Rega Turntable Factory Tour and Q&A with founder Roy Gandy 2020

We paid a visit to the Rega Research headquarters and factory in Essex to go behind the scenes and see how they make their award winning turntables.
We got to meet founder and owner, Roy Gandy, and ask him some of our most common questions about Rega turntables and get his thoughts on the revival of vinyl.
Take a look at the processes behind the Rega Planar 1, 1 Plus, 2 and even the legendary Naiad!
Check out the range of Rega turntables we stock here - www.smarthomesounds.co.uk/tur...
Visit the Rega website - www.rega.co.uk

[@outside-man]

What a nice guy Roy is, you can see the pride he takes in his work and it shows in the quality of all his turntables.

[@regaresearchuk]

A pleasure having the Smart Home Sounds team visit our HQ.

[@aerogray2500]

When I moved some years ago, my ex put my P3 on top of packing boxes. Needless to say, when I received it, it was smashed to bits. I was gutted. Now in Spain - and still with a reasonable vinyl collection - I really need to get another P3!!!!! British hi-fi at its best, led by a true genius. Thank you Roy.

[@G8YTZ]

I’ve seen a few of the interviews with Roy and he does come across as a really nice guy very genuine and probably why his company is successful. I don’t know the reason for the return of turntable sales, but I can tell you why I have got back into vinyl.It’s quite simple. I’m fed up with remastered versions of music that I love on platforms such as Apple Music and Spotify you cannot trust a digital copy will be the original mix. That’s my reason, and I suspect it’s a reason for other people. My daughter who is 28 wants to get a record player, more than likely I’ll end up buying her a Rega 1 and I also have a vintage Tuner-Amp and speakers that I will give her. She’s not having my Garrard 401 and vintage Quad system!

[@nuznikas]

Rega is rage

[@wordslikebugger]

I’ve just upgraded from a Planar 2 to a Planar 3, and very fleetingly considered other options at that price point. Having had two nights of bliss with my P3 and watching Roy, I’m so glad that I stuck with Rega. Their products are sublime, but it’s the philosophy of the company that really impresses me. How transparent Roy is to basically say that he can’t give perfection, but he will do his utmost to ensure that you get the very best that something at a set price point can offer. I love Rega.

[@abdaljabbarhusayn610]

Why has this man not been Knighted as yet and why is he not running the country? A humble man. God bless you Sir; Mr Roy Gandy.

[@hishamosman4341]

I second the notion for Mr Roy to be honoured with a Knighthood. Back in my student days in the 70's, the Linn LP 12 and Rega Planar 3 were the turntables that majority go, they still are till today

[@nickmoranis2865]

I’d like to think he’d turn it down. All the best do.

[@jimmyblues59m76]

Enjoyed the tour of the Rega factory. Have been familiar with the brand since 1982, when I purchased a Rega Planar 2 - a wonderful turntable for the money. Stay healthy Roy!!

[@user-ud9rn7dw6q]

When I see the products and a clean well run factory with nice quality parts for the money made to as good as possible with a nice humble manager makes me think ? I’m going to buy one of those. Nice guy… humble too

[@everythingquads]

I work for one of Rega's high tech sub contractors. The level of production required from us, is in line and sometimes exceeds quality and tolerances of many aerospace components we manufacture.

[@joeylopezphd]

Great video, love the production of it. As a US retailer of Rega I love seeing videos like this produced. I cannot wait to one day visit myself. Kudos!

[@codyreadinger6065]

joey lopez phd just order my red P2. Can’t wait!

[@joeylopezphd]

Cody Readinger The P2 in red is a beauty and the sound amazing!

[@abefroman8202]

The first and second turntables I bought were both Rega Planar 3, 32 years apart. They are quite simply, excellent.

[@grandmasterjo1]

What a fantastic journey. This was not an interview it was honesty at it’s best. The young man had all the right questions and Roy had almost the (perfect) answers. I say almost because Roy says nothing is perfect. 🤣😜 A salute to the man who brought Rega to where it is. And now I’ve convinced myself that I want a Rega. P3 Thank you for the wonderful information 🥂 to vinyl

[@smarthomesounds]

Thank you so much for the positive sentiments - your comment was a pleasure to read. The Planar 3 is for sure a great turntable! Many thanks.

