Rega Planar 3 versus Rega Planar 6, Review and comparison. Why is a P6 twice the price of a P3?

An explanation of the differences between the Rega Planar 3 and Planar 6 .. the P6 is often overlooked as it looks almost identical to a P3, but there are some magical things going on under the surface!
Filmed during Lockdown, in one take, with no script .. so please forgive the slightly shaky presentation :-)

[@sk22ng]

Just got a P6 with an Ania moving coil cartridge and my wife & I are head over heels in love with it.

[@tomhound273]

i have a P3 and I had a P1 for a short time so I understand the audio improvement between Rega numbers. At 80 my desire to go beyond my P3 is based on age and finances. But many years ago I had one of the first Rega TT and with a Marantz 8b and high-end pre-amp, all tubes into Rogers LS35a's I had people that listened to that system in awe.

[@eugeneniemierzycki6490]

Rega adds a shitty power supply and doubles the price! The improvements to the 6 are unsubstantial designed to impress the gullible consumer. I wouldn't touch the 6 with a 10 foot pole!

[@eugeneniemierzycki6490]

@Abe Froman Hi Abe. Thanks for your reply. I care about the team but I'm nursing some ire at the moment 'cause the players don't 'deserve the apparent mishandling in direction I hear about. If there isn't an adequate fondation, the team will not be able to meet the great potential wé know it's capable of. I'm hoping the différences will be resolved post haste.

[@austinlibby7025]

Absolute high performance, Ferrari Corvette, C8, Maserati, big Gotti you got it in car language in hi-fi language Regge P 10 is unbelievable music that you’ve never heard before. Out of your vinyl with this Turn table. Don’t believe me go to a Shop and you’ll be totally amazed and blown away. Yes, it cost money but it’s worth of those pennies that you have to pay and this Turn table will last you for the rest of your life. Guaranteed lifetime warranty check it out guys. It’s a hobby expensive early but it’s well worth it with your source and that you’re number one shorts with vinyl.

[@ceejaydeesoozaa]

that p3 in red looks spectacular

[@ericdimson1]

Excellent explanation on the differences between the P3 and P6. I have both of them, and what you described as the significant jump in clarity from the P3 to the P6 is very true. I find that the soundstage really opens up on the P6. If you didn’t listen to the P6 you’d be very happy with the P3. They are truly great turntables for the price.

[@kylepeco]

I have never listened to the P3 or P6, but want to get a quality turntable. My idea would be to buy one turntable for the next 20+ years. I have LS50 Meta speakers powered by a Naim Uniti Atom would you spring for the P6 or is P3 a good match for the setup?

[@joebloggs8636]

@@kylepeco yeah,that setup will work for sure.

[@globalfurniture40]

But also if you compare them with both an exact cartridge ? Now it feels like comparing apples with pears..

[@naibafabdulkobor4301]

@@globalfurniture40 Stereo Phil did answer that exact question explicitly in this video, no? 😉

[@SimonMawhinney]

I have a red P3 and deliberately didn't listen to the P6 when in the shop (which was the wonderful Lyric Hifi in Belfast). Fantastic video which is making my daydream about upgrading.

[@Trebor2024]

I bought the P6 with Ania Pro MC cartridge a few months ago! Sounds great! It replaces my 39 year old (still working!) Sony direct drive turntable!

[@davidstein9129]

Thanks for that information 👍

[@revelationsoundstudio]

Thank you for your review, very helpful. I have a Dual CS 5000 turntable with Grado Cartridge. I am looking to get an upgraded turntable. I have planning on getting the Planar 6. I was thinking if you get the P3 with the external power supply and the same cartridge, they should sound the same. But you helped clarify that that is not the case due to the materials used in both.

[@robmills537]

Thanks for this video it was very useful & interesting 👍

[@johnmedany9294]

I'd be interested in an upgraded 3 versus the 6 too - I have an edwards heavy acrylic platter as well as an edwards sub platter, the TTPSU and a belt upgrade ... given the upgrades available for the p3 (and often for less than the P6 and arguably better than the p6\s stock)

[@SteveBrill]

I’ve just subscribed to your channel Phil, really enjoy your content. I have a question if I may? I own a Rega Brio R amp and have just found a used Apollo CD player. Would it be ok to stand the CD player on top of the Brio R? I don’t have much space but worried about how hot the amp may get?? Thanks in advance. Steve

[@ianp9086]

I have an old but much loved rega p25 - where do you think it would fit with the current range in sound quality - is it about like the current p3? Just wanting to gauge what the best upgrade might be.

