Return of the Rega Planar 3
One of the great classics of turntable design is getting a complete workover with the announcement of a new Rega Planar 3 after two years of development by Roy Gandy’s team in Southend, UK. Available from June at $1249, it features a new high-gloss acrylic laminated plinth which has increased stiffness, a re-designed sub-platter and a new natty-looking ‘float glass Optiwhite’ polishedrim 12mm platter. The main central bearing of the Planar 3 also has improved fit and construction, reducing stress on the bearing itself.
Rega has completely re-designed the tonearm, with a new bias assembly, a redesigned stiffer vertical bearing housing, a new 100g mild steel counterweight, an integrated arm clip and an improved spring housing with easier to read numbers. New cabling includes a low-capacitance phono cable and Neutrik plugs.
The plinth will initially be available in gloss black and white (but Rega has a habit of wild and crazy custom editions), while the new RP3 will also be available pre-fitted with Rega’s in-house manufactured Elys2 cartridge for $1449.
More info: www.synergyaudio.com