Rega Planar 3 vs. Planar 6 vs. Planar 8 Turntables

We had the pleasure of having Bryce from Rega join us on our weekly live stream show last week. He covered the basic differences between the Rega Planar 3, Planar 6, and Planar 8 turntables.

[@retrobeep2000]

Bought a REGA Planar 3 back in 1991, and it still plays flawlessly today, with a new Ortofon 2M Red mounted.

[@georgeanastasopoulos5865]

Okay, great, but the REGA Planar 3 is a wee bit expensive; the Planar 2 is more reasonably priced, and I believe just as good if a new, expensive high performance phono cartridge is installed. Maybe Ortofon 2M Bronze, or Nagaoka MP110 phono cartridge.

[@retrobeep2000]

@@georgeanastasopoulos5865 Okay, great, but REGA Planar 2 is not a part of this video. So don´t understand your answer to my comment ??????

[@georgeanastasopoulos5865]

@@retrobeep2000 Okay, Doggybag. I was adding to the topic, although not entirely off the topic. My remark is that the Rega Planar 3 is a bit expensive for most hi fi music listeners, and maintenance could also be costly. Sorry if I have caused an inconvenience.

[@retrobeep2000]

@@georgeanastasopoulos5865 Np :-)

[@user-oi4mx5bs1r]

Happy with my planar 3 which has been with me for 4 years. Looking to upgrade the cartridge to an ortofon 2m black

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

A Rega P3 with a Nagaoka Mp150 and a Schiit Mani pre is the best bang for buck setup available imo. This combination will be more than good enough for 85% of vinyl enthusiasts. The other 15% can continue up the never ending chain of diminishing returns trying to achieve a perfection that they'll never reach.

[@ajmoore2201]

Crazy prayingmantis well said mate.

[@cibo23]

Im soo happy with Planar2 - Nagaoka mp110 - schiit mani combo !!!!

[@centralscrutinizer9591]

Yes, I recently bought an older Rega Planar 3 with a Mayware Formula 4 Mk3 tonearm for $400 and put on an Ortofon Blue, which I had on another turntable and now I'm set for life or until it calves.

[@ralex3697]

I like that combo, I usually go for Ortofon but I would try Nagaoka

[@gkb4401]

So p3 with nagaoka mp150 and schiit mani is better than my p8 apheta 3, aria?

[@ron5545]

Nice comparison. I'm about to pull the trigger on the Planar 6. I know I'll be scoffed at for saying this (maybe I should be) ...despite the 8 no doubt being sonically superior, I have to say I prefer the look of the traditional size plinth of the 3 and 6. I know that shouldn't matter for its intended purpose, but it helps to like what you're looking at.

[@AudioAdvice]

You absolutely should get what you like and enjoy. Don't worry about what others may think! The Planar 6 is a great choice. Enjoy 😁

[@justinparkman3585]

3 different turntables with 3 different cartridges you can't really compare them the 8 has the most expensive cartridge on it by far I'd like to see the same cartridge on all 3 turntables then compare them I'm sure the 8 would sound better and so it should but how much better is another question .

[@rolando_j_]

This seems like a reasonable comparison inquisitively, but it's not a real world decision a buyer would need to know from this short video. If you are purchasing a better turntable, you are probably buying it use the better cartridges that are available. From a marketing standpoint, Rega offers packages with suitable cartridges priced with significant discounts over purchasing the items separately. Keep in mind is high end audio where discounting is very rare. This video isn't a 3rd party review, it's part of a marketing campaign from a vendor. They don't really have a justification to display a configuration that isn't be sold. Each of the decks can purchased without a cartridge or with a choice of 2 different ones. So it isn't like the cartridge displayed are the only choices. If you want this kind of comparison, I'm sure any official Rega retailer can set up this evaluation for you. Rega decks can be refitted with same cartridge in a matter of minutes because of the 3 point fastening. The point of this video is for potential customers to come in and request this kind of comparison in person.

[@rg1809]

@@rolando_j_ What are you on about. The criticism is right on. How much better is a p6 than a p3 can not be determined if you are introducing variables (different cartridges). This sales gimmick really is annoying and makes these video reviews absolutely worthless.

[@harpo5420]

The difference the turntable makes is astounding. A high end cartridge needs a solid foundation and a precise and rigid tonearm to perform well, it would probably sound terrible and be a waste of money which is better spent on the turntable and arm.

[@MrBonger88]

When I was auditioning these I found the biggest jump in sound quality was from the 3 to the 6. The 6 to 8 was much less of a jump

[@AudioAdvice]

Going 3 to 6 is a big jump, lots of changes. But the better the system is the more differences you will hear. Thanks for watching and sharing

[@ricardobligatoire]

Great video and great comparison! P8 is my dream turntable but I am not able to afford it, at least to at this stage of my life. I have decided to buy P3 (in red) with the Exact cartridge and absolutely LOVE this setup. Only two upgrades I have made are the Zirconia Tango Spinner sub platter and acrylic mat purchase. I may upgrade my current Pro-Ject Phono Box pre-amp to one of the Rega preamps, but other that, I should be set for years!