[@georgedoughly8682]

I love them both!

[@EddyTeetree]

How does the pitch stability of the platter matter (sic) with the neo providing perfect speed control anyway?

[@user-xv4hh2ck9v]

What are your thoughts on the p9 with the rb900 arm? Phil

[@Jujuboy0]

I have an exact 2 cartridge pre-fitted on my brand new p6 that I just bought for my ninteen birtday. I'm wondering which catridge beetween the Ania or the Ania pro is more worth the money ( or if I should stick to the exact) once my stylus is worn of.

[@johnmulpeter]

Nice to see focus on rega rather than more exotic any expensive TT’s I for one have always believed that a properly set and upgraded P3 could challenge decks at 3 or 4 times the cost...I have sunk about a grand into my RP3 that includes the cost of the deck, so about £400 mods, which include aluminium subplatter - Double pulley and PSU - achromat by funk firm 5mm - dynavector 10x5 - technoweight and Michelle VTA adjuster and finely the REGA wall shelf and I would challenge any deck up to 1.5k to beat it.... It sounds amazing and the soundstage is huge with complete blackness and space around instruments. The 2 biggest bang for your bucks are subplatter and technoweight BTW nice to see the vintage 80’s Acoustic Research speakers in the background I used to own a pair of 38s and a Japanese class a amp in the day....The dynamic swing was amazing !!!

[@kfernandes86]

hi, which brand sub platter did you get? I am also tempted to get one for my planar 3

[@davidstein9129]

I am thinking of purchasing the Rega Planar Model 6. Can you kindly recommend with confidence cartridges for this turntable? Also What, What are the must-have items, besides a good record cleaner & Iso-Pucks, that you recommend I purchase, that will help improve sound quality. Thanks 😊, Dave It will be placed on a well made Pangea Vilcan Criss-Brace/Carbon Fiber Audio Rack.

[@globalfurniture40]

How did the PSU work out for you? besides the speed change? Is it really worth the money ? For sound improvement i mean?

[@austinlibby7025]

I have a P 10 unbelievable if you could afford to make a move up your ears will hear it. Your pocketbook will feel it and you’ll hear music. You’ve never heard before out of any one of the lower priced regular Turn table’s absolute must Turn table to fix all the information out of your vinyl and this does it. Look at the reviews go into debt a little you’re spending enough on LPs. It’s a hobby it’s expensive but it’s well worth it. Your ears will appreciate it.

[@jamiesmith8307]

So if you upgrade the subplatter on the p3 to groovetracer subplatter would it be the same or better than the p6

[@naimusic362]

Thanks for the review Sir. I was wondering if the P6 fits on the latest standard Rega wall mount?

[@cheshireaudio]

Yes, the 1,2,3 and 6 fit

[@anthonyfender72]

Are the lids "suicide lids" on these too like the P1 ?

[@butwait]

I wish the RP40 was included in this. I'm curious how close the RP40 gets to the P6

[@Vintageelectronics2296]

Will the metal they have from the platter to tone arm cause any noise to the stylus I think over time the stylus will pick up noise from that

[@felixfranzen7578]

Had been interesting to hear a blind shoot out between the two with the same pickup. I'm not entirely shure that you can hear much of difference, and if there is a difference it will not be dramatic. I used to own a P5, it looked great, sounded good and had a very nice arm (mine had a RB700 arm which felt fantastic) . Still I sold it and bought a 20 years older Technics instead. However nice the Rega tables are, they're still belt-drives so there's going to to be wow and flutter. Mostly inaudible possibly, but to keep it that way you've got to change the belt every now and then. Also, it's is a hassle to change the cartridge on these, the SME connrection system which most S-arm equiped tables us is a lot nicer from a UX perspective, Not to mention there's no VTA adjustment, you've got to use shims like some oldy timey rock n roll guitar tech. And they're not cheap either.

[@hugoagogo9567]

So if I took a jigsaw to my P3 and profiled it to a P8 layout and used the aluminium sub platter, would I have a P6.5, thoughts?

