Rega Planar 3/Elys2
We can’t think of another product that has dominated its market sector with the authority of Rega’s Planar 3 decks. Since the original launched in the late-1970s, its subsequent iterations have invariably remained the obvious choice in the class.
To date, the generational changes have been about steady evolution, with the aim of improving performance. But by the company’s usual standards, the shift from the RP3 to this new Planar 3 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 too.
Smarter appearance
The glossy plinth, available in black or white acrylic laminate, is far smarter and better finished than before. The main bearing has been redesigned to improve fit and reduce stress, and there are also upgrades to the sub-platter, platter, motor PCB and feet. Most of these aim to improve sound, but some add a touch of visual class to a product that has never bothered with such things in the past.
The arm may look familiar, but here too Rega has made changes. Now called the RB330, it has a new bearing housing and redesigned arm tube. These revisions aim to improve rigidity, control resonances and reduce friction. The bias arrangement is clearer now, as are the markings on the spring-loaded dial that sets the tracking weight.
Speed change is manual, involving moving the rubber drive belt from one step of the motor pulley to the next. Despite the scale of the upgrade, the Planar 3 remains a simple, wellengineered deck that puts performance first. It may look a little smarter, but the priorities haven’t shifted that much.
Well matched
Rega will supply the Planar 3 without a cartridge for £580, but our sample has the company’s long-running Elys 2 moving-magnet fitted. It works so well as part of the package that we would advise anyone to spend the extra.
Once it’s up and running, it doesn’t take long to realise that the Planar 3’s two-year development paid off. It sounds considerably cleaner than its talented predecessor – there’s greater transparency and more resolution of detail too. It’s clear that the engaging musical character hasn’t been diluted. We begin 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. Large-scale dynamic shifts are delivered with enthusiasm while more subtle ones 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.
Getting to the heart of it
The Rega ties together the individual strands in such a way that the music makes total sense. The message and emotional content of the music are communicated with utmost clarity. Some rivals may have a more etched and analytical sound, but nothing we’ve heard at this price is so entertaining.
Rega has been developing the Planar 3 for decades and there’s no doubt the product has steadily improved over the years. We think this current version is the best 3 yet, adding extra servings of clarity, precision and insight to an already-very-musical sound. Want the best value on the market? This is it.