AnalogPlanet.com Visits Rega Research (Part 1)

More than 20 years have passed since analogPlanet.com editor Michael Fremer first visited Rega Research. Back then the company had just moved into its recently completed, spacious new factory and there was room to spare. Today, despite since adding a new building and turning mezzanine level storage areas into factory space the company is again squeezed. It's taken storage space across the way, yet, as you'll see, it's again "cozy" as turntable sales soar. The company currently ships monthly approximately 6000 turntables. This is the first of a multi-part factory tour hosted by Rega co-founder Roy Gandy that you're sure to find fascinating and surprising. You'll learn that the word "research" in the company name is not a vain descriptor! BTW: "Terry" is Terry Bateman, Rega's chief electronics designer and Ashton is a young American engineer who recently joined Rega. Greater historical background will be forthcoming in a review of the new Rega book.
**********
Website: www.analogplanet.com
Facebook: / analogplanet
Twitter: / analogplanet

[@brewt1mer]

Great vid,as a rega owner it's great to see how much care and attention is put into producing them.

[@roadmovies]

You are the one and only person in the world who's out there giving us a fantastic view into the world of analog. Greatly appreciated!

[@Mnpctech_Giveaway_PC_Mods]

Rega is very safety minded, employees wear reflective vests...thumbs up, for seeing a tour with the founder!

[@marktubeie07]

Bloomin' fantastic video - can't wait for more, fascinating behind the scenes look!

[@rushiestube]

Great to see a British manufacturer that is thriving and a company leader that's focused on the product and people. It's a credit to Roy Gandy and his team that they can produce world class products at decent price points in the UK. Refreshing to hear Roy speak so openly too. I'm about to buy an new turntable and it will definitely be a Rega. Thanks Michael,very informative.

[@pjd4268]

agreed.

[@Jazzzydon]

Michael Rush Back in the 50's and 60's an awesome turntable company named Callaro in Great Britain manufactured all the turntables for Magnavox. They eere factory set schematics (arm weight, azimuth etc...)and they did not wreck your records....

[@ralex3697]

I’ve supported Rega since their humble beginnings Great respect for this first class company Roy Gandy is a gem. Honest, humble and committed Still manufacturing in the UK, great products at reasonable prices I love true British audio, gets my vote. Thankfully they don’t sell streaming junk. Hope they stay out of that market. Not real music bits and bytes. Give me some vinyl.

[@VinylGourmetTV]

Another great video, thank you Michael :) Love my Rega P9!

[@TheZooman22]

Very nice tour of the company. It is fascinating to see people at work , building something with such an iconic history, like a turntable. This kind of stuff goes on around the world every day and there is only one guy out there sharing this experience with us.

[@LowsJuan]

I love this behind the scenes factory stuff. You learn so much and it gives you and appreciation of the engineering behind such a playback device. I loved the SME tour you did as much also. Wonder if a trip to the Fatherland would the skies be as CLEAR and include more AUDIO as other tours.

[@DownUnderVinyl]

Booody great video mate, Cant wait for Part 2. Thanks for doing this.

[@L4M3G4M3R]

Hello to you Michael from Australia. Really enjoyed this...great to see a group of people so committed and passionate about their products. Makes me want to upgrade my Debut Carbon to a RP6. Better start saving!

[@seeyouinmist3924]

thank you for this great video - looking forward to the next part(s). Whilst I am not a Rega fan per se, I've given it a thumbs up for pure respect to Michael

[@mmmbbq]

Great work on this. Winding the cantilevers was fascinating!

[@leon9021]

Out of all the facility videos I have seen from you so far this one is the most impressive. Real meticulous work done at a high standard, even for the lower end models.

[@ralex3697]

Linn factory as well

[@Chunksville]

Excellent video Michael looking forward to PT2 :-)

[@Si1983h]

Great video, I love Rega as a company. Genuine nice people who care about the consumer and have a passion for the products they produce. Their after sales service is second to none.

[@freizeitvideos5739]

impressive, it opens the view on the manufacturer REGA, a completely new and special overview of the production of a complete system. Thanks Michael, for the guided tour through the production, in conversation with the very likeable Roy.

[@joewillie5800]

Have never written in, but love your channel and love the videos. You seem like my kind of vinyl nut. You turned me on to the group Real Estate. Love them. Thanks for all your hard work, keep it up and I will continue to watch!!!