[@klunatsch]

Ich Mal ne Frage, ich habe gesehen, ob's in diesem Video oder einem anderen von dir war weiss ich Grad nicht, das du den Rega p3 leicht anschiebst damit der auf runden kommt. Ist der Motor stark genug um bei Betrieb mit ner bürste die Platte von grobem Staub zu befreien, oder geht der da in die Knie? Danke und LG 🖖

[@nfaller89]

I just want to see a video comparison of an upgraded rega planar 3 vs a stock 6. Ive upgraded the feet, the belt, and the mat. All of these have brought me a great deal of performance from tightening up the bass and producing a better soundstage. Two more upgrades and I will be at a Planar 6. I need the rega TTPSU and an aluminum sub platter. A this point i have easily sunk 300 into the feet, the funk firm achromat, and a new belt. So idk if I should have just gotten a 6 but it has been some fun upgrading it along the way.

[@adams5389]

I really wish they would have just released the 6 in more colors. The graphite color is just a little too dark and cold for my room/furniture. i'll probably go with a white P3 and do all the upgrades

[@mikemcguinness1304]

@@adams5389 ull still have a p3 though. And that's fine if that's what you want. P6 is a game changer by simple virtue of its low mass plinth. With a m. C. Cart, and separate phono it virges on brilliance.

[@image-i-nation-photography]

I was thinking of getting the 3 but now i think i would like the 6?

[@WooZooM3]

Thank you for doing this comparison! I’ve been an audiophile wannabe at points in my life but never really dove in completely. I am preparing to move to Japan for the next couple years and cannot take my best pieces of hifi gear, vintage Definitive Technologies BP2002 speakers, due to incompatibility (of the built in sub amps) with Japan’s AC mains 50Hz frequency. Instead I have purchased active Kef LSX speakers for my Tokyo apartment. I also have a Schiit Mani phono stage to use with a turntable to be purchased in Japan. Given my modest system, should I still consider the Planar 6 over the Planar 3? Cartridge pairings aside, will the substantial improvement you mention with the 6 be apparent to me?

[@NickRobbMusic]

LSX speakers only have a 3.5mm aux input and any amalog sigmal is converted first to digital then back to analogue. These are not speakers to use for quality turntables. It's the same reason I have LS50 passives and not the wireless active versions. Why bother with analogue sources at all!?!

[@jamiesmith8307]

Use the same cartridge and neo on both and the upgraded groovetracer subplatter on the P3. The tables should sound the same? Anyone do a side by side with the mods on the p3?

[@ericdimson1]

Would you consider the current RB330 arm to be a significant improvement over the original RB300?

[@cheshireaudio]

It’s not hugely better no. There have only been subtle tweaks

[@Kwippy]

I bought the P3 all of 40 years ago. Some years later I moved up to the Linn LP12, later adding the top range Ittok and Asak, but I haven't upgraded the Linn in many years. I am wondering now if I should upgrade the Linn to the current top spec, which would cost a fortune, or just go for the P6 or 8 or even 10, any thoughts?

[@naibafabdulkobor4301]

@ThewayICit - If it's still this same Asak (not even Asaka, right?) then simply replacing it with something current (doesn't even have to be MC) would be a massive improvement. About 30 years ago I once replaced my P3 with an LP12 (Ittok LVII, Valhalla motor board and yes, even an Asak at one point in time). Sounded great when it felt like it, but totally lush on other days. Temperature, humidity, what else, I don't know. After not even 2 years I went back to my P3 and had the arm rewired. The results were much more consistent, so better on average. I would be surprised if a P6 couldn't better an LP12 of that age.

[@garysmith8455]

Question for you. I have the RP-6. The sub-platter is the same resin unit with an aluminum decretive 'cap'... Mine had wobble which was a common complaint. Rega reported that the wobble was within their spec. I ended up replacing the cheap sub-platter with a 'Grove Chaser' solid aluminum unit and replacing the bearings with the jewel that came with the new sub-platter. Any thoughts?

[@garysmith8455]

@Abe Froman Absolutely!, the 'up and down' motion at the out edge of the glass platter is TOTALLY gone. What I did note was that the glass seems to stand still while rotating EXCEPT, that the platter itself is a touch out of round. You can see the outer edge moving slightly in and out. Perhaps it is a fraction oval? It is just nice to know that an up and down motion to the tone arm now, is the vinyl itself and NOT the cause of a wobbly sub-platter. Thanks for asking.

