The Rega Planar 8 with Apheta 2 combines Rega's lightweight Planar 8 turntable platform with the RB880 precision tonearm, Neo power supply and Apheta 2 moving coil cartridge. This was an original factory-fitted Planar 8 cartridge configuration and is a genuine Planar 8 + Apheta 2 combination.
The Apheta 2 is a high-performance low-output moving coil cartridge developed by Rega. It uses a lightweight hand-wound generator and nude diamond stylus design to provide precise tracking and detailed retrieval from the record groove. Rega specifically documented the Apheta 2 as a cartridge option for the Planar 8.
| Cartridge | Rega Apheta 2 |
|---|---|
| Type | Low-Output Moving Coil (MC) |
| Mounting | Rega Three-Point Mounting System |
| Installation | Factory Fitted |
The RB880 precision tonearm provides the mounting platform for the Apheta 2. Its rigid construction and high-precision bearing system are designed to provide stable, low-friction movement and accurate cartridge tracking.
| Tonearm | Rega RB880 |
|---|---|
| Type | Precision Tonearm |
| Effective Mass | 11 g |
The Planar 8 uses an ultra-lightweight Tancast 8 polyurethane foam-core plinth. This construction provides a rigid platform while keeping the overall mass of the turntable very low.
Rega's double-brace construction reinforces the critical structural area between the tonearm mounting and main bearing. This concentrates rigidity where it is most important without adding unnecessary mass to the rest of the plinth.
The Planar 8 features an 18 mm triple-layer float-glass platter, providing a rigid and stable surface for vinyl playback while maintaining the turntable's low-mass design philosophy.
The supplied Neo PSU controls the Planar 8's 24 V low-noise synchronous motor. It provides electronic speed selection and fine speed adjustment while incorporating advanced motor-control circuitry.
| 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 fitted as standard and forms part of the Planar 8's precision belt-drive system, transferring motor rotation to the platter with controlled and consistent drive.
The Planar 8 does not include a built-in phono stage. The Apheta 2 is a low-output moving coil cartridge, so it requires a suitable MC phono pre-amplifier. A standard MM-only phono input is not the correct match for this cartridge.
| Cartridge Type | Low-Output Moving Coil (MC) |
|---|---|
| Built-In Phono Stage | No |
| Required Phono Stage | Suitable MC Phono Pre-Amplifier |
| Finish | Polaris Grey |
|---|---|
| Finish | Matt White |
The Planar 8 is available in Polaris Grey and Matt White. The Matt White version uses the corresponding clear platter and dust-cover 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 |
Rega specifies the Planar 8 at 420 × 125 × 315 mm with the dust cover fitted and a turntable weight of 4.2 kg. The Neo PSU weighs 0.6 kg.