[@richarddutchholland4780]

After watching this video I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m going to invest into Rega equipment. Over the last couple of months I’ve been looking for my first “proper” Hi-fi. I wanted to purely stream music but since I have around 100 vinyl albums given to me when my brother in law passed away in 2008, and these are some amazing albums in the collection (all the original Beetle album) and many more from the 60s and 70s I’ve got to include a turntable.

[@scrotiemcboogerballs4967]

I've got the planar 1 and really happy with it. My amp is good but not amazing so I would be surprised if I would notice any difference with the 2.

[@ENGLISHISBEST]

I recently purchased the latest rega planar 3 but now I want to upgrade my marantz amp pm6006 to a rega. Rega is quality.

[@nikhilsrl]

I am also slowly coming to that conclusion having considered IOTA, Audiolab, Rotel etc initially. Only issue holding me back is, these things cost so much more here in Canada.

[@doublej3313]

I have P2 and the quality of the build is excellent I must say well worth the money

[@67philipo]

Excellent video, and great to see a British engineering company, with such a passionate and humble approach and culture

[@jamesdennis9949]

That should read British engineering companys

[@BigTrixxx]

Fantastic and laid back interview, letting Mr Gandy do most of the talking // really lets you appreciate the product you‘re purchasing...and it finally convinced me to buy an RP10 ;-)

[@ajmoore2201]

F**k I bet the RP10 sounds absolutely phenomenal!

[@phil0910]

Rega does not publish complete specs on their turntables, wow & flutter, surface noise, rumble, etc... not on the product page or the owners manual. I have the answer, they are nothing to boast about, so why publish them!!

[@BigTrixxx]

@@phil0910 18 months later and I sold it again and I‘m now sticking with my SL1200G // it was actually a demo model I bought...the stylus had some issues as well as the plinth, in addition to that the PSU generated plopping sounds when switching speeds and turning it off. I am much happier now, love the inconvenience of the DD and the headshell switching. It‘s a matter of taste - obviously and they are very different in technical design - but the build quality is so much more satisfying

[@martinwedge7732]

I’ve just purchased the Planar 2 and after many years away am excited to get another vinyl setup. Its the emotional connection to the vinyl and the record sleeve that streaming can never offer.

[@mikedavies1489]

My Rega Planar 3 from the 1980s is still going strong. The only things I've had to replace are the rubber drive belt, the rubber motor suspension belts and the cartridge/stylus. Brilliant.

[@earlyetman5588]

Have Rega Planar 1 Plus...amazing turntable! Astounding!

[@Drinckx2]

I think if you take the quality of the product for granted, and you can do so with Rega, this film demonstrates the value in buying from a small company that still manufactures (even the most basic deck) in its country of origin. I have just ordered a Planar 3 50th Anniversary turntable and I'm really looking forward to hearing that quality for myself.

[@alanmonkhouse3614]

Follow up. Dealer promptly exchanged the P 1 with another. Easy setup tracking force bang on at 2.03 gm. Superb sound and a real pleasure to use.

[@gordiefrench5342]

I have a heybrook tt2 and rega rb300 this I bought in 1981 and still sees regular use It is also the only audio device I have never changed . I am now 58 and my turntable with be with me for the rest of my time. Thank you rega for one of the best tonearm ever

[@joaomanuelfabiaodasilva6854]

Amazing and enlightening video! VInil is not just about the music or it´s quality, it´s the experience and the ritual of listening to music! Rega is undoubtedly one of the major brands in the market because they've assured that everyone, despite their budget, can enjoy music! And their top end turntables... wow! There´s just no way i'm ever going to be able to afforda a NAIAD, but i'll be starting with a PLANAR 1, and see where i go from there... Thank you for the great video!

[@grayfool]

Excellent. I've been using a Rega Brio and Planet CD player for over twenty years. Yes, I love them.

[@thomasandersen1784]

I could rambling all night and day, why i and so many others are truthful and faithful to Rega, but if u watch this vd, you would likely find the answer yourself? ;-) Roy is my Audio mentor, in the way he's approaching the industry and the difficult task of making good sounding HI-FI, that's affordable (i'm so pleased with my P8/Apheta II). Cheers from Denmark

[@zackturbo9859]

Thank you both of you very much for a such nice presentation. I surely like to see and hear people with great attitude, experience and perspective especially at high fidelity. Greetings from Serbia and wish you for the best. Stay safe!

[@dazio7035]

Wow, what a great and insightful video. I have a Systemdek 900 IIX but have cherished the idea of owning a Rega Plana. Great stuff.

