Old Rega Planar 3 vs New Rega P3. What’s New is Old Again!

[@davidholmes2283]

Just had my 28 year old P3 serviced. Still happy with it.

[@TheKarsino]

Really interesting video. I still have and use daily my Planar 3 that I bought new in 1984. I still remember ordering it from my local Rega dealer and being put on the waiting list as happened back then.

[@SteveDestruct]

I have a newer P3 and my tonearm comes down waaaaay slower than that. Mine is proper. I wonder if if was a bad run of arms, maybe the other one at the store is from the same shipment?

[@SteveDestruct]

@chestyvulva Absolutely not. I had a P2 for 3 years before I got my P3 which I've now had for over 2 years. Loved them both. The P3 is a significant upgrade though. But I'll never have a main table that's not a Rega. Can't recommend them highly enough.

[@TheTree1996]

What do you think I should get new p2 or the old used p3 like in the video roughly the same price. The p3 condition looks okay to me.

[@SteveDestruct]

@TheTree1996 Depends how old the P3 is. If it's from the current generation or the last one, the RP3, I'd go with that. Anything older I may go with the new P2.

[@TheTree1996]

@@SteveDestruct judging from the picture I saw it looks exactly the same like in the video. Have to say that this is my second turntable from audio technica lp3xbt and I have to buy a separate phono as well.

[@SteveDestruct]

@@TheTree1996 I may go with a p2, or look for a p3 of the current generation.

[@kalenderquantentunnel9411]

I'm just awaiting the delivery of a used current-model P3 with PSU as a second table to a LP12 with Cirkus, Akito (new bearings and upgraded cabling), Lingo, AT750SH. Your prespective on it has been very welcome! I'm really looking forward to the Rega as part of a second, simple, lightweight setup with a single-ended tube-amplifier and efficient speakers.

[@squeezy99]

I have a Planar 3 from 1979. A great bit of kit.

[@enrico0094]

My P3 was bought last year - a lovely turntable, agile and tight. Mine had the Elys 2 cartridge fitted and i *really* didn't get on with that. Traded it in for an Ortofon 2MR Blue. A huge improvement.

[@ptbfrch]

I have the 2016 P3 in my system, and I've done similar upgrades to you. It works beautifully, and I really like the sound it produces.

[@georgeanastasopoulos5865]

Wonderful, very informative lecture, and demonstration. I've got a Rega Planar 3 T. that I bought as a plinth, for the most part; so I refurbished, repaired this vintage Planar 3 Turntable from circa early 1980s. Since previous owner drilled a large hole, along with three small ones. I bought a new Rega dust cover. I found, bought, and installed a used Linn Basik Plus Tonearm, and I've got to level the tonearm stay - semi-circle is lower. I mounted a new Audio Technica AT95E MM cartridge by using a Linn Tonearm Protractor. I added a Silicone Drive Belt, replaced the Motor Suspension Belt (O ring), also Silicone; and replaced, and soldered in a new Capacitor, and Resistor. Next is for me to install a Motor Thrust Bearing; and then maybe a Motor Vibration Absorber. It's a special rubber band that goes around Rega's motor to reduce further noise, and vibration.🔉🎵

[@jimsregaturntableshifijukebox]

You can buy on eBay UK, a Sorbothane gasket that does away with the motor suspension belt on the older models. I've used them on a few of my Regas. Maybe worth a look. Other types using different materials are available too Happy listening.

[@georgeanastasopoulos5865]

@@jimsregaturntableshifijukebox Thank you, Jim for your added advice on a better, and even more anti-vibration, and less resonant motor mounting.🔉🎵

[@coldacre]

one minor correction to the chronology, the RP3 (with the brace) came out in 2012, not 2000. great channel! thanks for the heads up about Tango Spinner; I have ordered the matte silver feet for my already tricked out P3-24. can’t wait!

[@timleelim9930]

The simplicity and elegance of the modern Planar 3 in gloss white and clear glass and its performance (sadly prices have gone up in recent time) make it a strong proposition, though I do think it suffers in value terms looking at its US pricing compared to home market and elsewhere.

[@ericdimson1]

I have a new P3 and the tonearm descent is very gentle. I’m sure it’s just an adjustment issue.

[@marcusoutdoors4999]

Great review, my 80s model is still going strong, except for a broken rear hinge on one side

[@ceylonmooney]

really enjoyed the comparison. while u got the current model P3, can u make a comparison/contrast video between stock P3 and P3 with all ur tango spinner upgrades? and, i must restate. the heavy drop on the tonearm lift is a malfunction. the functioning P3 tonearm drop is appropriately damped, very slow and smooth.

