{"product_id":"rega-open-box-planar-3-rs-special-edition-turntable-a-grade","title":"Rega OPEN BOX Planar 3 RS Special Edition Turntable - A Grade","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"col_narrow\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis article is on the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvice.com\/products\/rega-planar-3-rs-special-edition-turntable\"\u003eRega Planar 3 RS Edition turntable\u003c\/a\u003e. Rega has been one of our favorite turntable brands at Audio Advice for a long time. The \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvice.com\/products\/rega-planar-3-turntable-black-1\"\u003ePlanar 3\u003c\/a\u003e is considered by many to be the best value in their line. In 2023, for their 50th birthday, Rega did an anniversary edition of the Planar 3 that included several upgrades with a special price on the package. The catch was that this unit would only be available in 2023. It turned out to be just a super value turntable, and we were very sad to see it go. We are happy to announce that the Rega 3 RS Edition brings back the spirit of the anniversary edition in what may be an even better value! In this article, we will review the new Planar 3 RS to help you determine if it might be a great choice for your music system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"col_full\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0572\/3281\/8260\/files\/PL3_RS_liidclosed_onside_vinyl_3827.jpg\" alt=\"Rega Planar 3 RS turntable with close lid\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"col_narrow\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are many reasons Rega turntables are so popular at Audio Advice. They are simple, elegant, and built with real engineering. Since 1973, Rega has been building products in the Southend-on-Sea facility in the UK. What started as one man with Roy Gandy has now grown to over 100 employees. They even source about 85% of their raw materials from UK suppliers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThey are obsessed with manufacturing perfection and pay a lot of attention to tolerances, accuracy, and special materials. The build quality certainly shows through with their longevity. We still have customers bringing in 40 year and older turntables into our stores that just need a minor tuneup, and they are back in business for another decade.\u003c\/p\u003e \n\n\u003cp\u003eLike the Planar 3 50th Anniversary Edition, the Planar 3 RS Edition is close in price to the standard Planar 3. When you see all you get, you probably agree with us that this is a no-brainer if you are considering a Planar 3, and it’s probably one of the best values in turntables on the market today.\u003c\/p\u003e \n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"col_half\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0572\/3281\/8260\/files\/PL3_RS_ND5_Front_LidOpen_Mat_Neo_3724.jpg\" alt=\"Rega Planar 3 RS Turntable with open lid and Neo PSU\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"col_half col_last\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0572\/3281\/8260\/files\/PL3_RS_ND5_LSide_LidOpen_Mat_Neo_3720.jpg\" alt=\"Rega Planar 3 RS Turntable with open lid and Neo PSU\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"col_narrow\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"hp-title\"\u003eWhat Do You Get in the Planar 3 RS Turntable?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Planar 3 RS turntable includes Rega’s RB330 tonearm. The RB330 has fantastic bearings and some of the tightest tolerances you will see for its price range. Plus, it’s designed to be a perfect match for any Rega phono cartridge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eRega spent over 10 years developing a new line of moving magnet phono cartridges called the ND series. These are the first moving magnet phono cartridges to use Neodymium magnets. The new ND models are patent pending with tons of new high tech they have learned over the decades to extract more information from your record grooves. This is one of the big differences between the Anniversary Planar 3 and the new RS, as the RS comes with the middle model \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvice.com\/products\/rega-nd5-mm-phono-cartridge\"\u003eND5 cartridge\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEach ND5 is hand-built by expert Rega technicians for precision performance. It features a true elliptical nude stylus, for which Rega actually uses a grinding process to get the stylus to the perfect shape. A redesigned generator delivers exceptional channel balance, while the optimized pole gap enhances linearity and minimizes crosstalk, resulting in a noticeably wider soundstage. They even wind the coils inside the cartridge themselves using tightly wound 38-micron wire. This new lower inductance and impedance generator produces an outstanding high-frequency response for a moving magnet cartridge. Finally, they took some tech from their higher-end moving coil cartridges and used a glass-filled PPS body, which is both lightweight and rigid.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \n\u003cp\u003eWhen a company puts 10 years into developing a new design, you can bet the farm the improvement is quite significant, which we heard the first time we played around with the new ND5.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eRega has always had packages where you can save some money if you buy a Rega phono cartridge and turntable together. The standard Planar 3 gives you the option of the ND5 from their new ND series of cartridges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \n\u003cp\u003eAnother thing we love about all of the better Rega cartridges is their three-point mounting system. Most phono cartridges just have two points, and you always wonder if you mounted the cartridge perfectly square, even when using a gauge. Rega’s three-point system takes the guesswork out, as it will be perfect every time when you install it on a Rega tonearm. With the Planar 3 series, the table comes with the cartridge pre-fitting and tested from their factory in the UK.