Rega Planar 6, 8 and 10 review and comparison

Comparison of the lightweight range of Rega turntables, Planar 6 Planar 8 and Planar 10

[@quarryfield]

Great video. No nonsense and straight to the point, thank you.

[@violin-schwerin]

I’ve got the rp8, wonderful turntable

[@dennisw8026]

Great video, just what I was looking for

[@Jon_Oates]

Interesting hearing the reasoning behind the various iterations. Thanks! Do you have any plans to review the P78 and cartridge options for shellac?

[@SimonMawhinney]

Fantastic video.

[@mhagain]

I pulled the trigger on a Planar 8 the other week; the only regret I could possibly say I'd have - and it's a long long stretch - is that I didn't spend the extra for a 10, because if the 8 is that good (and it really is) then how good must the 10 be? In the finest tradition of intellectual thuggery, it's currently spinning a dog-eared original pressing of Adam and the Ants Kings of the Wild Frontier LP - the drums!

[@josefserf1926]

Feedback test would be interesting.

[@vincenzo-zocca]

In a case of sheer coincidence (the story of which I will spare readers) I bought a P2. It is the best turntable I've ever owned. Obviously my interest was piqued and I've been looking into the brand. And what a remarkable one it is as they seem to provide the highest level of standard for very different budgets. I like the calm way you knowledgeably present and explain audio equipment. Great videos. Thanks.

[@mikechivy]

a P2 is a turd compared to these tables. Not to take away from your table, but more to highlight the quality for the price

[@JFish-xj8oj]

@@mikechivy odd thing to say considering how remarkably similar the P2 and the P6 are in their fundamentals. Arm is slightly better on the P6, and the motor/PS are improvements but sound-wise and build-wise they are not far off as all.

[@mikechivy]

@@JFish-xj8oj it doesn’t have a metal sub platter, has a much lower quality platter as well. The deck is a different material. To say they’re close is completely false. I am also talking about mainly the P8 and P10. I owned the P3 for 4 years, and have had the P6 for a month, the P8 for 6, and now own a P10 in my system. The P6 was a significant upgrade from even the P3, so I feel I’m qualified to make the comparison. You’re basically saying “everything that makes a good turntable is different, but other than that, they’re nearly identical”. The P2 is a great table for the money, but to compare it to the 6, let alone the 8 and 10 isn’t a fair comparison. Maybe I was mad at the world the day I made my comment, who knows, but I stand by it. Especially the 8 and 10.

[@a3marketing991]

I’m planning to purchase a P8 in the near future. Is the P10 worth the additional money?

[@rarknivesandleatherwork8045]

Interesting. I've just watched Paul Rigby (The Audiophile Man) singing the praises of the Origin Live Cartridge Enabler. You talk about losing information if the cartridge isn't mounted rigidly, he talks about losing information from the cartridge from micro vibrations fed back to the cartridge from the arm so some degree of decoupling is advantageous. I'd love to hear you two debate that one.

[@jazzydog5635]

Excellent video - just the comparison I wanted to see. I have happily had a rega planar 3 for years but am now considering the leap to my ultimate turntable. I have listened to Linn and VPI Prime and love the detail they can provide, but feel, (at least for the ones I heard), they didn't have the 'lightness on their feet' that I associate with Rega. So super tempted by these top models. Is there a phono stage you would recommend for Planar 10/ Apheta 3 combination?

[@cheshireaudio]

We’ve used them with the Trilogy 906, Trichord Dino and Regas own Aria, which is a bargain

[@mspdec]

I have P10 with Apheta 3 and Rega Aura phono stage running balanced into my Chord Prima Pre-Amp to my Chord Mezzo 140 Power amp. Fantastic sound.

[@ericdimson1]

Great review! I have been waiting for this. Differences between the three models were very clearly explained. I currently have the P8 with Apheta 3 cartridge. Would you consider upgrading to a Kiseki Purple Heart to be a good idea? I haven’t yet listened to one. Can this cartridge be correctly installed ( proper VTA) without adding a spacer under the tonearm?

[@cheshireaudio]

I haven’t tried it but I suspect you wouldn’t get the full value of a Kiseki in the RB880. The big upgrade would be to swap to P10, put your £2500 into that... even with a fairly budget cartridge the 10 is a big jump over the 8/Apheta

[@cheshireaudio]

Thank you for the kind comments by the way :-)

[@ericdimson1]

@@cheshireaudio Thanks for the reply. That surely whets my appetite for a P10!

