Rega Planar 8 Turntable w/ Neo PSU with Ania Cartridge (2024)

The Planar 8 was inspired by the ultimate Rega turntable, the 'Naiad'. We decidedearly on thatinstead of anevolution of the previous RP8, the newPlanar 8was to be developed andengineered to encapsulate the essence of'Naiad' at an affordable price. Our aim was todeliver a level of performance far beyond what has been achieved at this price point before.

Every aspect of the Planar 8 isengineeredto extract as much detail from the vinyl surface as possible. We have used the most advanced materials and engineering solutions built around a supremely lightweight plinth to ensure the greatest level of performance.ThePlanar 8 is supplied with the new RB880 tonearm andNeo PSU as standard whichofferselectronic speed change, advanced anti-vibration control and user adjustable electronic fine speed adjustment to ensure totalaccuracy and control over the motor. The outer frame of the previous model has now been removed and a newstylish, removable, single piece dustcover has been introduced further reducing the overallmass of the turntable.

"Ifyou are looking for maximum musical intensity for your pound, dollar or euro you will be very hard pressed to find a better turntable at anywhere near this price. I am a Rega RP10 user myself but I’ve been hearing new things on this newcomer at nearly half the price, it truly is a triumph ofanalogueaudio engineering"Jason Kennedy - editor of the ear.net October 2018.

Ultra lightweight plinth
The Planar 8 is thesecond Regaturntable constructed usingour latestultra lightweight Tancast 8 polyurethane foam core(a material developedfor the aerospace industry). This material is sandwiched between two layers of HPL (high pressurelaminate).HPLis exceptionally thin and extremely rigid. This new construction makes thenew Planar 8skeletalplinth 30% lighter than the originalRP8while offering increased rigidity over the previous model.

DB Technology (Double Brace Technology) “Mass absorbs energy - lost energy equals lost music”!

A super lightweight plinth combined with a phenolic resin double brace mounted specifically where the increased rigidity is required (between the tonearm mounting and the main hub bearing) forms a structurally sound “stressed beam” assembly. This rigid plinth design prevents energy absorption and unwanted resonances which will add unnatural distortions to the music. Equally, heavier mass can transfer more unwanted energy such asmotoror bearing noise directly into the rotating record. The use of braces instead of the complete skin allows double thickness phenolic resin in these keyareas,while providing further weight reduction to the plinth which directly addresses the issue of mass absorption and unwanted energy transmission.

RB880 tonearm
For the newRB880we have introduced an improved vertical bearing assemblyconstructedusing analuminiumand stainless-steel,low mass assemblywith vastly improved stability and rigidity. This tonearm is using our advanced preloaded zero tolerance bearing assembly adjusted to less than1000th of a mm, this givesfriction freemovement and zero levels of unwanted play. This subtle but effectivenew structure is only visiblevia small windowsat therear of thenew bias housing assembly (see image below).Athinner stainless steelbalance weight is used, allowing greater adjustability and compatibility. Finally, the RB880 is terminated with a re-designed, low capacitancephono cable terminated with high quality, locking phono plugs to ensure the best possibleconnection.

Hub bearing assembly
The Planar8usesa newlow mass central bearing assembly. A single piecemachined aluminumsub-platter andhardened tool steelspindlerun inside a custombrasshousing which is cleverlymounted within thechassis.This new mountingis designed toeradicate unwantedpotential energy being transferred or storedin the plinth.

EBLTDrive Belts
For three years Rega has been researching anddeveloping with chemiststhe use of a bespoke new rubber compound for drive belts.Using aspecialisedcuring system, the new drive belt offers superior consistency of modulus (a constant representing the degree to which a substance has a particular property, especially elasticity).Thesenew belts are manufactured on Rega designed, state of the art, super-accuratetools which produce 'perfectly round' and 'dimensionally accurate'belts, critical for perfect speed stability.

Neo PSU
The Neo PSU offers a smooth powersupply, an advancedanti-vibration circuitandfineelectronic speed adjustment. Ituses theRP10DSP (digital signal processing) generator built upon a high stability crystal. The DSP generator will divide the accurate signal from the crystal to the exact frequency required to turn the platter at the selected speed. The DSP generator will also producea near perfect sinusoidal waveform to drive the motor. This, along with an efficient drive amplifier, generates a 24V, AC balanced signal of less than 0.15% distortion, which is completely unaffected by any changes in the mains/line voltage and conditions. This then drives the turntable's anti-vibration circuit, which is situated beneath the turntable.

Integrityhifi Solutions

Add these beautifully engineered solutions from Canada's Integrityhifi to improve the functionality of your Rega, with no compromises. Contact us for the Rega package!

The TRU-LIFT automatically raises the tonearm at the end of the record. A special version of the Model 4 with two bases is available with a shorter trigger wiretofit under the Rega dustcover. ($309, price subject to change.)

The TRU-SWEEP follows the groove and reduces static while keeping the groove dust-free, as you are playing the record. The custom XXTRA Large version is needed. ($299, price subject to change.)

The TRU-KLEEN gives you an easily accessed and stable stylus cleaner, allowing you to keep the stylus clean for every play. The custom XXTRA Large version is needed. ($199,price subject to change.)