[@AudioAdvice]

Thanks for sharing, we hope you enjoy your Rega

[@johnwaterhouse3752]

That's the turntable I Iwould like, also in red. P3 good enough for me. Waiting for payday 😁

[@MiKoRoGoD]

$1,600 is not an entry level turntable. 😆

[@alexandermikhailov2481]

If the holes are cut out in the plinth of P3 or P6 will either of them sound as wonderful as the P8? 🤷‍♂️

[@AudioAdvice]

No as it is all about the cumulative aspect of the entire design. We appreciate you watching.

[@1969carlo]

I've had the rega 1(second hand), then a few years later I bought the rega 3 with the standard elys 2, so glad I did!!! Very happy with it. Would like to try a few more cartridges like the clearaudio concept MM, or the benz micro gold or even the better wood body s, unfortunately life is expensive and I'm no way near rich...

[@ajmoore2201]

You should try the nagaoka mp-110. Fantastic upgrade on the Elys 2 and with not breaking the bank

[@Woodys_Hobbies]

I troubleshoot a rega p3 because of humming and a newly purchased from my friend. I think it has a factory defect because when the stylus and cartridge come closer to the spindle hum will become more louder....humming is audible when you don't put a record just hang up the tonearm then set the volume to 1/4 or 1/2 of your amplifier then cue the tonearm near to the spindle....there you can hear a hum.... "This will occur when you turn on the motor"

[@erefuz6224]

same with my p1 plus

[@Woodys_Hobbies]

@@erefuz6224 👍

[@ralex3697]

The Rega P6 is a nice turntable, may see some competition with the MoFi Studiodeck.

[@ralex3697]

The RP 6 is just an excellent table.

[@robertfinnigan7507]

I’ve loved Rega TT’s for over 30 years, the Planar 3 being my first proper record spinner. My 21 year old son uses his great granny’s Planar 2, albeit modded. The first thing we had to do was replace the cartridge tags (Rega used horrible bent metal for these, don’t know if they still do on the budget ones?) The glass platter went and a thicker acrylic one took its place. Edwards Audio blue belt installed and wool mat chucked. Michell clamp for the record and he never looked back. Rega is starting to confuse people, just like Apple with name choices!😀

[@Greywolf3]

Robert Finnigan Mitchell claims their clamps don’t work on Rega turntables.

[@robertfinnigan7507]

George Donaldson Fisher: had my Michell clamp for 3 years now, although use a upgraded sub platter with longer spindle

[@arthurwatts1680]

I realize we aren't filming this on the back streets of Glasgow, but I'm not sure that I'd be so keen to ask a Scotsman to 'come into the back room' :) Seriously, this is a very informative rundown of a range that - sadly - costs a little more than brands like Pro-Ject here in Oz. Thanks for putting this together.

[@jeffbigbear1766]

Great info thank you. Although the usable info starts at about 4 minutes in.

[@brianramnath1575]

Do you really need to use a mat with these?

[@tiagoftpombo]

I just got a Rega P3 yesterday, upgrading from a Pioneer PL-400 and just love it. What a difference. Maybe I just got out of the ordinary and into proper audio, even if just at entry level? Got to love the P8 look, but, although it improves sound quality, why reducing size on the P8 and then adding it a box? Does not make sense. It's a box, looks like a box. Yes, I could hide it, but why does it even exist, stetically, when if I had a gorgeous P8?

[@christinearmington]

Vibration isolation

[@kerryfoster1]

My Planar 3 was bought in 1980. Still going, although was stored for a while. The wires from the ( s - shaped ) arm are a bit dodgy now. Can I get the arm replaced? also the rubber drive band has loosened. Any ideas please?

[@brucemckay6615]

Kerry Foster yeah and check the bearings... they wear out too... might be better to move to a new table...

[@ralex3697]

I have great respect for Rega, although there is a lot better equipment out there, for their pricing hard to beat. I’ve had many Rega products and have always been satisfied. Quality build, made in the UK. I change up my equipment often, Rega has always been my go to company. Great business model. Thanks Roy Gandy, fine gentleman

[@Akatosh86]

What is interesting though is that adding a power supply to Planar 3 - will it make it almost as good as Planar 6? I understand there's a difference in bearings, but in terms of price/quality what is better - buying a brand new P6 or Planar 3 + power supply?

[@keeferdog5617]

Buy the P6. You don't want a P3 and then go get the power supply. Save for a P6. You'll be glad you did...