[@garysmith8455]

@Abe Froman You are very welcome Abe. In the kit you should get the long magnet to pull the Rega ball bearing out. Question: did you note the wobble at the outer edge of your platter as well? Here is another thing (not to be a put down of Rega), that happened. While under warranty, the Exact 2 cart lost a channel!, and it was easily replaced, and a cinch to install. Now, a number of years later, I wanted a second table to have in the system. I bought a U-Turn custom which is made right here in my own state. I ordered it with the Ortofon BLUE cartridge. I wanted to DIRECTLY compare the two tables with a twin LP copy I had. Through a very good switcher into the phono stage, I synced up both LP's. To my surprise, the Ortofon had identical bass and midrange performance. The shocker was the high frequencies. The Ortofon has better clarity in that range, and the Rega Exact 2 sounded muffled AND slightly weak in the left channel where the BLUE was very balanced. The STEREO SPREAD is also wider on the Ortofon!! Who would ever know this unless they performed this acid test? So, a couple weeks ago as of this writing, I brought my P6 to my brick and mortar dealer, and I had them install an Ortofon Blue on it ! The spacers from Rega were perfect and NO alterations were needed for the tone arm. Needless to say, the two tables now sound identical ((O: Sorry for the long answer/reply, but I wanted to be honest about my experiences with the Rega.

[@garysmith8455]

@Abe Froman You are very welcome, they are simply, my honest findings between two good turntables and their cartridges. Enjoy the music (O: and if you get a chance, feel free to write here again on the progress/installation of your new Groove Chaser sub-platter. The quality you will find, is of the highest order.

[@AJTupman]

Dammit, had my heart set on a P3 for my wife, now I’m going to have to save up more money for the P6 after watching this. It’s a thing of beauty.

[@Akatosh86]

bought a Planar 3 in 2018 and have been quite happy for some time but now I just crave for something more but undecided whether to upgrade subplatter + purchase NeoTTPSU (some say the sound quality would be comparable to Planar 6 at that point, though I'm aware it still wouldn't be that good) or wait for a while and splurge on Planar 8 (which would require a MC preamp) - though the second option is quite pricey

[@MaterLacrymarum]

What did you decide to do? I have an RP3, and was the same as yourself. I was tempted to get a TT PSU, but since that comes as standard with everything about the 3, it's a waste if you're truly thinking of upgrading some time soon. I thought long and hard, and eventually decided to get the TT PSU in the hopes I can save more money over time and perhaps get an 8 rather than a 6. My TT PSU should arrive today.

[@maxcady9071]

What if one had an Exact cart on the P3?

[@rickfell]

Hey since you like rega tables and their ethos I assume.Why don't you buy some task 8 and make a skeleton plinth for your turntable parts .You might be pleasantly surprised.p.s. A welded aluminum Wall mount injected with expanding foam works for a low mass design.I hope you give it a go.I think it could work out.Use task 8 or aerolam for shelf.Keep it light & rigid.Cheers

[@Dutchamp]

Good rega talk. The p3 I have changed the sub platter that one is very bad sound v compare to a Aluminium one like the p6, have upgrade my p3 was already p3 24 so platter is now made of Delrin with a special mat from goldmund. Made the arm moveable in vta that was a very nasty disadvantage for every planar. And made a 3 oring wheel on the motor so the subplatter is driven by 3 orings. Bought a lower gravity counterweight. So now I think the planar 3 is upgraded to minimal a 6 I think 😉

[@GrantAlmonds]

Hi mate, where did you buy your aluminum sub platter?

[@Dutchamp]

@@GrantAlmonds www.fidelitydesignsltd.co.uk/subplatters/subplatters.html I would take the bearing too. You get it with oil too.

[@GrantAlmonds]

@@Dutchamp cheers mate

[@glpilpi6209]

The P6 is nice but at the prices they charge I would want to have a demo of it in my home for at least a week to see if it really is better. You could do things like this back in the old hifi dealer's day . Does Cheshire Audio demo in the customers home ?. It is after all a very expensive package with the Exact or Moving Coil option.