[@bruffyb3796]

I definitely want to pick up a rega this year, really impressed with their attitude towards turntables.

[@kevingoodchild3049]

really enjoyed this, thanks for posting

[@ptg01]

Such a humble man.... Just ordered my P10 after 12 months of pondering... YIKES !!!

[@barrykrakovsky756]

I thoroughly enjoyed your interview with Roy Gandy. His candor, expertise and humility is refreshing in an industry that occasionally produces the know-it-all. I'm also intrigued by the low mass, high rigidity philosophy that Rega Turntables employ. My VPI, like many tables, have taken the high mass road. And while I'm currently happy with my analog front end that is approaching twenty-five years in operation, if I ever need another table, Rega will be at the top of my audition list.

[@bshah4831]

It should be Sir Roy Gandy

[@gabdiamond1395]

Gany is great. His honesty about audio is refreshing for an industry professional

[@andregonsalvez9244]

Great 👍 show and the Rega founder seems down to earth ! I certainly feel that nothing beats vinyl for pure sound .

[@garysergeant9086]

A great inciteful video Great to see a hifi manufacturer with such humility

[@paulstone9667]

That was excellent!

[@donk1822]

Met Roy when I worked for John Pease Motorcycles years ago, lovely bloke. I'd just bought an Alphason Sonata and it was fascinating hearing him explain why he didn't use a suspension system.

[@Kezleu]

I use rega RP6 it's beautiful and it gives me great listening to vinyls. I also listen in streaming for, to discover… I like this platinum and bravo REGA a French listener.

[@bharatsodha3078]

A very humble person

[@patthewoodboy]

I met Roy at the Audiophile in Bishopstortford , when it was a small shop .. 1986 ish , I was with a friend who wanted to buy a decent system , we were listening to a Linn/Naim , with Heybrook HB 1 , he asked if he could come in and listen with us , join us ... he sat on the floor .. lovely man

[@karabennemsi1923]

Great video, congratulations.

[@daan5361]

I have a Planar 2. Very nice to see where it comes from. Even happier with it now.

[@smarthomesounds]

Agreed, their products are designed & made with passion which we really comes through in the end result.

[@anthonymaerin4052]

I do love the toenarm picture on the wall .I have owned a rega 3 for over 20 years using Ortophon mc 10 supreme cartridge a wonderful company thank you .

[@madmax241]

Great video Roy is a legend and Rega just keeps getting better and better from a Rega P8 owner 😊

[@martinscase3904]

What a lovely guy.

[@pierremartin9048]

Most excellent, thanks.

[@Gamer420life]

Roy Gandy seems dope af. Id love to work for him :)

[@cobar5342]

This is a really great story

[@leswolstenholme617]

Roy Gandy - cool, confident and a man after my own heart - he hates business but loves creativity.

[@davidcroteau510]

Hi I have been spinning vinyl for over 50 years. I have done extensive research and my pick is the planar 6 at the 2k range

[@jameskolar9655]

Loved this vid. The history of the Planar turntable is fascinating. I may even go out and buy one. The Planar 6 maybe? Thank you.

[@stephenclifton7198]

Great Video!. I remember seeing the "Rega Planet" Turntable at a HI-FI show at "Olympia" in London around 1975. I think it was Rega's first Turntable?. I have owned the original "Rega Planar 2" Turntable in a Rosewood finish with an SME 3009 S2 Tonearm dating from around 1978. Keep em coming mr gandy .

[@glpilpi6209]

I believe you are correct about the Planet , it was the model he assembled himself and sold to local hifi dealers after reassembling and tweaking other manufacturers player's that others had bought that were either poorly set up or broken .

[@alanmonkhouse3614]

Just sent back my Planar1 to the dealer. No instructions in the box but watched videos. Skipped all over the place; the VTF onmy calibrated digital scale was a consistent 0.68 gm. I added lead tape purchased at a golf shop (golfers use this to fine tune swing weight). Got the VTF to 2 gm and the sound was magical. I trusted that the factory would assemble the P 1 with enough precision to make this unnecessary. There is a two week turnaround until the replacement arrives. More to follow.

[@0804alladin]

Great Vedic.Amazing commitment Roy. Hav you considered Roy, allowing people to visit your factory and make a direct purchase ?

[@georgedoughly8682]

I love my Rega P3 Turntable 😎

[@robinjonesguitar]

Wonderful

[@andrewrees8749]

My Rega p3 is 20yr old and still going strong, I'm thinking of getting a new one soon .

