Rega Planar 8 Turntable with Apheta 2 MC Cartridge [Phono Pre-Amp Needed]

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.

Key Features

• Rega Planar 8 precision belt-drive turntable.
• Rega Apheta 2 low-output MC cartridge.
• Rega RB880 precision tonearm.
• Rega Neo PSU included.
• 24 V low-noise synchronous motor.
• Electronic 33⅓ and 45 RPM speed selection.
• Electronic fine speed adjustment.
• Tancast 8 foam-core lightweight plinth.
• Double-brace technology.
• 18 mm triple-layer float-glass platter.
• Reference EBLT drive belt.
• External MC phono pre-amplifier required.
• Available in Polaris Grey and Matt White finishes.

Rega Apheta 2 MC Cartridge

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.

RB880 Precision Tonearm

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.

Tancast 8 Plinth

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.

Double-Brace Technology

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.

Triple-Layer Glass Platter

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.

Neo PSU & Motor Control

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.

Reference EBLT Drive Belt

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.

Phono Pre-Amplifier Required

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.

Finish Options

The Planar 8 is available in Polaris Grey and Matt White. The Matt White version uses the corresponding clear platter and dust-cover configuration.

Dimensions & Weight

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.

Included Configuration

• Rega Planar 8 Turntable
• Rega RB880 Precision Tonearm
• Rega Apheta 2 MC Cartridge – Factory Fitted
• Rega Neo PSU
• 18 mm Triple-Layer Float-Glass Platter
• Reference EBLT Drive Belt
• Record Mat
• Dust Cover
• MC Phono Pre-Amplifier – Not Included