The Rega Planar 3 50th Anniversary Edition is a special-edition version of Rega's iconic Planar 3, created to celebrate Rega Research's 50th anniversary. It features an exclusive Walnut Effect finish, factory-fitted handmade Rega Exact MM cartridge, hand-tuned Neo PSU MK2, RB330 precision tonearm and Reference EBLT drive belt. The Anniversary Edition was produced as a limited special package for Rega's 50th anniversary year.
The Anniversary Edition is distinguished by its Walnut Effect finish, introduced specifically for this special Planar 3 package. The wood-effect appearance is complemented by an exclusive aluminium 50th Anniversary badge on the plinth and matching aluminium badge on the lid. A smoked dust cover completes the special-edition presentation.
| Plinth Finish | Walnut Effect |
|---|---|
| Anniversary Details | Exclusive Aluminium Plinth & Lid Badges |
| Dust Cover | Smoked |
| Edition | 50th Anniversary Special Edition |
The RB330 is Rega's precision-engineered tonearm and is hand assembled for the Anniversary Edition. Its low-mass aluminium tonearm tube and redesigned bearing housing are designed to provide rigid, low-friction and accurate cartridge tracking.
| Tonearm | Rega RB330 |
|---|---|
| Construction | Precision Low-Mass Aluminium |
| Assembly | Hand Assembled |
| Bearing System | Precision Low-Friction Bearings |
The Rega Exact moving magnet cartridge is supplied factory fitted to the RB330 tonearm. Its handmade construction provides a ready-to-use cartridge configuration, reducing the amount of setup required before playing records.
| Cartridge | Rega Exact |
|---|---|
| Type | Moving Magnet (MM) |
| Installation | Factory Fitted |
A major upgrade included with the Anniversary Edition is the Neo PSU MK2. The external power supply is hand tuned to the Planar 3's 24 V motor and provides electronic speed control, electronic speed change and fine speed adjustment. Its advanced anti-vibration motor-control circuit is designed to improve motor stability and reduce unwanted vibration.
| Power Supply | Rega Neo PSU MK2 |
|---|---|
| Configuration | Hand Tuned to the 24 V Motor |
| Speed Selection | Electronic 33⅓ / 45 RPM |
| Fine Speed Adjustment | 0.01 RPM Step Size |
| Motor Control | Advanced Anti-Vibration Circuit |
| PSU Dimensions | 180 × 150 × 50 mm |
The Planar 3 Anniversary Edition uses a 24 V low-noise, low-vibration motor combined with a custom CNC-machined aluminium pulley and Rega's Reference EBLT drive belt. The drive system is designed to provide accurate and stable platter rotation.
| Motor | 24 V Low-Noise, Low-Vibration Motor |
|---|---|
| Drive Method | Belt Drive |
| Drive Belt | Reference EBLT |
| Drive Pulley | Custom CNC-Machined Aluminium |
| Playback Speeds | 33⅓ RPM / 45 RPM |
The Anniversary Edition uses a 12 mm Optiwhite polished glass platter. The rigid glass construction provides a stable record-supporting surface and forms part of Rega's low-mass, high-rigidity design philosophy.
Rega's double-brace technology reinforces the critical area between the tonearm mounting point and the main hub bearing. This creates a rigid structural connection designed to reduce unwanted energy storage and resonance within the plinth.
The Planar 3 platform incorporates Rega's precision brass main hub bearing. The bearing construction is designed to maintain accurate platter rotation while reducing unwanted mechanical stress and energy transfer.
The Anniversary Edition provides a standard RCA phono output. Because the supplied Rega Exact cartridge is a moving magnet design and there is no built-in phono pre-amplifier, the turntable requires an appropriate MM phono stage or an amplifier with a dedicated MM phono input.
| Cartridge Type | Moving Magnet (MM) |
|---|---|
| Audio Output | RCA / Phono |
| Built-In Phono Stage | No |
| Required | MM Phono Stage or MM Phono Input |
| Power Connection | Mini-DIN from Neo PSU MK2 |
| Width | 447 mm / 44.7 cm |
|---|---|
| Height | 117 mm / 11.7 cm |
| Depth | 360 mm / 36 cm |
| Turntable Weight | 6.0 kg |
Dimensions are specified with the dust cover closed. The separate Neo PSU MK2 measures 180 × 150 × 50 mm.