[@cheshireaudio]

Yes, we do offer home demonstration

[@JoeOrber]

Great video! One thing I noticed is that the cartridges are of different color but the same form factor. It looks like the P3 has the Elys 2 (blue) and the P6 has the Exact (Yellow), which definitely makes a difference in sound and in price.

[@rickc661]

comparing sound , using different cartridges....try to find specs, like Wow/flutter, S /n ratio.... back in the day ( I'm 73 ) companies would put full page, even 2 page advert. with specs. and magazines would do actual technical tests. take for example ' Sterophile' they frequently still do full tech tests of Speakers, sometimes amps. T'tables for some reason, fluff pieces.

[@eugenefudge1883]

The tancast material is a lot more resistant. You can hear the difference between the two materials when you taped on it. I believe that's why p8 and p10 have removed all that material. So I covered the bottom of the tancast base with boom mate material used to control and dampen resistance in cars and it works

[@eugenefudge1883]

The Boom mate cost $30. On Amazon ca. so it's an inexpensive upgrade that you can dyi

[@mikemcguinness1304]

What do you mean "resistance"

[@eugenefudge1883]

Tap on the pelnth of both turntables and you will hear the P6 is more residence. That's why they milled it out in the p8.& P10.

[@eugenefudge1883]

Resonance vibrating

[@mikemcguinness1304]

@@eugenefudge1883 I see yes...

[@globalfurniture40]

But also if you compare them with both an exact cartridge ? Now it feels like comparing apples with pears..

[@chestyvulva]

I f-king hate my Planar 3. It sounds good and ends there. I feel like a fool for buying into the hype.

[@S8250503]

It's obvious really, using my Spinal Tap filter, this one goes up to six . . .

[@ianandrew7010]

Gutted they don't make the P6 in White 😢

[@andysinclair1161]

They do....

[@ianandrew7010]

@andysinclair1161 Thanks thought there's only a Black version 🙏

[@andysinclair1161]

@@ianandrew7010 White version was introduced recently....

[@user-pl6yl4jb8z]

I recently purchased the P3 50th anniversary it gives you some of the benefits of the P6 for a extra 100 dollars.

[@tomhound273]

tonearms the same - i can return my mint p3 for a p6 exact - 1000.00 - I am too old to appreciate the difference. unless I upgrade my 230 USD speakers and my 400 USD Marantz Amp -

[@hrungnir00008psp]

Without a systematic comparison that sounds more like snake oil…

[@uselessoldman7964]

Why is it more expensive? Its 3 numbers higher on the front !! P1 cost £250 the P3 close to £700 and the P6 costs close to £1,200. SO what does it cost to upgrade the P1 to a P6? Glass platter, P3 12mm £100 and a 16mm P6 £265 huh doubt the 4mm makes any serious audible difference, tone arm? RB330 costs £450 complete? SO for what you can pay for a P3 you could upgrade a P1 and save almost half your money and get something close to a P6? A P6 for £800 minus 4mm platter? You can buy an older P3 on eBay for £250 if your lucky, they were a great turntable 30 years ago and they still are today.

[@phil0910]

The most over rated turntable on the market. ever wonder why REGA DOES NOT PUBLISH SPECS? Even on their product page . no rumble ,wow and flutter etc... its because they are nothing to boast about.

[@COLDMKULTRA]

@ P L Not overrated at all ... for the price, you cannot beat Rega products. Specs are manufacturer fantasy products, and only theoretical ... that is why rega does not indulge in such. Just listen to the "actual" sound of Rega products ... and you will hear why they are so very good for the money. If you determine your listening experience on published manufacturers "specs" ... you are quite sadly deluded, ignorant and gullible.

[@garysmith8455]

@@COLDMKULTRA I agree with you Ralf on all you say. As noted above in the comment section, I have the RP-6 in RED. I simply upgraded the sub-platter and bearing. Purchased it from Music Direct not knowing much about it. Very happy with it for a number of years now. (O:

[@mikemcguinness1304]

Pl, you're a bellend! Specs!, if you read them I doubt you'd know what they meant. Rise time? Thought not I've done this game for 35 years and rega are deservedly respected.

[@joebloggs8636]

Pfffttttt..you obviously know nothing of stereo equipment...but, thanks for your infantile thoughts...just saying