[@mikechivy]

Dang. And here I thought the P8 with the Apheta 3 was incredible. Super interesting to know the RB3000 is THAT good. Imagine everything else combined makes a massive difference as well. That insane platter and power supply. I find it hard to imagine anything sounding better than the P8 Apheta 3, but seems like its not even "close"

[@Si1983h]

I upgraded from a Rega P5 with the GT reference sub platter and Neo PSU to a custom spec Linn LP12, basically Akurate spec but for a Roksan Nima arm and Ortofon Quintet blue cartridge (taken from my P5 until I can afford a Cadenza Blue)… I did seriously consider the Planar 10/Apheta 3 though, and I’m still wondering if I made the right choice… I think the cartridge is holding things back quite a lot, so I may feel different with a Cadenza mounted (actually I know that’s a stunning combination, my dealer demonstrated it, which is why I bought the LP12)… but that P10 is a formidable performer. PS, I like the dust cover on the P8/10, I always remove the dust cover when I’m using my deck anyway, and I always have done.

[@violin-schwerin]

The linn sounds great, but I feel rega offer much more bang for the buck, and the ease of setup is second to none

[@Si1983h]

@@violin-schwerin the Linn got my money (cost a fair bit more than the Rega), but I do have an all Linn system.

[@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.

[@feliscorax]

Hi there. I’m just curious about what you think is the best solution for dealing with noise: Rega’s or Nottingham Analogue’s? How does, for example, the Planar 6/8 compare to the NAS Ace Spacedeck for noise floor and musical reproduction?

[@mspdec]

Hi Cheshire Audio. Reaching out to you to ask if you have experienced hearing a humming sound from the Rega P10 fitted with the Apheta 3 cartridge when the tonearm gets close to the turntable's record spindle and hence the turntable motor beneath it ? I can hear quite a prominent humming sound from my P10 with Apheta 3 especially when I use my headphone system (Hifiman EF1000 Amp with my Hifiman Susvara headphones). When I turn the P10 motor off and the platter is stationary and move the tonearm close to the spindle and motor I don't hear any hum at all. I am wondering if this is an inherent design flaw with the Rega P10 and Apheta 3 cartridge, particularly as the Apheta 3 doesn't look as though it is shielded in any way due to it's plastic surrounding protection cover. Or is it just my P10 in which case it will need to go back to Rega to be fixed. A reply from you would be greatly appreciated on this worrying issue.

[@CheekyFest]

Why are the plinths lighter but the platter heavier?

[@louisgreen3915]

can you upgrade a P8 with a RB3000 tone arm. Is it a hard procedure to do it yourself ?

[@Stelios.Posantzis]

I would much rather prefer the Mitchel Gyrodeck lid solution - which is actually very elegant and totally uplifts the deck - to this concoction used by Rega that looks like it came out of a designer's nightmare!

[@ptg01]

VERY WELL DONE. Curious.... Which Rega TT do you believe provides best bang for the buck ?

[@cheshireaudio]

Difficult to say, there’s a fairly even progression value wise as you go up through the range

[@ptg01]

@@cheshireaudio I understand... Just trying to figure out which one I should seriously consider as they all look good.

[@mikechivy]

I had a planar 3 and went to the 6. Both fitter with an Ortofon 2m Bronze. I felt it was a huge upgrade. Not sure this helps but if you have the money, go for the 6. To me it's night and day.

[@mouser78]

I'm waiting until the PSU on the P8 will be upgraded to the new style of the PSU on the P10. They intend the P8 to paired with the Aethos, now that Aria MK3 has been restyled the Neo PSU on the P8 is really out of place. I wonder if the p10 PSU can be used...

[@cheshireaudio]

I’m not sure that there are any plans for that... I think it’s a shame they don’t offer the P10 supply as an upgrade for the P8 though

[@mouser78]

​@@cheshireaudio Indeed a shame, normally the P8 will not be paired with a Brio, there is one for the P10, it shouldn't be rocket science to create one for the P8. At these price levels a small side component like the PSU should match the rest of the product line.

[@maxhifi1232]

Question: I have a brand new PL-6 and am using with a Nagaoka MP200. Do I need to buy a spacer, and if so, will it interfere with the dust cover? Thanks for the great videos, they definitely helped to inform my decision to purchase a Rega. Would love to see one on the phono stages at some point.

[@cheshireaudio]

Glad you like the videos :-) you don’t need a spacer with the Nagaokas, the are pretty well parallel without

[@maxhifi1232]

@@cheshireaudio Incidentally, what cartridge do you recommend for the PL6? My MP200 already has a decent amount of hours on it, and I'd like to plan get something new which is in keeping with the quality of the turntable.

