronic speed change and power supply box (optional).
Factory fitted with RB330 tonearm and optional Elys 2 MM cartridge.
The new hand assembled RB330 is the culmination of more than 35 years of tonearm design experience, featuring a brand new bearing housing with greater stiffness and zero-tolerance bearing. This arm wand will exhibit fewer points of possible resonance and has a more neutral sonic character, with improved “zero-tolerance” lower friction using precision horizontal and vertical bearings. Redesigned using 3D CAD/CAM for redistributed mass, netting lower resonance and improved strength, the RB330’s features a new bias assembly, a re-designed stiffer vertical bearing housing, integrated arm clip and improved spring housing with easier to read numbers. There’s also a new low capacitance phono cable with Neutrik plugs and a newly designed 100g mild steel balance weight.
Dallas, TX, based The Sound Organisation confirms the Rega Planar 3 turntable is available June 2016, for $1,145.00 with pre-fitted Elys 2 MM cartridge; $945.00 without cartridge. The RB330 tonearm will be available separately in a retail package for $595.00. The Sound Organisation distributes European brands Arcam, Chord Company, DALI, Melco, ProAc, Quadraspire, Rega Research and Wilson Benesch to North American specialty audio retailers.
www.rega.co.uk | www.soundorg.com
