Rega Planar 8Flagship PlanarTurntable

Rega Planar 8 - Flagship Planar Turntable (What HiFi? Awards 2019)

The Rega Planar 8 turntable delivers exceptional vinyl playback with unparalleled detail and precision, inspired by the ultimate Rega model, the Naiad. It redefines analogue audio excellence at an accessible price point for audiophiles seeking premium performance.

Key Features

• Ultra-lightweight plinth constructed from aerospace-grade Tancast 8 polyurethane foam core sandwiched between high pressure laminate (HPL)
• Double Brace Technology (DB Technology) for enhanced rigidity and reduced unwanted resonance
• New RB880 tonearm with advanced preloaded zero tolerance bearings and low capacitance phono cable
• Low mass central hub bearing assembly with machined aluminium sub-platter and hardened steel spindle
• Triple-layer laminated glass platter optimised for flywheel effect and stiffness
• 24V low noise synchronous motor with advanced anti-vibration mounting and EBLT drive belts
• Neo PSU power supply featuring digital signal processing (DSP) for fine electronic speed adjustment and stable power delivery
• Stylish removable single-piece dustcover reducing overall mass
• Available with factory-fitted Ania or Apheta 2 MC cartridges at a discounted package price

Product Overview

Every component of the Planar 8 is engineered to extract maximum detail from vinyl records. The ultra-lightweight plinth is 30% lighter than its predecessor, the RP8, while offering increased rigidity through Double Brace Technology. The RB880 tonearm features an aluminium and stainless steel vertical bearing assembly with friction-free movement and zero play, terminated with a low capacitance phono cable and locking plugs for optimal connection.

The low mass central bearing assembly utilises a machined aluminium sub-platter and hardened steel spindle housed in custom brass, minimising energy transfer to the plinth. The triple-layer laminated glass platter, developed in collaboration with a British glass engineering company, balances mass distribution to achieve a superior flywheel effect without compromising stiffness.

The Planar 8’s 24V synchronous motor is mounted using a unique bottom mounting technique derived from the Naiad, ensuring low vibration and high stability. The bespoke EBLT drive belts are manufactured with precision for perfect speed stability. The Neo PSU incorporates advanced DSP technology to provide smooth power, fine speed control, and an anti-vibration circuit for consistent performance.

Note: The Planar 8’s smaller footprint is not compatible with existing Rega turntable wall brackets. A new lightweight custom wall bracket has been developed specifically for this model.

Specifications

• Turntable Dimensions (with dustcover): Width 420mm, Depth 315mm, Height 125mm
• Turntable Weight: 4.2kg
• Neo PSU Dimensions: Width 180mm, Depth 155mm, Height 50mm
• Neo PSU Weight: 0.6kg

What's in the Box

• Rega Planar 8 turntable with removable dustcover
• RB880 tonearm
• Neo PSU power supply
• EBLT drive belts
• Optionally factory-fitted Ania or Apheta 2 MC cartridge (sold separately)

"If you 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 of analogue audio engineering." – Jason Kennedy, editor of the ear.net, October 2018.