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIf you’ve seen a Rega turntable, you’ve likely noticed the iconic float glass platter. Rega has been refining this design for over 50 years, starting with their very first models. The current Planar 3 features a 12mm polished opti-white float glass platter chosen for its superb rotational stability. This helps give it that perfect pitch, which helps you better hear the rhythm and pacing in your music, which has helped make Rega famous.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eRega’s double brace technology, initially developed for their higher-end models, is now a key part of the standard Planar 3. It couples the tonearm mount and main bearing with a lightweight aluminum brace, reinforcing rigidity exactly where it matters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThese are all the things in common with the Planar 3 and the Planar 3 RS. Currently, the Planar 3 with an ND5 is $1595. The Planar 3 RS is $1795, so let's see all the extras you get for $200.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"col_full\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0572\/3281\/8260\/files\/11-DSC09508.jpg\" alt=\"Rega Planar 3 RS Turntable\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"col_narrow\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"hp-title\"\u003eRega Planar 3 50th Anniversary Edition Extras\u003c\/h3\u003e    \n  \u003ch2 class=\"subhead margin\"\u003eTuned Neo PSU MKII\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRega introduced an external speed control unit with the Planar 6 turntable called the Neo PSU. This lets you quickly switch from 33 to 45 with the push of a button and offers fine-tuning of the speed. They later improved this to the Neo MKII. It also comes in a nice case that matches the look of other Rega audio gear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIf you know much about audio, external power supplies and controllers usually add another level of performance to gear, which is no exception with the Neo MKII.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Neo MKII uses technology to help reduce motor vibrations and provide a more consistent speed. On the Planar 3 RS, the motor and Neo MKII are hand-tuned by an engineer on each one to reduce motor vibrations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an option available as an upgrade to the regular Planar 3, and most people hear a pretty big difference when they add one. It takes the sound people love about Rega, which is that intimate, live sound, and moves it up a notch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Neo MK II PSU currently sells for $445 if you buy it as an option for a Planar 3, but it is included with the new Planar 3 RS.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"subhead margin\"\u003eCNC Machined Drive Pulley\u003c\/h2\u003e \n\u003cp\u003eRega developed a special CNC machined motor drive pulley for the Planar 6. This is even more precise in shape than the standard Planar 3 pulley. And as you guessed, it comes standard with the Planar 3 RS. Rega does not sell this separately, but if we had to take a guess, we think it would be around $100.\u003c\/p\u003e    \n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"subhead margin\"\u003eReference EBLT Drive Belt\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA while back, Rega went on a quest to develop a new type of belt for their turntables. When you think about it, this is a really key part that could cause speed inconsistencies if the belt stretched or got out of shape. Like they usually do, they took this to the extreme and worked with a team of chemists to find a new belt material. Then, they designed their own special cutting machine to manufacture the belts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAfter each belt gets this precision cut, it is frozen cryogenically and barrelled to remove any possible remnants from the cutting process. They want this belt to be as round as possible. Getting to this level of perfection means you will have better speed, accuracy, and stability. Plus, they found out this new material lasts 50% longer than their older type, lowering your maintenance costs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThere are two different versions of this new EBLT drive belt: the Advanced model and the Reference model. The Reference one gets a more expensive curing process, producing an even more perfectly round belt.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe current Rega Planar 3 comes with the Advanced model, and if you want to buy the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvice.com\/products\/rega-reference-eblt-drive-belt\"\u003eReference belt\u003c\/a\u003e as an upgrade, it costs $75.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIf you are reading between the lines, you have probably figured out the Planar 3 RS comes with the Reference belt.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \n\u003ch2 class=\"subhead margin\"\u003eNew Aluminum Skin\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Planar 3 RS gets a never-before-seen finish on a Rega turntable, dark brushed aluminum. This thin skin covers their HPL laminated plinth and adds an extra level of rigidity compared to laminate. Plus, it looks super cool! Like the higher-end models, you also get a smoked dust cover with the Planar 3 RS.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWe are not really sure what the extra cost of the aluminum skin is, but we do know this special dust cover is an option for the Planar 3 and sells for $135.