[@cheshireaudio]

The 200 does suit it very well... if you fancy getting into MC, the Rega Ania is wonderful on the P6

[@JohnSmith-il6kk]

Guessing you will need spacer(s) for different cartridges, wonder whether any issue or difficulty with that?

[@cheshireaudio]

Adding a spacer is a fairly straightforward process, but not many cartridges need them ... the internet has made this into a major issue (like it does)

[@JohnSmith-il6kk]

@@cheshireaudio Thanks for the inform, really helpful. Good to know it is not hard to add spacer.

[@mynameisden1s]

Any concern about the p8 foam plinth disintegrating over 10+ years?

[@Musicianandteacher]

There should be absolutely none - it’s not polystyrene. Also Rega offer a lifetime warranty on all of their products.

[@COLDMKULTRA]

Linn Sondek with reasonably priced cartridge ... or P10 (with a good cartridge) ... Interesting ... or no comparison?

[@cheshireaudio]

I did trade my mid spec Sondek for an RP10, which was a small step up.. the Planar 10 is quite a bit better though

[@sexytasmin]

I would go for the Planar 6 as it looks like a traditional turntable with a proper dust cover.

[@beetleything1864]

you'd miss out on the advanced technolgy and better sound of the P8 then........

[@Musicianandteacher]

I have had P3, 2 x P6 and now P8 (and now with RB3000 tonearm). The P8 is noticeably better than the P6 in every way.

[@randycook6500]

I recently purchased a P6 with the Ania. I'm certain the P8 and P10 sound better, but for me there comes a point of diminishing return. When I can sit in my sweet spot and get lost in the music, do I really need anything better? Plus, I agree having a proper dust cover and traditional looks counts.

[@Musicianandteacher]

@@randycook6500 for me the biggest difference was P6 to P8, no question. The P3 to P6 difference was much smaller.

[@thepickyaudiophile]

@@Musicianandteachersame cartridge etc?

[@naimusic362]

Hi there, would you sell the P8 without a Neo? I have Rega P3 to sell but I already have Neo 👍

[@cheshireaudio]

The Neo6 on the P8 is specifically tuned to the deck... I could PX your P3 one if you like

[@naimusic362]

@@cheshireaudio Thanks for your reply, I’ve got a 12 Month old P3 Ely’s 2 with smoked lid, Rega phono stage and the Neo all mint boxes not sure what to do regarding selling or PX don’t like the fees charged by a certain selling site🙄

[@cheshireaudio]

Px is the simpler option, but you wouldn’t get as much as selling them yourself on line, even with the charges, which seem to have increased somewhat recently

[@martingreenwood3394]

The hub on the 8 and 10 are different! Also bearings are different!

[@gordglendon5692]

I am thinking about purchasing a Rega P6 or P8. My daughter has a P1 which sounds good for its price. I have inspected floor models of each at 2 different reputable Canadian stores. In each case the housing that receives the sub platter spindle and bearing has been loose. Like, the platter wiggles when you push down slightly on the outer edge of the platter, kind of loose. In each case I removed the sub platter and discovered that the housing could be turned by my fingers. In other words, not torqued in properly. This was met by a "well I haven't set up the table yet" and a I'll get the tech to tighten that up." responses. I have been told by a third ex-Rega dealer that this element should have been found at the factory since this part is torqued to spec at that time. Has anyone else found this to be an issue with Rega'? What do people think about this issue? Should it steer me away from this brand? Perhaps this os nothing and a simple tightening will fix this issue?

[@mikeandrews7551]

I bought a Brio, it had a something rattling around inside. Contacted the dealer who told me it was probably just the spare fuse that had come loose!?. It worked fine but I had to know what it was. I opened it up and out fell a small bolt.... how it was not detected at the factory or the dealer that sold me it is a complete mistery. But it demonstrates poor quality control. Great sounding amp though.

[@nigelsmith2044]

A blind listening test between P1 and P10 you would be hard pushed to tell difference

[@barrybrennan2135]

Nope.

[@Stelios.Posantzis]

12:17 The lid is clearly the weakest link! ; P Imagine having a multi-kilo-quid turntable only to have it covered by what looks like something belonging to a hospital bedpan! 8D

[@Musicianandteacher]

It’s superb and one of my favourite things - it matches the design perfectly and, whilst I love the traditional look of my LP12, the P8 is hugely more modern.

[@Stelios.Posantzis]

@@Musicianandteacher Well, not to my taste I'm afraid and since you brought up the LP12, yeah, for me, looks-wise, that's as classic, elegant and understated as it gets. In fact, I think very few turntables spanning an era of 3-4 decades could match its design. But all this is by the by: what can you tell us about the sound of the LP12 vs that of the Rega? And would you be able to share which configurations you're comparing?