[@sam66hazmal]

Really interesting video, I have a modified Rega tonearm on my Linn Sondek LP12 and for the past 18 months I've been using the Rega RX3 speakers in my system, they sound great. I really like Rega they make a great rage of products.

[@daikuone]

This is a great tour. I wish more manufacturers would be open enough to show their processes, which builds confidence with us, the consumer.

[@michaeljohnaustin6745]

Your videos are alway so interesting , thank you

[@freepress8451]

Your manufacturer visits are so interesting, thanks for sharing

[@kobeblue1]

This is what can be achieved if one sets for getting to perfection. Great work done indeed Rega.

[@simonphillips5755]

Great video, fascinating thank you.

[@VladBorisych]

Great video! More factory tours, please. And thanks for asking them my question about RP6. I'm thinking of switching to Rega but want to see the next version of RP6 before committing to Planar 3.

[@SpaghettiKillah]

As a proud owner of a Rega RP8 and Aria phono this hits right at home! great to see where they're actually made. The new factory looks good. I remember they had to move a couple of times due to increased demand and production. Thk you Mike

[@biffjohnson7891]

Now that’s the Best sounding advice around

[@chilleruk]

Great start to your Rega tour. Hoping you get an rp10 to review soon.

[@davidy80]

Rega should be applauded for being so accommodating. You get the impression of a genuinely engaged workforce too!

[@heavymetallife398]

another great video, vinyl is life

[@leehazlewoodism]

Tim Burgess is not a cartoonist, he's the singer with the Charlatans - known as the Charlatans UK in the US I believe.

[@AdamS365]

I notice Phil kept his head down, as usual :-) Great video, thanks!

[@crapcandy]

Back when I was a teenager I picked up my first issue of stereophile (I think it was the January of 1998) in which you wrote about your visit to Rega. There was a picture of you in which you captioned "Here I am building a tonearm. Pray it won't be yours." Been a fan since.

[@chrissyman77]

Very interesting, and well done Roy Gandy a true brittish success story.

[@jamescollins6085]

The COVID component shortages no doubt proved that keeping all of that excess stock is a good idea.

[@tomzielinski9506]

I'm American and a proud owner of Rega P3, new Brio,and neo power supply. All Rega kit, but also have a Naim Nat 03 olive series tuner. I'm happy :)

[@divest6527]

Incredible. I hope they paid you for doing this, because it's the best advertisement they could ask for!

[@divest6527]

And what a great job you're doing :) Enjoy your time in the UK!

[@junglejamesie]

Brilliant.

[@eddevito3282]

I still have the Rega planar 2 I bought in 1981. Black plinth with teak trim. Grado cartridge. I recently put it back into service with a new grado, and it functions perfectly.

[@andrewrees8749]

I have a 20yr old Rp3, that's still playing great, I'm looking to get a new one,in the very near future. Seen the company founder in bristol hifi show,a few wks ago.

[@josephfuller7008]

I have a VPI Classic 2, a Rega P3, and a Technics sl1210gr. The one that amazes me most is the P3. I did upgrade with the NEO power supply. Every time I look at it and play lps on it I just marvel at how much you get for the money. The classic is better at 3 times the price as it should be but if I had to keep one it would be the P3.

[@TheP0tatoe]

Very nice video Michael! Thanks for doing this. As a side note, would it be possible to know what kind of setup you got home, or make a video about it? I know you have a continuum but that's only a part of it! Best regards

[@TheP0tatoe]

I see, thanks.will be waiting for it!

[@newenglisharchitecture1012]

Recently been thinking about getting a rega rp3...

[@darkmatterfalls101]

good stuff my ole matey

[@kevinbeckenham3872]

Thank you for a very interesting and educational documentary about Rega. Stylus pressure meter is the most interesting product, I just wonder where can buy one in the East Midlands

[@ZappaTime]

Love it, fascinating; surprised how noisy it seemed for those coil winders, one fiddly job that is!

[@simonphillips5755]

ZappaTime ,

[@Trebor2024]

Great video but some of the sound quality is poor with noisy background noise including a description of what’s happening while a guy is vacuuming very close to where the discussion is taking place!

[@pjd4268]

so, i assumed it was hard to build a mc cart but..that's like crazy hard. Call me impressed.

