Rega Planar 3 RS

For decades, the Rega Planar 3 has been the definitive benchmark for high-performance, high-value turntables. The Planar 3 RS (Rega Special) Edition is a new reference standard, a special package that elevates this legendary platform to a level of performance previously reserved for Rega's more costly models. By incorporating a high-pressure laminate (HPL) plinth, a hand-tuned Neo MK2 PSU, and the superb new Nd5 moving magnet cartridge, the RS Edition delivers a sound that is cleaner, more detailed, and more dynamically expressive than any standard Planar 3 before it. It is the ultimate expression of this iconic design, engineered for the listener who demands more.

Key Features

• High-Pressure Laminate (HPL) Plinth: A brand-new, brushed dark aluminium skinned HPL plinth, a technology usually reserved for the Planar 6, creates the stiffest, most inert platform at this level for a dramatic reduction in resonance.
• Hand-Tuned Neo MK2 PSU: Includes the advanced external power supply, with each unit's anti-vibration circuit hand-tuned to its specific 24V motor for the ultimate in speed stability and accuracy.
• Factory-Fitted Rega Nd5 Cartridge: Comes pre-fitted with Rega's new high-performance Nd5 Moving Magnet cartridge, featuring a nude elliptical stylus and powerful N55 magnet.
• Reference EBLT Drive Belt: Upgraded to the reference-grade EBLT drive belt for improved speed consistency and accuracy.
• Planar 6 Drive Pulley: Utilizes the custom CNC-machined aluminum drive pulley from the Planar 6 for a more precise and stable connection with the belt.
• RB330 Precision Tonearm: The legendary, hand-assembled RB330 tonearm with its custom zero-play bearings provides a friction-free platform for the cartridge to retrieve maximum detail.
• Double Brace Technology: The lightweight plinth is further stiffened with phenolic braces between the tonearm and main bearing, preventing energy absorption and unnatural distortion.
• 12mm Opti-White Glass Platter: A heavy, high-mass glass platter with a polished edge provides excellent flywheel effect for perfect speed stability.

A New Reference Standard

The "RS" in Planar 3 RS Edition stands for "Rega Special," and it signifies a fundamental upgrade to the turntable's core. For the first time at this level, the plinth is constructed using a High-Pressure Laminate (HPL) with a stunning brushed aluminum skin. This technique, borrowed directly from the more expensive Planar 6, creates a platform that is significantly stiffer and better damped than the standard acrylic version. This incredibly rigid and low-resonance foundation is the key to the RS Edition's cleaner, more muscular, and more open sound, allowing you to hear deeper into the recording.

The Heartbeat of Precision: Neo MK2 PSU

A turntable's performance is utterly dependent on the stability of its rotation. The Planar 3 RS Edition includes the advanced Neo MK2 external power supply as standard. This isn't just an add-on; each Neo PSU is hand-tuned at the factory to the specific 24V motor inside your turntable, creating a perfectly matched system. The Neo's advanced anti-vibration circuit and DSP-generated sine wave provide an immaculately clean power feed, resulting in a dramatic improvement in speed accuracy and consistency. It also provides the convenience of electronic speed change at the push of a button.

The Nd5 Advantage

The perfect complement to the upgraded chassis and power supply is the new, factory-fitted Rega Nd5 moving magnet cartridge. This is a significant step up, featuring a nude elliptical diamond stylus for superior tracking and detail retrieval. The Nd5 utilizes a powerful neodymium (Nd) N55 magnet—a technology typically reserved for high-end moving coil designs—and miniaturized parallel coils to produce a sound that is wonderfully dynamic, with an exceptionally wide soundstage and a beautifully extended high-frequency response.

A Synergy of Upgrades

The Planar 3 RS Edition is a masterclass in synergistic design, where the whole is far greater than the sum of its parts. The inclusion of the Reference EBLT drive belt and the CNC-machined drive pulley from the Planar 6 ensures that the superior stability of the Neo PSU is perfectly transmitted to the 12mm glass platter. This unwavering rotational accuracy allows the legendary RB330 tonearm and the high-performance Nd5 cartridge to do their job without interference, extracting a level of musical information from the record groove that is simply breathtaking at this price.

The Listening Room Difference

We’re a third-generation family business with a brick-and-mortar showroom in Chestertown, Maryland, and a reputation built on trust, not hype. Whether you’re visiting in person or ordering online, we bring decades of experience, personalized service, and honest guidance to every interaction. We don’t just ship boxes. We help build systems, answer your questions like real humans, and make sure every detail of your setup is right, from the cables to the final connection. Our passion is helping you get the most out of your gear, with support that lasts well beyond the sale.

Specifications