[@mitchsleigh9633]

Andrew Rees another P3?

[@andrewrees8749]

@@mitchsleigh9633 Do quite like the Project x1 , for similar price, but dislike the anti scate weight ,just looks too fragile ,plus the classic, cant get any now with this lockdown.

[@mitchsleigh9633]

Andrew Rees just got a P3 delivered a couple days ago, some shops are sending them out. Went from a Project, the anti-skate weight was so irritating. Why put a bit of fishing wire on a lovely turntable? I highly recommend the latest P3 with the Fono MM MK3, sounds gorgeous.

[@doublej3313]

Great video thanks and I would love to work there looks great

[@Ricky-cl5bu]

I love rega equipment

[@garyausten5939]

After years of pleasure with my Technics SL-5 linear tracking turntable, it finally bit the dust and I ordered a Planar 2 and an upgraded cartridge, an ATVM540ML. I should get it this week (hopefully tomorrow). I'd never heard of Rega before, but I'm impressed with the warranty and the care taken in manufacturing.

[@marktodd7397]

Did you buy that cartridge can you tell me what you think about it?

[@garyausten5939]

@@marktodd7397 I'm happy with it so far. Since I got credit for the Carbon (even though it blew my budget out of the water) I figure it was worth the extra expense. I can't even guess how much I paid for the cart that was in the Technics, but it wouldn't have fit on the Rega anyways because the mount was completely different. After plugging the TT into the "Phono" jack of my Denon receiver and getting tired having to crank the volume in order to get close to the sound I was getting on other inputs I ended up splurging on a Rega MM Mk5 phono preamp. Made all the difference in the world. The Rega has more than 20 dB more gain than the AVR input. Someday I might get a more premium cart or preamp, but it'll probably be quite a while.

[@andrewrees8749]

Seen mr Gandy in this years bristol hifi show.

[@jimatyeo]

I love Rega products have had 2 Rega tables and still have my second one Planar 3. Wonderful product, I like how cool and calm Roy is, however, the interviewer has said "umh" at least a billion times. I don't know if he is just nervous or new. It is staring to drive me slowly psycho. :)

[@jackprick9797]

Great video. What is the sound track please?

[@korma9732]

"I don't like being big".... That's why they're still in business making brilliant products. Made in England means quality.

[@BM-jy6cb]

I'm a bit rusty on British hifi, but everyone who was into hifi in the 80's had a planar 3. Is it still made? Are the planar 1 and 2 lower end models? I'd never have guessed such an unassuming guy who hates business and money was behind such a long-standing business. I'm glad they're doing well again.

[@AdamsBrew78]

Would the Naiad be a good beginner turntable? Just got my first hifi stereo (q350/CXA81/svs sub) and I don’t want to skimp on the front end/source. Well, tbh, I had a fisher price turntable when I was a kid, so this will be my next step up.

[@nicholasmeal7446]

I’ve got P8 . May eventually upgrade to the P10

[@skeezer180]

How about doing a factory tour of the rega amplifier manufacturing process Thanks

[@cameronkrause4712]

quite interesting

[@MrAveco]

I intend to buy a Rega turntable (in Lisbon I have already a P6 Rega Turntable), a Planar 8 or Planar 10, but the problem is I have the McIntosh Integrated amplifier, the MA 352 and has only the MM Phono Input (I live in Macau now). So I would be very obliged if Mr. Roy Gandy can elucidate me how to connect the Rega P8 with MC cartridge. Thank you very much.

[@naringanesh9399]

£275 for a Planar 1 manufactured in the UK has to be a bargain. Looks like I’m going to have to invest in one to replace my ancient and much loved Sansui SR222 Mk2!

[@tonyjedioftheforest1364]

Great video. I had the Rega P3 in the 80’s but traded it in for a Pink Triangle/ Ittok/ K9. The Triangle started to run slow so changed to a Revolver but kept the arm/cartridge. Do you think the latest P3 would be an improvement. I have about a thousand vinyl records so want to get the best out of them.

[@smarthomesounds]

Hi Tony, thanks for watching and in our opinion the P3 is the sweet spot of the Rega range, it offers fantastic performance that outperforms its price tag & other competitors at the same price. Hope this helps.

[@tonyjedioftheforest1364]

@@smarthomesounds Thank you, I thought it would as the original P3 was great. Would you keep the Ittok and K9 or is the Rega arm / cartridge good? Just thinking about saving money as I am off work at the moment with long Covid so every penny counts at the moment.

