Rega Planar 3/Elys 2
”Despite the scale of the upgrade, the 2016 Planar 3 remains what it has always been: a simple, well-engineered deck”
We can’t think of another product that has dominated its market sector with the authority of Rega’s Planar 3 turntables over the past few decades.
To date, the generational changes have always been about steady evolution, with the aim of improving performance. But by the company’s usual standards, the shift from the last RP3 to this 2016 version is seismic. Just about every part has been revised to give a proper jump up in sound quality, and perhaps for the first time, the company has also tried to make it look slicker.
It starts with the glossy plinth – available in black or white acrylic laminate – which is far smarter and better-finished. The plinth is more rigid thanks to a pair of phenolic braces on the top and bottom surfaces that strengthen the area between the tonearm and brass main bearing. That main bearing is redesigned to improve fit and reduce stress, and there are also upgrades to the subplatter, platter, motor PCB and feet.
Updated arm
The arm may look familiar, but here too Rega has rung the changes. It’s now called the RB330 and has a new bearing housing and redesigned arm tube. The bias arrangement is clearer now, as are the markings on the spring-loaded dial that sets the tracking weight. This new arm also has better-quality output cables with classier plugs. Both aspects had attracted some criticism in the past.
Despite the scale of the upgrade, the 2016 Planar 3 remains what it has always been: a simple, well-engineered deck that puts performance first. It may look smarter, but priorities haven’t shifted.
Elys 2 charms
Aside from the rubber feet there’s no real attempt at isolation, so you’ll need to use a rigid, level support. Ideally, it’ll be positioned well away from the speakers.
Rega will supply the Planar 3 without a cartridge for £550, but our sample has the company’s rather good Elys 2 moving magnet fitted. The cartridge works so well as part of the package that we would advise anyone to spend the extra. The Elys 2 mounts onto the RB330 with a three-bolt arrangement that ensures alignment is spot-on. Beyond finding a support, setting tracking weight (1.75g) and bias, there’s not much more to do.
The Planar 3’s two-year development has paid off. It sounds considerably cleaner and clearer than its talented predecessor. There’s greater transparency and more resolution of detail. The engaging musical character of the last generation hasn’t been diluted – if anything this version is even more fun.
Classical tones
We start o with Mozart’s Piano Concerto No.20 D Minor and are impressed by the Rega’s organisational skills. Every instrumental strand is kept neatly in place and composure is maintained regardless of the complexity of the music. There’s scale and authority. Large dynamic shifts are delivered with enthusiasm, while subtler shifts are handled with finesse.
By the highest standards the Elys 2 could do with a touch more refinement at the top end, but there’s little else at this price that does better. Importantly, the cartridge – and the complete package, for that matter – conveys the music with cohesion and sparkle.
Full-bodied
The Rega channels Four Tet’s Angel Echoes’ momentum brilliantly. There’s no shortage of insight, either: it digs up layer upon layer of low-level information.
The good news continues with R.E.M’S Automatic For The People. Here, the Planar 3 delivers Michael Stipe’s laidback vocals with some style. There’s plenty of texture and nuance coupled to a convincing sense of body.
We think this is the best Planar 3 yet, adding extra clarity, precision and insight to an already musical sound. Want the best value on the market? This is it.
VERDICT Builds strongly on its Awardwinning predecessor. A class-leading