[@Akatosh86]

@@keeferdog5617 well, I already have a P3 (2016 version, but definitely a Planar 3), so buying a P6 is not an option for a couple of years. Basically, the question was whether it's going to improve the P3's sound noticeably. I know that P6 is inherently a much better turntable

[@keeferdog5617]

@@Akatosh86 My best advice Alexander, is to enjoy your P3 until you’re ready to move up. Getting the power supply will not get you where you want to be in the “upgrade game”. Will it improve it noticeably, no. Save the $350 for the Neo ps, sell your P3 when you’re ready and save for another tt down the road. Get the best cart and phono stage you can afford (super important!) You’ll be glad you did IN THE LONG RUN....trust me- I’ve been at this a long time...

[@keeferdog5617]

@@Akatosh86 This might change your mind to actually purchasing it- watch this about the P3 (towards end of video) and upgrading it w the Neo ps. They say, it’s a big improvement- kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5iYZKd_irJ-irs

[@tonyjedioftheforest1364]

Great turntables

[@AudioAdvice]

We agree!

[@tiagoveras7065]

I'm a vinyl enthusiast and I live in Brazil. Here the information is very scarce. My intention is to listen to vinyl records and I currently have a Marantz PM8006 Amplifier, Elipson Prestige Facet 8B speakers and a Turnable AT-LP1240 with Ortofon 2m RED. I want to change my capsule, I wanted to buy an ortofon 2m black. However, I was unsure whether I should also change my AT-LP1240 since it is more aimed at DJs (I didn't really understand this at the time I bought it). My question is: Should I actually change the AT-LP1240? I thought about purchasing a Raga Planar 3 or Pro-ject RPM 3, or perhaps even a Pro-Ject 1Xpression. Is changing the record player really recommended? Should I really get another sound experience with better quality for my purpose? I already know the capsule is terrible and should at least go to an Ortofon 2m Silver! Thanks to anyone who can help!

[@AudioAdvice]

We answered this for you in another video

[@CBT5777]

I can afford a P6 but do I really need it? I like listening to heavy metal records with Peachtree speakers. I need a turntable.

[@AudioAdvice]

If you have the powered Peachtree M24 or M25 the P3 would be a better match, Thanks for watching

[@rufusbass]

So....lots of talk, but there are literally zero audio samples of all three? I can't quite understand the concept behind this video. A lot of talk, and zero audio examples (i.e. needdrops as per Michael Fremer et al) PLUS - a comparison between teh 6 and 8 at least with the same cartridge would also be much more insightful as to why I -or any serious turntable purchaser-would spend a large amount more on the 8 over the 6...

[@AnssiRai]

It's a curious thing with many of these videos. I've noticed exactly the same. To get an idea of how these sound, I recommend warmly the reviews by HiViNyws - very thorough, and full of comparative audio samples

[@rickmilam413]

Nice info. Tell Leon hi from Rick at Audioport.

[@AudioAdvice]

Thank you for your kind words. Will let him know.

[@mzox210]

How much is the planar 3 ?

[@AudioAdvice]

They start at $945 without a cartridge and $1145 with one.

[@JohnSmith-zl8rz]

overpriced.

[@ralex3697]

John Smith Disagree

[@TyrantTitan.]

@@JohnSmith-zl8rz stick to spotify and apple ear pods

[@JohnSmith-zl8rz]

@@TyrantTitan. no thank you, even I like record that rega is overpriced.

[@f.v.s.7107]

one thing really blows my mind here; the inaccurate speed of the Rega turntables ! I have spoken to people , and read about a lot of cases, where there are problems with this. Until now i have only owned tables with pitch control so was never fussy about this. Now i have the Planar 8 and the speed is (was) OFF ! No problem withe the Planar 8 because you can "tune" the Neo to the correct speed. This Rega man is talking a lot about the technique of making sure the records spin at the right speed etc. , but this is just not the case with Rega's.. I'm happy i have the tune-able Neo or else i would be very very pissed off !

[@kerryfoster1]

lange Frank how can you tell?

[@f.v.s.7107]

@@kerryfoster1 I listened to a record which really "stuck out" because it sounds too fast in comparison to radio, youtube, etc. Then i was thinking of how i could measure it without the tool needed. Finally i got the free "RPM" app for the I-phone, which may not be accurate (although i really do think so) , but now i could tune it and measure the result afterwards. The phone app works easy by laying/balancing the phone flat on the centre/platter-pin and it measures really constant figures which is all you need actually (don't know if its accurate). I tuned mine to 33.33 rpm now. Before it was 33.37 and you could really hear it being off, Kendrick Lamar for example got a even more lighter voice which he could do without ;-)

[@kerryfoster1]

that's only 1% out, thought it would be much more!