[@VinylRescue]

Hmm, maybe someone forgot to add dampening fluid to the cueing lever device?? I have the P2 that I bought back in late 2017 and it drops slowly. Sounds like some one at Rega is forgetting something???

[@SpineTingler007]

That upgraded platter is very similar to the standard platter on the Pioneer PLX1000 turntable.

[@Julian-jn3jk]

Hi, i really enjoyed your videos on the modifications you made to your "old" Rega Planar 3. Do you have a view - which sounds best now? The new unmodified Rega P3 or your old Rega Planar 3 with all of the modifications? Is there one that's nudging ahead?? I am thinking of doing something similar and want to understand where to put my money, into a new one or get an older one and spend the money on all of the mods.

[@paulmahoney1616]

The Neo isn’t a linear power supply, it is a DSP speed controller.

[@TorontoJon]

10:10 That lack of dampening when lowering the tone arm is pretty shocking for a Rega turntable and another KZbinr, Record-ology, did a video about purchasing dampening fluid from a guy who sells custom dampening fluid and that made a huge difference to his turntables/record players including more low-end units. I wonder if it's worth contacting Rega to ask them about this dampening issue or if they can recommend a dampening fluid manufacturer?

[@MODAC]

It’s a loaner from a dealer, brand new in the box.

[@TorontoJon]

@@MODAC Yes, I know it's new, but still, that lack of dampening is really disturbing as you pointed out and if that's a "feature" as Rega intended, that's just really odd. I'd expect that from a Crosley suitcase player, but not from a Rega turntable and I know Regas have a great reputation otherwise and their turntables have stood the test of time. Other than that, they are gorgeous turntables. Thanks for another excellent video.

[@ceylonmooney]

@@TorontoJon the P3 arm is, if set up properly and in working condition) heavily damped. theres something wrong. if dealer set up, it sure shouldnt leave dealer with this malfunction.

[@mikeblack8596]

From observing what is happening in the video (and I'm not sure if this is what is still happening in real life practise) ... when using the tonearm lever you are not supposed to pull the lever all the way down. You only want to pull it to the tipping point . ie just below 90° and then allow the oil dampening inside the lever to gently lower the tone arm. Mine's performs perfectly when operated in this manner,and I like the fact that it gives me enough time to get back to my seat before the stylus hits the record 😉👌

[@garyausten5939]

I bought a P2 (budget considerations) with an upgraded AT-VM640ML cartridge and just yesterday bought a Fono MM Mk5 pre-amp to go with it. I'd love to do some table upgrades at some point. BTW, My P2 in in a walnut finish and has a smoked gray cover. I found the pre-am improved clarity and soundstage. What aftermarket parts would be the best to start with?

[@pjvgtv]

Wow! Where did you get the Linn hat?

[@marcusoutdoors4999]

Hello from England. Please can you let me know what the wall are / sound damping panels are? Many thanks.

[@Dave-if5qj]

How many versions of the p3 and P2 have there been

[@margaretchurchill5775]

I have just bought down from the loft my old Rega Plana 3 , bought about in about 1983 , so must be well over 40 years old. What replacement turntable belt do I need, and also what stylus do I need to buy, thank you for your help. Margaret Churchill

[@MODAC]

Where are you located?

[@keithgrey3916]

Thanks for the video. I’m tempted to get my old Rega Planar 3 out of the loft! By the way, what is the music playing on the turntable? I love it

[@adotopp1865]

You may have to adjust the lifter depending on the height of the fitted cartridge.

[@MODAC]

That wasn’t the issue.

[@67daltonknox]

I have a Planar 3 bought in 1979, currently equipped with a Denon DL-103, it sounds fine.

[@alexandrefernandes6286]

Hi, just saw your video and I saw the AT cartridge on the RB300 arm. Were spacers needed to raise the arm? Can the AT 540 cartridge be adjusted correctly on that arm without the spacers? Thanks and I loved the video.