[@richardriley4415]

Green is my favorite color.

[@alangeorgebarstow]

And it is my favourite colour.

[@w4cht3l]

Is there anything Roy told you about a future "Planar 6", that hasn't made its way into the video?

[@thegrimyeaper]

I hate all the green everywhere... But enjoyed this video so much. Can't wait to see more.

[@alangeorgebarstow]

I LOVE all the green everywhere. It makes a welcome change from boring red!

[@frmacleod]

What's your opinion on Rega tables?

[@felipechan9654]

I bought a RP3 with factory installed elys2 from a local dealer here in the Philippines, one channel is dead I inform the dealer and the dealer immediately send a replacement, I installed the replacement and now both channel works , but theres a defect with the replacement cartridge, whenever the tone arm is lifted from the vinyl after a split second you will always hear a small thud sound, at first I’m thinking there is a built in muting circuit, but upon investigating something inside the cantilever is touching the cantilever, the rubber suspension of the cantilever, I inform the dealer about the problem, the dealer told as long as both channel is working just ignore the thud sound, is that the policy of REGA company?

[@Jazzzydon]

I think Great Brittaners are natural turntablists as the for years manufactured the awesome Collaro turntables that went into all Magnavox stereos until sometime in the 70's when Phillips bought magnavox and promptly turned the into crap...

[@waynepollard6879]

South end on sea ! Babbling Britt's !

[@Gdlen1]

I have an original planar 2 from 1982? and the original Queen box set from 1985, cost me $85 NZ, is the current box set really that bad?, shame, great vids, thanks

[@ingenfestbrems]

These vids made me sell my project and by a p6 with ania Love 💗 it

[@ralex3697]

Selling my VPI and going to buy yet another Rega, just fits nicely in my system with the Rega Elex R Love their gear and the company is so committed to quality products

[@Johnny-te4rv]

We have towns like that in New York, Michael? You’re from New Jersey.

[@MikeGervasi]

I love my P5

[@Jazzzydon]

Do they make any turntables that will play 78 rpm?

[@sloot69x]

yes the rp78

[@lolwutjoe]

so when is the new P6 coming out? :D

[@lolwutjoe]

I'm about to get an RP6. Guess I'll have to wait.

[@leon9021]

Any purchases made yet?

[@hughbetcha436]

I would very much like a bogie coloured turntable!😁

[@johnroberts459]

VACUUM CLEANER!

[@ceejaydeesoozaa]

anyone here has seen this video more than once like me?

[@maxbouvatte]

Please invest in a monopod or gimble for camera

[@davidwebb1699]

I must ask why no ESD protection?

[@mr.spongylikeaboss4987]

Because it's not needed.

[@marktucker4528]

Bizarre that the sound is so poor on this video, you'd think that Michael Fremer would know how to use a microphone by now. 😂

[@simeonbanner6204]

Recent video on a German turntable factory. All incredible efficiency but how dull and lifeless. Rega has a personality. I think hi-fi manufacturers should really work on that. Naming of the products, philosophy and humour above all.

[@olanzipMK2]

Does Roy Gandy come from a working-class background?

[@ralex3697]

Absolutely, real hard working honest man. Their is a book about their humble beginnings Good read

[@justinparkman3585]

rega make relistic price turntables for the normal not silly overpriced turntables for rich I own a rp6 with the Ania cart . I think there new competition could be the technics sl1200g this is the new kid in town that's causing a stir in the relistic price range ...

[@classicosenvinilo2076]

Now I understand why are expensive

[@geovannilucianomartinezban3518]

hagan la prueba conecten un reproductor cd a un amplificador analogo y chequen la calidad

[@ReferenceFidelityComponents]

Rega may not like it for their image but they do outsource a lot of work, for example, counterweights made by Acoustic Signature. I like their TT ethos and TT simplicity. Never understood the glass platter thing. Had a P25 and the platter rang like a bell. Whist I admire their TT’s I don’t have much time for any other of their products. Had two Apollo R cdps. Both failed. Sent first one back when it failed within first year and to be fair it was repaired within a week. Same fate happened to it and I couldn’t be bothered sending it back again and it was sold as faulty. Bough new Rega pre power. Power amp failed within a week. Tried a higher end mm/mc phonostage and didn’t like it at all. It’s a shame as I want to support UK companies but I would not buy another Rega anything except a turntable. It’s the one thing they know how to build well.

