Rega Planar 8 Turntable

Inspired by the ultimate Rega turntable, the Naiad, the Planar 8 is a radical re-imagining of what a turntable can be. This is not just an evolution of a previous model; it is a complete ground-up design engineered to retrieve more music from the vinyl groove than ever before at its price point. By utilizing a revolutionary, ultra-lightweight skeletal plinth and a host of advanced materials and engineering solutions, the Planar 8 eliminates the extraneous, leaving only the purest possible pathway for the music. It is a turntable of breathtaking transparency and dynamic realism, designed for the listener who wants to get as close as possible to the original performance.

Key Features

• Ultra-Lightweight Skeletal Plinth: A radical plinth design using a Tancast 8 polyurethane foam core, sandwiched between two layers of High-Pressure Laminate (HPL), to create a platform that is incredibly light, stiff, and free from resonance.
• RB880 Precision Tonearm: A brand new tonearm featuring an improved vertical bearing assembly, a redesigned aluminum arm tube, and an advanced zero-tolerance bearing for friction-free movement.
• Triple-Layer Glass Platter: A three-piece laminated glass platter with a flywheel effect created by placing the mass at the outer edge, resulting in exceptional speed stability and consistency.
• Hand-Tuned Neo 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.
• Double Brace Technology: A super-lightweight phenolic brace on the top and bottom of the plinth creates a "stressed beam" assembly between the tonearm and main bearing for maximum rigidity.
• Low-Mass Hub Assembly: A new, single-piece aluminum sub-platter and hardened tool steel spindle run inside a custom brass housing for a friction-free, low-mass bearing.
• Reference EBLT Drive Belt: Fitted with Rega's reference-grade EBLT drive belt as standard for improved speed consistency and accuracy.
• Custom Ania MC Cartridge Option: Can be factory-fitted with either the Ania or Ania Pro Moving Coil cartridges for a perfectly matched, ready-to-play solution.

The Skeletal Philosophy

The Planar 8 is a radical departure from traditional turntable design. Inspired by the multi-million dollar Naiad project, its skeletal plinth is engineered to be as light and as stiff as possible. By using an advanced Tancast 8 polyurethane foam core—a material developed for the aerospace industry—sandwiched between two layers of High-Pressure Laminate, Rega has created a platform that is incredibly effective at dissipating unwanted energy and resonance. This ultra-low-mass design ensures that the only vibrations the cartridge picks up are the ones in the record groove, resulting in a sound of breathtaking clarity and transparency.

The RB880: A New Level of Precision

The RB880 tonearm is a significant evolution of Rega's legendary arm technology. It features a redesigned vertical bearing assembly that is both stiffer and lighter, resulting in a dramatic improvement in stability and tracking ability. The advanced, zero-tolerance bearing assembly is adjusted to a micron-level of accuracy, providing movement that is almost completely friction-free. This allows the stylus to move through the record groove with unparalleled freedom, retrieving the most subtle musical details and dynamic nuances with a sense of effortless realism.

The Art of Rotation: The Flywheel Platter

The Planar 8’s platter is a masterpiece of material science, designed to maximize rotational stability. It is constructed from three layers of laminated glass. By using a heavier ring on the outside and a lighter center section, Rega has created a natural flywheel effect, concentrating the mass at the outer edge where it is most effective. This design ensures that the platter spins with unwavering consistency, eliminating the tiny speed variations (wow and flutter) that can rob music of its pitch stability and rhythmic drive.

The Heartbeat of Precision: Neo PSU

A turntable's performance is utterly dependent on the stability of its rotation. The Planar 8 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 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