The Rega Planar 8 is a precision belt-drive turntable featuring Rega's lightweight Tancast 8 foam-core plinth, RB880 precision tonearm and Neo power supply. This cartridge configuration is offered with a choice of Dynavector 10X5 or Rega Ania Pro, allowing the turntable to be matched to the preferred cartridge and phono-stage setup.
This configuration can be supplied with either the Dynavector 10X5 or Rega Ania Pro. These are different cartridge designs and should be treated as separate configuration choices when selecting the product.
| Option | Dynavector 10X5 |
|---|---|
| Type | High-Output Moving Coil (MC) |
| Output | 2.5 mV |
| Stylus | Elliptical |
| Tracking Force | 1.8–2.2 g |
| Option | Rega Ania Pro |
|---|---|
| Type | Low-Output Moving Coil (MC) |
| Stylus | Vital Profile Nude Diamond |
| Cantilever | Aluminium Tapered Cantilever |
| Generator | Hand-Wound Micro-Coil |
| Magnet | High-Powered Neodymium |
The RB880 precision tonearm is designed to provide a rigid and accurately controlled platform for the selected cartridge. Its high-precision bearing system and low-resonance construction support accurate groove tracking and stable cartridge movement.
| Tonearm | Rega RB880 |
|---|---|
| Type | Precision Tonearm |
| Effective Mass | 11 g |
| Effective Length | 236.5 mm |
| Mounting Distance | 222 mm |
The Planar 8 uses an ultra-lightweight Tancast 8 foam-core plinth combined with high-pressure laminate skins. Rega's double-brace construction reinforces the critical area between the tonearm mounting and main bearing while keeping unnecessary mass to a minimum.
An 18 mm triple-layer float-glass platter provides a rigid and stable surface for the record. Its construction complements the Planar 8's lightweight design philosophy.
The supplied Rega Neo PSU controls the Planar 8's 24 V low-noise synchronous motor. It provides electronic speed selection for 33⅓ and 45 RPM together with fine electronic speed adjustment.
| Motor | 24 V Low-Noise Synchronous Motor |
|---|---|
| Drive System | Belt Drive |
| Power Supply | Rega Neo PSU |
| Speeds | 33⅓ RPM / 45 RPM |
| Speed Control | Electronic |
The Reference EBLT drive belt transfers motor rotation to the platter and forms part of the Planar 8's precision belt-drive system.
The Planar 8 does not include a built-in phono stage. Both cartridge options listed here are moving-coil designs. The Dynavector 10X5 is a high-output MC cartridge, while the Ania Pro is a low-output MC cartridge. A suitable phono stage must therefore be selected according to the cartridge configuration.
| Cartridge | Dynavector 10X5 / Rega Ania Pro |
|---|---|
| Cartridge Type | Moving Coil (MC) |
| Built-In Phono Stage | No |
| Dynavector 10X5 | Suitable MC-capable phono stage |
| Ania Pro | Suitable low-output MC phono stage |
| Finish | Polaris Grey |
|---|---|
| Finish | Matt White |
| Width | 420 mm / 42.0 cm |
|---|---|
| Height | 125 mm / 12.5 cm |
| Depth | 315 mm / 31.5 cm |
| Turntable Weight | 4.2 kg |