[@stevekirby7333]

Interesting. I've been a manufacturing engineer in electronics for some 45 years and found that video systems have poor depth of field and poor depth perception. Fine for looking at something in a single plane, but difficult to manipulate things when you can't easily judge depth. There is a company called Vision Engineering that makes an optical system called a Dynascope that is less fatiguing than a conventional binocular scope but easily allows for 3D manipulation. This is distinct from their low cost Mantis systems that have a distorted field depth.

[@geovannilucianomartinezban3518]

nostopamos con una y griega hay mescladoras analogas y digitales

[@enedenedubedene4811]

Man sieht dass man nichts sieht. Wo ist da die eigentliche Fertigung. Da ist ja die Fertigungstiefe bei "Project" um einiges höher. Man sieht Null Bearbeitungsmaschinen. Viele Grüße aus Germany

[@TheRealJohnHooper]

No accoustic treatment workplace for these employees :-/

[@kwd-kwd]

Ask them why they don't publish wow and flutter specs, or speed accuracy specs. 1980's japanese tables probably better them by a mile.

[@kwd-kwd]

I have several turntables and many records. I have a cd player too, but doesn't everyone?

[@tomzielinski9506]

Kwd kwd. Dream on looser.

[@roverwaters3875]

Rega or Pro-Ject?

[@ericjensen9091]

REGA!!

[@ArthurJS123]

Surprised you didn't challenge Gandy about his controversial thoughts on the value, or lack thereof, of record cleaning. I like the guy, but some of his thoughts are a bit off the wall.

[@leon9021]

I havnt heard his statement about it, but I think I would agree if its about simple cleaning solutions. If what you use to clean is something of line of a spin cleaner or dish washing soap etc. you are better of not cleaning at all. Anything short of a proper RCM of any kind is not good enough and creates more problems than it solves. Surface dust is not a problem, and the deep groove gunk wont be cleaned with manual methods.

[@guitarfoundry]

i've never owned anything made by Rega but they always strike as me a company that offer superb products that punch above their weight..One day I'll need to replace my naim CDS2 and was thinking about a second hand CD555 but after consulting the internet i keep hearing how awesome the Rega Isis player, and it's a fraction of the price of the Naim player...Although i find the decks with the band graphics and scrawling all over them, very cheap, tacky and childish in appearance.

[@ralex3697]

Naim is excellent as well. Amazing components. Having said thatI I respect Roy Gandy and the company he built. I’ve owned many Rega products over the years and will continue to buy their products Always improving their designs, reliable gear. Made in the UK for real.

[@rlwings]

Rega dust covers don't survive shipping. The packaging rubs against the top surface of the dust cover causing scuff marks to form on the top front and top rear of the plastic... Also, the dust covers somehow become bowed inward on all four sides probably due to cooling issues after they are formed. The dust cover doesn't run parallel to the plinth. It bows inward... I bought two P1's at different times and both have these issues... Inexcusable even at $500 entry level units such as the P1. - The English are sloppy and lack good quality control. Give me good Asian know-how any day of the week. I have a modern TEAC turntable that is impeccable from front to back. And it's NOT made in Japan!

[@jdekong3945]

First world problems

[@geovannilucianomartinezban3518]

y visebersa

[@Balooba11]

Not so sure "by hand" means good in Regas case and many others. I've had so much issues with new turntables from Rega which is related to "by hand" and lack of QC. A robot will do exactly the same 365 days per year. A human that hasn't got coffee will make crap assembly 4 out 5 days.. It's just a romantic view saying by hand is better. And economics..

[@jdekong3945]

Oh bs

[@simonpaulhardy4392]

typical fremer video...background noise so loud you cannot hear what people are saying

[@cameronkrause4712]

bad camera work! this will make u seasick.

[@killbasa2000]

Precision blah blah blah... tolerances blah blah blah...40 years on, still can't make record players running dead on 33.3 rpm...

[@carlosmante]

Don't worry your next turntable will run smoothly at 66.6 rpm

[@leon9021]

No belt driven TT in the price range of 300$ runs dead on 33.3 rpm.

[@tomzielinski9506]

Killbasa2000. Stfu mate, you bloody imbecile.