Rega Planar 8 Plinth

The Rega Planar 8 has been completely redesigned from its predecessor, the RP8, to feature technology developed for the top line Naiad turntable. The Planar 8 consists of an ultra-lightweight plinth, constructed from Tancast 8 polyurethane foam core, sandwiched between two layers of High-Pressure Laminate. This design makes the Rega Planar 8 plinth 30% lighter than the previous model, whilst simultaneously increasing rigidity for a stable performance. A phenolic resin double brace is mounted between the tonearm and the main bearing hub, increasing rigidity and creating a stressed beam. This plinth design prevents energy absorption and unwanted resonance, which are the source of distortions in the music.

Rega Planar RB880 Tonearm

The Rega Planar 8 is fitted with the newly designed RB880 tonearm, featuring an improved vertical bearing constructed from aluminum and stainless steel to increase stability and rigidity. The tonearm uses Rega’s advanced preloaded zero tolerance bearing assembly that has been adjusted to less than a 1000th of an mm, giving the tonearm friction-free movement. The stainless steel balance weight is thinner, for better adjustability and compatibility. The RB880 is terminated with a redesigned, low capacitance phono cable with locking phono plugs for the best connection.

The hub bearing assembly is a new low mass central bearing with a single piece of machined aluminum sub-platter and steel spindle running inside a brass housing, mounted within the chassis. The mounting design prevents unwanted energy being stored in the plinth.

Glass Platter

The triple layer glass platter of the Planar 8 has been carefully considered to achieve constant rotational speed, by creating a flywheel effect, having the outside of the platter heavier, whilst the insider, close to the bearing remains light, to avoid unnecessary stress. This design maintains a better constant speed, creating a better flow of music.

24V Low Noise Motor

The latest generation 24v low vibration motor technology is incorporated into the Rega Planar 8, retaining higher vibration isolation than in previous models. The mounting of the motor has been taken directly from the Naiad, using this unique mounting to remove stress from the motor body. This mounting technique, combined with the reduction in vibrations delivers an outstanding drive from the new EBLT drive belt. Each motor is individually hand tuned with its own Neo power supply before being fitted to the Planar 8, in order to optimise the anti-vibration circuit.

The new EBLT drive belt have been researched and developed by Rega for three years to produce a new bespoke rubber compound. The belts are manufactured by Rega using state of the art super accurate tools to produce perfectly round, dimensionally accurate belts, to give the belt superb speed stability.

Neo PSU

The Rega Neo Power Supply is provided as standard with the Planar 8 turntable, offering a smooth delivery of power, with an advanced anti-vibration circuit and fine electronic speed adjustment. The Neo PSU uses the digital signal processing generator from the RP10, built upon a high stability crystal. The DSP generator divides the accurate signal from the crystal to drive the platter at the exact speed required, and generates a 24V AC balanced signal with less than 0.15% distortion, remaining unaffected by changes in the mains voltage line.

The footprint of the Planar 8 is smaller than other turntables in the range, therefore Rega has developed a new custom lightweight wall bracket specifically for the turntable.

• Rega Planar 8 Turntable with RB880 tonearm and Neo PSU
• Tancast 8 polyurethane foam core with high-pressure laminate outer layers
• 30% lighter plinth than previous models
• RB880 tonearm with improved vertical bearing and locking phono plugs
• Triple layer glass platter with flywheel effect for improved constant rotational speed
• 24V low vibration motor, with mounting taken directly from the Naiad turntable
• Rega Neo power supply uses DSP to drive the platter with accurate speed
• This turntable is supplied with the Apheta 2 MC cartridge, but is also available with the Ania 2 MC cartridge factory fitted, or without a supplied cartridge