[@audiofool4u]

That’s a great music room you have there. My ‘music room’ is chaos with wires all over the place and lots of different cd players and amps that I listen to on a rotation basis, none of them as up market as your stuff, though I do have the Rega Planar 3 turntable which is the original version of the RP3, I think. One part of your setup that we need to know to get the complete hi-fi picture is the cartridge in the Rega tonearm. Looking at your other components I would say the P3 turntable is probably now the weak link in your setup. Rega’s latest lineup is the RP6, RP8 and RP10. The RP10 costs around $7,000 and comes complete with a big smile from Roy Gandy, the Rega boss. If you dare move away from Rega, the Audio Technica AT-LP2022 limited edition turntable looks, and I believe sounds, mouth wateringly good. If I could afford one I would be very tempted in that direction. Hope you are still enjoying that Naim cd player.

[@MODAC]

The cartridge is an AT VM740ML. My primary table is a Linn LP12. I also have a Technics SL-1200 mk2, and a Denon DP-1250. Thanks for you comments.

[@audiofool4u]

@@MODAC Apologies, that comment was meant foe Glen Kellaway who was showing his music room and hi-fi setup. Thank you for such a prompt reply. May I ask you do you think the Audio Technica AT-LP 2022 would be an improvement over the RP3 or just a sideways step sonically?

[@pedlpower]

I didn't know that the cueing height was adjustable! Thank you. I bought my P3 in January of 2023 and it drops the stylus too quickly also.

[@JohnDoe-np3zk]

My p3 arm dropped too fast but after working it several times helped dome. The p6 i just bought arm dropped slower from the get go.

[@JohnDoe-np3zk]

The p6 with exact 2 and neo power supply was a huge jump vs p3 with elys 2. The p3 runs VERY fast without neo.

[@bobby666666]

Rega has issued a 50th Anniversary version in Walnut finish, Exact Cartridge and Neo 2 PSU for £899.00 in total the UK. I put a deposit in one yesterday. They also issued a 40th Anniversary, but surprisingly. It did cost more.

[@kieranhynes9072]

Thanks for bothering to pronounce the name right. Anyone in the UK with even a passing interest in hifi knows it's pronounced REga as in reload, not RAYga as in ray gun. Some UK reviewers have started deliberately mis pronouncing it, presumably to appease potential US viewers. It's one of those silly little things that shouldn't annoy me, but does.

[@patientdog1651]

As you know RElph left the company decades ago but Roy GAndy is still there - I had the pleasure of meeting him at the Bristol Hi-Fi Show a few years ago.

[@lucybartley5063]

I have a few older vintage turntables, to my ears the best of the bunch is the Townshend Rock II (1982), did you ever get to hear one when you lived over here?

[@doodahdavesrecords4319]

Nice video thank you David! Leaning towards the Rega 3 for upgrade the anniversary model

[@acemacgruber6593]

If you don’t mind, could you tell me where you got your stereo cabinet with album holders on each side? Thanks!

[@MODAC]

Watch this: Building a Superb Hifi and Record Stand for My Marantz Receiver kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJmUgaaajaiDY6c

[@RSHedgehog]

This brought back fond memories of the Rega planar 3 I bought in the early eighties and was still going strong 18 years later when I sold it. Buying the the 24V motor kit for your old Rega is another great upgrade. Really disappointed in your experience of the cueing mechanism - this used to be a stand out feature of the Rega and was used by other tonearm manufacturers (even quite expensive ones). I think the weight on the newer deck is painted steel as the tungsten weight was replaced in an earlier model - probably too expensive now. My early model did have a tungsten weight and I think you can buy them as an after-market replacement.

[@paulc7190]

i have the P6 and was somewhat surprised (disappointed) at the plasticky hinge for the dustcover, and the tonearm lever that thuds if you let it down quickly.

[@jimsregaturntableshifijukebox]

Those plastic hinges last decades 😉 The tonearm cueing lever definitely shouldn't go down that quickly, if you bought your TT new it has a lifetime guarantee, so talk to the seller.

[@larryhoffman7471]

Odd. My P2 arm is damped. There must be something wrong with the damping on those P3’s.

[@slistone1940]

The black gloss plinth on my P3 is all scuffed up. Any ideas on how to fix that?

[@MODAC]

No, sorry. Auto paint compound, wax and buff?

[@keithbrowes1974]

I find the cueing damper is affected by the ambient temperature, in hot weather there is almost no damping but in cooler weather the damping is much better, obviously has something to do with the damping fluid viscosity changes due to temperature rather like engine oil does!

[@MODAC]

Hmmm….that is ridiculous. It was not warm in my house. Poor engineering then.

[@keithbrowes1974]

@@MODAC I must own a ridiculous rega P3 then as I can assure you that is the situation with mine , perhaps you have a Friday afternoon one then!