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSo let’s get out our calculator. $445 for the Neo MKII, $100 for the pulley, $75 for the belt, $135 for the dust cover and an unknown for the better plinth. Those add up to at least $755 in upgrades for only $200 more! As we said, it is a no-brainer if you are considering the Planar 3 and also what has to be one of the best deals out there in turntables.  Our only wish would be if they offered the Planar 3 RS with more cartridge options as part of the package as it is so good, many people might want to opt for the Rega ND7 or even the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvice.com\/products\/rega-ania-pro-moving-coil-cartridge\"\u003eAnia moving coil\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e   \n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"col_half\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0572\/3281\/8260\/files\/PL3_RS_ND5_Onside_Screen_Closeup_3863.jpg\" alt=\"Rega Planar 3 RS turntable detail view\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"col_half col_last\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0572\/3281\/8260\/files\/PL3_RS_custom_pulley_3860.jpg\" alt=\"Rega Planar 3 RS turntable detail view\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"col_narrow\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"hp-title\"\u003eHow Does the Planar 3 RS Turntable Sound?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe had a chance to compare the Planar 3 RS to the standard Planar 3. We have to say, the ND5, which is on both of them, makes more of an improvement than anything else when we think about how the older cartridges sounded. It's also getting very good press and being lauded as the best moving magnet in its price range. It is clearer, tracks better, is more dynamic, and to us, has less surface noise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhen comparing the two, we felt the sound just flowed better with a more relaxed feeling. The best turntables in the world strive for extreme speed consistency, which is what we think makes a recording sound more like live music. You get that sense of excitement and can better hear what the musicians are trying to portray. Almost all of the upgrades in the Planar 3 RS Edition over the standard Planar 3 are about better speed consistency. That is what we heard when comparing the two, just more of that live feeling. We even felt there might be a tiny bit more bass impact due to the aluminum skin, but we also may have been fooling ourselves as they were very close there.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"col_full\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 100%;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0572\/3281\/8260\/files\/16-DSC09514.jpg\" alt=\"Rega Planar 3 RS turntable detail view\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"col_narrow\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"hp-title\"\u003eOverall Recommendation\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe are so happy Rega decided to revive the special deal the 50th Anniversary table was with the new Planar 3 RS. With the ND5, it is much better than the 50th for only $100 more. Now, if you are reading this and own a 50th Anniversary, we are not suggesting you go sell it and buy this one, but keep good track of the hours on your stylus and, when it is time for a new one, upgrade to the ND5. This is one heck of a great turntable and if you decide to become a Rega owner with the Planar 3 RS Edition, it will give you decades of musical enjoyment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAlso, please keep in mind Audio Advice has helped thousands of music lovers get the best performance from their Rega turntables. When you purchase from Audio Advice, you get all of our experience behind you to help with any questions you may have.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \n    \n \u003chr\u003e\n    \n    \u003ch2 class=\"subhead margin\"\u003eWe’re here to help!\u003c\/h2\u003e\n    \n    \u003cp\u003eIf you have further questions, contact our experts via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvice.com\/pages\/contact\"\u003echat, phone, or email\u003c\/a\u003e. Or simply visit one of our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvice.com\/pages\/locations\"\u003eworld-class showrooms\u003c\/a\u003e to experience speakers, projectors, TVs, and everything in between for yourself before you make a purchase!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n    \u003cp\u003eIf you’re planning your home theater or media room, check out our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvice.com\/pages\/home-theater-design\"\u003eHome Theater Design page\u003c\/a\u003e, where we have everything Home Theater related, including our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvice.com\/pages\/home-theater-design#shopify-section-template--15579935178836__custom_liquid_tXCbWJ\"\u003eFREE Home Theater Design Tool\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n    \u003cp\u003eWhen you buy from Audio Advice, you’re buying from a trusted seller since 1978. We offer \u003cstrong\u003eFree Shipping\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eLifetime Expert Support\u003c\/strong\u003e, and our \u003cstrong\u003ePrice Guarantee\u003c\/strong\u003e. We look forward to serving you!\u003c\/p\u003e    \n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Rega","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42074221871188,"sku":"REGA:PLANAR3-RS-BSA","price":1545.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0572\/3281\/8260\/files\/Planar3RS-1.jpg?v=1731949131","url":"https:\/\/www.audioadvice.com\/products\/rega-open-box-planar-3-rs-special-edition-turntable-a-grade","provider":"Audio Advice","version":"1.0","type":"link"}