Rega Planar 8 Turntable
Tagline: The essence of Rega’s flagship vinyl engineering — high‑precision playback in a refined, lightweight build.
The Rega Planar 8 is engineered to bring out maximum detail, dynamics, and musical realism from your vinyl — thanks to a blend of aerospace‑grade materials, advanced mechanics and thoughtful design. Built around an ultra‑light skeletal plinth, fitted with the precision RB880 tonearm, a triple‑layer float‑glass platter and powered by the custom-matched Neo PSU with electronic speed control — Planar 8 delivers reference‑level vinyl playback without unnecessary bulk. Whether you are building a serious hi‑fi setup or upgrading from a simpler turntable, Planar 8 offers exceptional speed stability, minimal resonance and a beautifully controlled sound — ideal for long-term listening and serious vinyl lovers.
Key Features
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RB880 Precision Tonearm: Super‑light, low‑friction vertical bearing assembly with stainless‑steel balance weight and improved phono wiring, for smooth, accurate tracking.
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Ultra‑light Skeletal Plinth: Constructed from aerospace‑grade Tancast 8 foam core sandwiched between rigid HPL laminates — about 30 % lighter than the previous generation, ensuring low resonance and high rigidity.
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Triple‑Layer Glass Platter: Laminated float‑glass platter engineered for “flywheel effect,” giving excellent rotational stability, precise speed control and minimal coloration.
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Neo PSU with Electronic Speed Control: External PSU delivering stable 24 V power to the synchronous motor, with selectable speed change and anti‑vibration design for precise platter rotation.
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Reference EBLT Belt‑Drive System: Premium belt and machined sub‑platter assembly deliver accurate, consistent drive while reducing mechanical noise.
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Compact & Lightweight Design: With dimensions 420 × 125 × 315 mm (with dustcover) and turntable weight ≈ 4.2 kg (+ PSU ~ 0.6 kg), Planar 8 balances portability with performance.
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Optional Factory‑Fitted Cartridges: Available cartridge options include MM or MC types such as Rega Nd7 (MM), Rega Ania Pro (MC), or Rega Apheta 3 (MC) for users who want plug‑and‑play out of the box.
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Lifetime Warranty Against Manufacturing Defects: Built‑in assurance of quality and long‑term reliability.
Technical Specifications
| Model |
Planar 8 |
| Tonearm |
RB880 precision tonearm (pre‑installed) |
| Plinth |
Skeletal plinth — Tancast 8 foam‑core with HPL laminates |
| Platter |
Triple‑layer float‑glass laminated platter |
| Drive System |
Belt‑drive with Reference EBLT belt & machined aluminum sub‑platter |
| Motor & PSU |
24 V low‑noise synchronous motor + custom‑matched Neo PSU (external) |
| Speeds |
33⅓ & 45 RPM (electronically selected) |
| Dimensions (with dustcover) |
420 × 125 × 315 mm |
| Weight (Turntable) |
≈ 4.2 kg; PSU: 0.6 kg |
| Included / Options |
Turntable with RB880 tonearm, Neo PSU, belt, dust cover; optional factory‑fitted cartridge (Nd7 MM / Ania Pro MC / Apheta 3 MC) or sold as bare deck. |
Awards & Recognition
What Hi‑Fi? – Best Turntable Over £2000 (2019), Hi‑Fi Choice – Group Test Winner 2023, AVForums Editor’s Choice 2019, among other accolades — testament to Planar 8’s class‑leading performance in its price range.
Perfect For
- Vinyl enthusiasts seeking reference‑caliber playback without the complexity or cost of flagship decks.
- Listeners who value precise, stable speed, low noise, and detailed groove resolution for both classic and modern LPs.
- Users building a hi‑fi system who want a strong, versatile turntable foundation with flexibility for MM or MC cartridges.
- Anyone upgrading from basic or mid‑range decks and wanting a noticeable jump in detail, dynamics and musical realism.
FAQ
- Does Planar 8 come with a cartridge?
- Planar 8 can be bought as a “bare deck” (no cartridge) or optionally with factory‑fitted cartridges (Nd7 MM / Ania Pro MC / Apheta 3 MC) depending on your preference.
- Do I need a separate power supply?
- No — Planar 8 includes its own Neo PSU, supplying the 24 V motor with stable, low‑noise power and allowing electronic speed control.
- Will this turntable fit a modern audio rack or furniture unit?
- With a footprint of 420 × 315 mm and height (with dustcover) of 125 mm, Planar 8 is relatively compact. Ensure the depth and ventilation of your rack accommodate these dimensions comfortably.
Care & Maintenance
When not playing vinyl, keep the dust cover on to protect the platter and tonearm. Use a soft brush to clean the stylus before and after playback. Ensure the turntable rests on a stable, vibration‑free surface. Avoid moving or tilting the unit while the platter is spinning to maintain bearing integrity and playback stability.
Ready to transform your vinyl experience? Add Rega Planar 8 to your hi‑fi system and enjoy detailed, dynamic, reference‑grade playback that brings your records to life.