[@JohnDoe-np3zk]

@@keithbrowes1974 if you manually force the rod down several times it helped. This recommended by their main distributor in tx

[@ceylonmooney]

ur desler needs to service his P3s. my P3 and every one sold by my dealer have an appropriately damped tonearm lowering mechanism. mine is very slow and gentle.

[@TheMentalblockrock]

I've heard that these "tango spinner" bearings can wear out in less than a year or so.....

[@shaunprice3219]

Have P3 and have not suffered from issues with cuing mechanism. Damping works as should.

[@carmenandthedevil2804]

The original RB300 has the tungsten counterweight.

[@naibafabdulkobor4301]

@carmenandthedevil2804 - Exactly. The RB303 and later models (even including the current RB880) come with mild steel counterweights. Not so with the RB900, RB1000, RB2000 and RB3000. The original tungsten counterweight is still available as an upgrade part and it's not cheap at $175.

[@mortlach186]

Replace the motor with the 24V model. It's key to lowering the noise floor and better speed stability. That alone would make it competitive with a new one. I've heard them side by side; yes they sound different but very similar. That's the first mod to do to an old Rega than mucking about with all that south American stuff. And to the ringing sound of the glass, does it ring when placed on the sub-platter? I remember companies coming up with all sorts of changes to the LP12's outer platter. The demo would start with removing it and striking it to show that yes, it did indeed ring like a bell but forgot to demonstrate it when placed on the table where it then would make a thud when tapped.

[@nimhbus5465]

Also, the felt mat will of course damp the entire platter meaning it can't ring. Basic stuff!

[@snakechmr5191]

Hello & thank you for the timely video. I recently purchased the Rega P3 (new version) as part of a comprehensive upgrade to my critical listening system. I like it and understand the allure of the P3. I already have the upgraded power supply, but am interested in other upgrades to improve its performance. Watching both of your videos, it wasn't clear what the improvements were following your upgrades. It would be interesting to know if the upgrades you applied would improve the current version. Lastly, the comparison should use the same cartridge in both units. Cheers!

[@MODAC]

Thanks for your comment. I don’t know exactly how they will effect a new unit. Read reviews. They made a difference to my old 3. Contact Gus at Tango Spinner and ask about his return policy.

[@ronb8529]

I have owned two Rega turntables and the cuing device has always been nice and slow , gently lowering to the album. I think there must have been a bad run of cuing devices.

[@JohnnyTheDoe]

I got a secondhand P3 recently. It came with the upgraded PSU and sub-platter for well under £600. Its tone arm drops SLOWLY and GENTLY. There's something to be investigated with the one you trialled.

[@scottcarlon6318]

You certainly are an audiophile well versed in the current technology and trends. I’m wondering why you tend to favor vintage turntables and turn a blind eye towards the technically superior offerings at similar price points. Take Technics, for instance, they offer several budget friendly models and many in the more elite category. The 1200gr2 or the1200g would be worthy of consideration, as would several other offerings. All technically superior to the tables that have caught your fancy. Anyway, love the channel and look forward to your next videos.

[@fedrichorlandineumann3062]

Verissimo, i prodotti Tango Spinner fanno volare i tuoi rega con una spesa ragionevole.sto per prendere il piatto in Derling e poi ho fatto tutto le modifiche con un risultato impensabile!!!

[@ceylonmooney]

i just noticed the name change (my own devices audio channel from my own devices)--when and why?

[@jackmack7533]

Flying Cowboys is a masterpiece.

[@keithgrey3916]

Is that the music that is playing on the turntable?

[@jackmack7533]

@@keithgrey3916 No - not today, I believe it was - but now it's not, might have had to change it for copywrite.

[@gdwlaw5549]

I own the ProJect debut carbon. I get the feeling this turntable is far superior.

[@timothyfreeseha4056]

Prat is like love & Democracy...the feeling these words give you needs no upgrade path.

[@avro66]

Very nice British hifi components I've had them all over the decades.

[@Alan-megan]

good review

[@shaynetaylor8185]

The P3 does not come with a tungsten weight.

[@mikechivy]

That tonearm is not right. It does not drop that fast unless something is wrong.

[@geevee1045]

I certainly appreciate the efforts you go to, and so I was very interested in your comparison of the old Planar 3 vs the new P3 until I realized you were comparing cartridges, not turntables. The comparison is not helpful if you compare apples to oranges and declare the apple as the best apple.