[@atomicdetailsoc]

when will the rega system one be available again : 0

[@smarthomesounds]

Hi there, the System One is yet to be released just yet but we're hoping for some good news over the next few months. Thanks for watching!

[@felipechan9654]

I got a brand new rp3. With installed elys2, the elys2 have some issues the dealer doesnt want to replace it

[@bergennorway]

Next time you should use a camera with 60FPS, because this one was stuttering and unclear at 4K when moving. Otherwise very good video, and I am a proud owner of a Rega P5 with Groovetracer subplatter.

[@TurntableGuy]

It's unfortunate that no one bothered to test the motor on my P1 before it left the factory. The amount of noise it made out of the box was horrendous.

[@smarthomesounds]

Sorry to hear that. This sometimes happens when the turntables have been stored the wrong way up and the motor oil distributes to the wrong area. The below video may help and hopefully you will be back up & running shortly. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYXChmaXqMqEn9E

[@TurntableGuy]

@@smarthomesounds I have lubricated the motor shaft. It took quite some time to quiet down.

[@francoisdunord7169]

👍🏻

[@worldsendtimes]

Great incite into Rega,ironic there's very annoying background music which spoils the interview.

[@dougmorris2134]

I have just watched this video and looking for comments regarding the very annoying “not so background” background music, being too loud and a digitally repeated loop which had no relevance to the products discussed in this very interesting interview. No laughing but I’m still using a Goldring Lenco GL75 (with a few modifications to the arm and headshell with a Shure M75ED cartridge) bought in 1972. It is used for 33, 45 and 78 RPM disks, with a special preamp that I built for the various 78 RPM EQs. Best wishes to All.

[@joshualieder7524]

Will any of you get a clue and make fully automatic turntables with easily swappable cartridges andvdecent onboard preamp soon?

[@Richbroth]

Lol more auto more issues.

[@EJK1965]

Smart? It's Roy that's smart. It's a lesson in a marketeer vs an engineer. I like engineers more.

[@smarthomesounds]

Hi Edward, we like engineers more too so that's why we wanted to meet Roy and make the effort of making this video for everyone to watch :)

[@uselessoldman7964]

Simple reason is people had money to spend and especially us over 50 plus who grew up with them so our kids wanted them to. It will last a few more years and die for good.

[@robertttttt716]

The reason CDs are on the decline, streaming and that on a thumb drive you can put thousands of songs. Everything has a USB port. The reason I got back into vinyl I retired had time to listen to them. I like vinyl and I have the money to support it. And there's millions of us that thinks the same way. We are vinyl army tramping on the abomination that is digital. LOL

[@nono83666]

C'est bien de faire des vidéos , mais vous feriez mieux d'avoir un service pour répondre aux clients , au lieu de les renvoyer vers l'importateur ,pour mon cas Sound and colors qui n'a même pas la politesse de répondre à un mail.

[@Richbroth]

Um um um um um um um um um um

[@Johnny-te4rv]

Yo Roy, yank audio file here, you hate money? Throw me a planar 6 over here in NYC. Put up or shut up!!

[@smarthomesounds]

Lol

[@bellalugosi293]

Is there any video on KZbin that is improved by inane background music? Certainly not this one. It drowns Gandy out.

[@chiselcheswick5673]

Stop moaning. Its not that bad. First world issues...

[@dougmorris2134]

I have just watched this video and looking for comments regarding the very annoying “not so background” background music, being too loud and a digitally repeated loop which had no relevance to the products discussed in this very interesting interview. No laughing but I’m still using a Goldring Lenco GL75 (with a few modifications to the arm and headshell with a Shure M75ED cartridge) bought in 1972. It is used for 33, 45 and 78 RPM disks, with a special preamp that I built for the various 78 RPM EQs. Best wishes to All.

[@phil0910]

AsK Roy why Rega does not publish complete specs on their turntables, wow & flutter, surface noise, rumble, etc... not on the product page or the owners manual. I have the answer, they are nothing to boast about, so why publish them!!

[@COLDMKULTRA]

@PL ... If you are the sort of person that lives or dies on the highly questionable specs that manufacturers provide ... then, there is no hope for you ... only a fool would say that. That is why Rega are not interested in publishing "specs"

[@mrt1878]

Far too many questions in one sentence....very poor interview of what is a quality manufacturer and quality owner....