[@f.v.s.7107]

@@kerryfoster1 yeah when speaking in % in doesn't sound like much. Fact is ; the records don't sound right and that's disturbing me in my listening to music . Mind you in a lot of cases (Rega) the speed is off even more than mine. And Rega has come up with a "fix" for the non-adjustable tables ; a different (stiffer) belt. But then the 45 rpm was affected. Not good.

[@ptg01]

Will never get a REGA without the external PSU, if nothing else, to change the RPM. Removing the platter to move the belt is just so inconvenient (and frankly, silly)

[@AudioAdvice]

It is a little painful, but a whole lot of belt drive turntables are that way at the lower end of pricing to put all of the money into the sound.

[@stateniland]

Don't why felt is still used as a mat.. it collects dust more than any other mat... USE A INEXPENSIVE CORK MAT..

[@wayneg296]

👍👍😎🤟✌️

[@tedthomas9038]

Too much to ask for a sound comparison?

[@rickc661]

way late here. all I know, actual home listening - with well review 110 w ch Outlaw rec. - using the cue lever, needle about 1 /2 in above rotating disc - no hum or feedback, none with vol. set at -5 on dial, KEF spks or H'phones - way louder than I ever listen. T'table - full auto Thorens 103 with standard 'Econo' Orto red. less than $1000. > N. Young 'Hurricane' sounds like electric rock , K. Jarrett ' staircase' sounds like solo piano..... sorry ' audiophiles - I strongly believe the machine handles critical needle / disc contact way better than my hand, going way back to original full man. AR T'table. especially. if 'enhancements' are in use.

[@AudioAdvice]

Thanks for sharing. You named off two great records! Enjoy the music

[@christinearmington]

Reega

[@GuitarD30]

Stop asking to hear these turntable people. They’re going to sound strangely like your AirPods, or iPhone speakers, or whatever. High end audio cannot be heard through KZbin

[@christinearmington]

Sometimes

[@johnhymanful]

Rega make incredible turntables (mine is 30 years old and slowly dying so that #8 has my eye)...

[@evowhite777]

They certainly do(probably)the turntables under 4 or 5k(RP 10!). My very own Planar2 is an original NAD 533 from 99" yes I have upgraded practically every part of it but, it's STILL spinning the black stuff very very well in-fact, when I had a demo of the P3 & the P6,my Planar2 was only bettered by the P6 as it had a Rega Ania MC Cartridge sooooo, I just bought that cart a little later. That's the BIGGEST draw with a Rega turntable, it's the upgrade path,it's HUGE. Vinyl For Ever.

[@chrissyman77]

Do it now! 😁

[@brucemckay6615]

Yeah... me too.... Planar 8 = want...

[@georgeanastasopoulos5865]

I have now become a bit disappointed with Rega turntables! I have discovered through my research of the Rega Planar 2, and maybe even the Planar 1 on the Internet, that the dust cover eventually breaks off because of cheap, non-metal hinges! I am now going to consider either a Pro-Ject, or the TEAC TN-350, or 400S. If a Fluance is available at a store, I may purchase that one instead. It is a shame that to pay many hundreds of dollars for there to be sacrifices to markings for adjusting the tonearm, a mat platter cover that may not be perfectly round, no ground wire, and to top it off; a cheap dust cover that does not functional well!

[@georgeanastasopoulos5865]

Okay, lately I've did more research on the Internet, and I am going to seriously consider a Rega P2, @Rich Hopkins

[@georgeanastasopoulos5865]

Thank you, @Rich Hopkins

[@beckysdaddy]

Hi Rega use the shielding on the interconnects for grounding

[@kerryfoster1]

My dust cover bought in 1980 is still fine. The wires connecting the tone arm are decidedly dodgy however....

[@user-ex9zm7bg3x]

Lid on my RP1 was fine for ten years and was fine when I sold it.

[@ColocasiaCorm]

The guy can’t reach the p3 cuz the dumb guy is in the way

[@eugeneniemierzycki6490]

Planar 6 vs. Planar 3 comparison. You want to spend good money on the 6? Get a better cartridge and don't believe the hype!

[@AudioAdvice]

That idea has been a source of debate in the audio world for decades. Are you better off with an expensive cartridge or a better platform and arm for that cartridge? It would seem the people to trust would be the ones who make both cartridges and turntables as they just want you to have the best sound from their brand. There are really only a small handful of brands out there that do both and Rega is one of them. We do agree with them that the table and arm are more important, but it does not make sense to put a $100 cartridge on a $3000 table. Its all a matter of balance. Thanks for watching

[@theuptaker]

The volume difference between the American and the Englishman - hilarious. You yanks seriously don't have a volume control do you!?

[@fuckinellitsraymo]

He is Scottish not English