[@MODAC]

I don’t believe that is what I did. I compared the physical attributes and features of the two models. I did not directly A/B compare the sonic qualities of old vs new because the old unit has been updated with Tangospinner parts. Cartridges were not mentioned.

[@geevee1045]

@@MODAC I saw the 2 Regas with different cartridges mounted on each, and when you described the sound of the P3, I assumed you were comparing it against the other Rega. Didn't notice you said Linn Sondek. Sorry about that, my bad. I owned the original RB300 arm when it first appeared and thought it was a terrific bargain, but the cueing device worked properly, and didn't dive bomb the record. Good to know.

[@GodfreyMann]

Has he got the names wrong? According to Rega & Wikipedia websites, the latest turntable is the Rega Planar 3 and old models are the P3 and RP3. Would be really useful if reviewers *NOT* start abbreviating it’s name in their videos as this simply causes confusion. (To be honest it’s Rega’s fault for choosing such confusing model names, but that’s what we have to work with).

[@naibafabdulkobor4301]

@GodfreyMann - I generally agree with you but in this case the printing on the plinth really reads "P3" (or p3) in big letters (and then "planar three" in small letters right below). It's actually Rega themselves who have changed the name so often, nobody can track that legacy anymore (probably including Rega): Planar 3, P3, P3 2000, P3-24, RP3 ... and now P3 AND planar three at the same time. Rega isn't exactly known for following a strict scheme.

[@matthewtaylor7355]

Give me a 1970s direct drive monster over a harbored Rega anyday

[@kas4751]

Funny thing. I sold my P3 and replaced it with an LP120X. Tbh, I dont know where the money is gone with the P3. It's a particle board plinth, with a tonearm that hasn't seen much updates or innovation since its inception, a subplatter that is essentially plastic, and in my case, the belt was a little kinked right out of the box. You also need to help the motor by giving it a helping hand at start up. There's just too much cheap materials and old tech for its asking price. It's a good turntable, but at this price, nah. I expect better quality materials at this price point. And then the higher you go in the line up, the less materials they give you lol. I plainly refuse to be cheated.

[@carmenandthedevil2804]

Bad luck.

[@allanthacker6072]

Refuse to be cheated? That new car you bought 40years ago will cost a damn sight more at todays prices.

[@len9518]

I enjoy your videos, and will remain a subscriber, but you've definitely gone down the rabbit hole. As someone over on vinyl engine said, the only one who can hear the difference, is the person who paid for it. I was waiting for the end, to mention PRaT, but you beat me to it. Pace, Rithym and timing, are not a function of a turntable. They are engraved inot the grooves.

[@deanbull7767]

Lowering the tone arm tells you all you need to know about these turntables, from day one it's all been about cutting the cost that also lowers quality.

[@jasper20017]

My p3 drops much slower.

[@videobimcom]

Cheap turntable for a lot of money, it's all Rega marketing.

[@naibafabdulkobor4301]

Yeah. Fun fact: Rega do not even advertise their products. They never did. From your POV that probably just means even their marketing is cheap. ;)

[@gjnbouwmeester5860]

The BS-ters from the audio industry can make the 'audiophiles' beLIEve just about anything... as long as they made "improvements" and the upgradytus-bug comes calling again, hahahahahahahahahaha!!

[@kieranhynes9072]

In all honesty, the only thing the original deck and the new one share is a name. Different plinth, tonearm, platter, added bracing, even the options of cartridge have changed. I've owned both, and P2 and P6, the original P3 is a slight step down from current P2. My current p6 looks similar, but has more in common with a p8 really, as the plinth material makes so much difference.

[@ceylonmooney]

what are you talking about?

[@ceylonmooney]

​@@kieranhynes9072 that surprises me. how do you compare the P3 with the P6 using the same cartridge? how different do they sound?

[@kieranhynes9072]

@@ceylonmooney the P3 and P6 were compared with Elys2 and Exact. Leaving aside that I didn't rate the Elys on either, there was a big difference across the board, especially in tonality and bass depth. I now have the p6 with a Dynavector MC and WhestTWO pre and both were upgrades that I feel the P3 couldn't have taken advantage of. Other than looks, the P3 and P6 are very different. If you can, have a listen to both, it's well worth it.

[@ceylonmooney]

@@kieranhynes9072 did you yourself do the listening test between p3/exact and p6/exact? if not, where can i find this review?