[@Musicianandteacher]

@@Stelios.Posantzis My LP12 has a new Solid Sounds Plinth, newly serviced, Karousel, freshly serviced Lingo 2, rewired Akito 2B, etc. My P8 has an RB3000 tonearm on it. Their sound qualities are pretty even - the LP12 is a tiny bit richer sounding but the P8/RB3000 has many qualities of detail and pacing shared with the LP12. I like the LP12 a lot but it’s a 50 year old design and is essentially a box, the P8/P10 has made a real effort at modern engineering and design, which I think really works but does not suit a traditionalist.

[@Stelios.Posantzis]

@@Musicianandteacher Thank you for sharing. It's to be expected that an old device will come together with the deficiencies from its era. No doubt this Rega is a great design with a more modern sound - whatever that could possibly mean. It's hard to appreciate a work of engineering, especially one of this scale, from a distance. One can only go on rumours and other people's accounts and impressions. I can see certain strengths in the approach chosen by Rega but also certain contradictions. The same I guess could be said about the LP12. I have no doubt both are good, if not excellent, compromises for their money.. What you call a "box" in the case of the LP12, however, is not the turntable, it's the gift wrapping, the shell that hides the mechanism inside. If you took it away and replace it with three stubs resting on a table, I bet you would still maintain 99% of the sound. You'd then also have something resembling the Rega albeit based on a different principle or two but at the end of the day resulting in the same solutions.

[@rich.e]

"an '8 and '6 have probably got more in common with each other..." Same: PSU, motor, mat, brace Different: Plinth, platter, arm, bearing, subplatter, pulley & double belt, feet, lid...

[@EddyTeetree]

Hang on the 10 has the perfect arm the perfect platter BUT it needs a special power supply to work properly??? 🤨

[@1jhnpennington]

Better, not properly.

[@retozimmermann]

Power supply is there to regulare the inconsistent power frequency and voltage coming out of normal household power outlets and which, if unregulated, affect the turntable speed (or speed of a regular clock). The tonearm and platter have nothing to do with that other than that the platters' flywheel effect may reduce some of the impact of inconsistent power.

[@chuckferguson5066]

Thank you for this, but the vast majority of your viewers would like to know the sound differences between these decks. I understand that you can’t play music for copyright reasons, but why couldn’t you listen to a few tracks on each one, then report the differences? That would have been much more valuable to me.

[@kosiekoos9408]

Rega says weight is not a helpful factor to turntables but then sells u a bracket to bolt onto the heaviest item in your house, your wall. Whatda😂

[@matthiasschnapka9180]

Your Videos are very informativ. Thanks for that. But You should try to work on your voicing a bit. Cause you are mumbleing quit a lot and so it`s hard to understand, what you are talking about.

[@notDonaldFagen]

Once you're beyond P3...just get a VPI.

[@cheshireaudio]

Expensive in the UK, the Scout is P10 money

[@mikechivy]

@@cheshireaudio Whats the P8 cost in the UK? Its $4950 with the Apheta in the US

[@mikechivy]

Have you heard he P8, Apheta 3, Aria combo? I assume you haven't

[@nigelsmith2044]

A blind listening test p3 and p10 hard pushed to hear a difference

[@jinkim917]

i cant afford p10 . . . . . i want a p10... who can buy me this?

[@louisgreen3915]

Get in line. I would settle for a P8.

[@GodfreyMann]

Where in this video does he actually talk about the differences in sound between these TTs? All Blabla and no review.

[@paulomontero12]

Over hyped products. They arę not of good quality ta all i owned a rega Pr3. Own a technics 1210gr nów, much more superior product.

[@zagazagazagaz]

No offence but Technics tts are the ugliest.wouldn't have any of them in my living room

[@ENGLISHISBEST]

@@zagazagazagaz totally agree. I have had several hifi buffs who love their vinyl visit for various reasons. As soon as they see those clean lines of the rega they want to listen to it. So far it hasn't disappointed anyone in sound quality or style when demonstrated to them.

[@mikechivy]

Both of these turntables are better than the 1210. What point were you trying to make?

[@Musicianandteacher]

Lack of understanding. Totally different turntable. Rega also have a lifetime warranty so zero quality issues.

[@maynardewm]

A P3 and a 1210GR aren’t really in the same category…

[@barycza]

They are not automatic :-( Pathetic. You pay so much money for this staff and they are manual only. So dissapointing.