The Rega Planar 8 is a precision belt-drive turntable engineered around an ultra-lightweight Tancast 8 foam-core plinth, RB880 precision tonearm and custom-matched Neo power supply. This configuration is supplied without a cartridge, allowing the cartridge to be selected separately according to the desired system and phono-stage configuration.
The RB880 is Rega's precision tonearm developed specifically to complement the Planar 8 platform. Its low-mass construction, rigid tonearm tube and high-precision bearing assembly are designed to provide stable, accurate cartridge tracking with minimal unwanted movement.
| Tonearm | Rega RB880 |
|---|---|
| Type | Precision Tonearm |
| Effective Mass | 11 g |
| Effective Length | 236.5 mm |
| Mounting Distance | 222 mm |
| Overhang | 14.5 mm |
This version of the Planar 8 is supplied without a cartridge. The cartridge can therefore be selected separately to match the customer's preferred playback system. Rega offers the Planar 8 with optional factory-fitted MM and MC cartridge configurations, including Nd7, Ania Pro and Apheta 3.
| Cartridge | Not Included |
|---|---|
| Cartridge Selection | Purchased Separately |
| Compatible Configuration | MM or MC, depending on selected cartridge |
The Planar 8 uses an ultra-lightweight Tancast 8 polyurethane foam-core plinth developed for high rigidity with very low mass. The core is combined with high-pressure laminate construction to create a rigid platform for the tonearm and main bearing.
Rega's double-brace technology reinforces the key structural area between the tonearm mounting and main bearing. This approach provides rigidity where it is required while avoiding unnecessary mass across the rest of the plinth.
The Planar 8 uses an 18 mm triple-layer float-glass platter. Its construction is designed to provide a rigid and stable record-support surface while maintaining the low-mass philosophy of the turntable.
The Planar 8 incorporates a 24 V low-noise synchronous motor that is custom matched to the Neo PSU. The Neo power supply provides electronic speed selection, advanced anti-vibration motor control and user-adjustable fine speed adjustment.
| Motor | 24 V Low-Noise Synchronous Motor |
|---|---|
| Drive System | Belt Drive |
| Power Supply | Rega Neo PSU |
| Playback Speeds | 33⅓ RPM / 45 RPM |
| Speed Control | Electronic |
The Reference EBLT drive belt is supplied as standard. It forms part of the Planar 8's precision belt-drive system and is designed to provide consistent transfer of motor rotation to the platter.
The Planar 8 does not include a built-in phono stage. Since this configuration does not include a cartridge, the required phono pre-amplifier depends on the cartridge selected separately. An MM phono stage is required when using an MM cartridge, while an appropriate MC phono stage is required for an MC cartridge.
| Built-In Phono Stage | No |
|---|---|
| Cartridge | Not Included |
| MM Cartridge | Use a Suitable MM Phono Stage |
| MC Cartridge | Use a Suitable MC Phono Stage |
| Finish | Polaris Grey |
|---|---|
| Finish | Matt White |
The Matt White version is supplied with a clear dust cover and clear triple-layer float-glass platter, while the Polaris Grey version uses Rega's corresponding finish configuration.
| Width | 420 mm / 42.0 cm |
|---|---|
| Height | 125 mm / 12.5 cm |
| Depth | 315 mm / 31.5 cm |
| Turntable Weight | 4.2 kg |
| Neo PSU Weight | 0.6 kg |