Rega Planar 3 RS Edition: Is This The Right Turntable For Your System?
The Rega Planar 3 RS Edition is a flagship variant of Rega's long-running Planar 3, built for buyers who want the established Planar 3 layout with a stiffer plinth, a factory-matched power supply and a higher-specification cartridge already fitted. It sits above the standard Planar 3 in Rega's range and is aimed at owners who want to extend the platform without immediately moving to the Planar 6 or Planar 8.
What separates the Planar 3 RS Edition from the standard Planar 3?
The Planar 3 RS Edition uses a brushed metal dark aluminium HPL (High Pressure Laminate) skin on its plinth, a material Rega normally reserves for the Planar 6, Planar 8 and Planar 10. This laminate replaces the standard Planar 3's skin and is paired with a double brace system positioned between the tonearm mounting and the main hub bearing, forming what Rega describes as a stressed beam assembly. A rigid plinth resists energy absorption and unwanted resonance, and it limits the transfer of motor or bearing noise into the rotating record, so the bracing addresses mechanical noise paths rather than acting as a cosmetic upgrade. The RS Edition also pairs its plinth with a custom-matched Neo MK2 power supply and ships with the Nd5 moving magnet cartridge factory-fitted, rather than these being aftermarket additions.
Which tonearm and cartridge are fitted to the Rega Planar 3 RS Edition?
Rega fits the hand-assembled RB330 tonearm to the RS Edition as standard. The RB330 is built using 3D CAD and CAM design with a bearing housing and tonearm tube that redistribute mass to reduce points of resonance, and its bearing assemblies are engineered for minimal play and low friction, which keeps arm movement consistent during tracking. The Nd5 moving magnet cartridge is fitted at the factory rather than supplied separately. Its stylus is a nude elliptical diamond formed by an elliptical grinding process, and the generator geometry is built for symmetrical channel balance with an optimised pole gap to manage linearity and crosstalk. The coils are wound in-house from 38-micron wire with 1275 turns per coil, producing a low-inductance, low-impedance generator that extends high-frequency response. Because the cartridge is pre-fitted and aligned, buyers don't need to source or align a separate MM cartridge before first use.
What does the Neo MK2 power supply control on this turntable?
The Neo MK2 PSU supplies the Planar 3 RS Edition's 24V low-noise motor and is hand-tuned to that individual motor's vibration circuit. It provides electronic speed change between 33â…“ and 45 RPM, fine speed adjustment in 0.01 RPM steps, and an anti-vibration motor circuit that reduces motor noise reaching the plinth. The motor drives a CNC-machined custom pulley, which turns the sub-platter via Rega's Reference EBLT drive belt. Because speed correction happens electronically through the Neo MK2 rather than by swapping pulleys or belts, buyers adjusting speed accuracy do so from the external PSU unit rather than inside the plinth.
How does the Planar 3 RS Edition connect to an amplifier or phono stage?
The Planar 3 RS Edition outputs via RCA phono connectors and, because the Nd5 is a moving magnet cartridge, it requires an MM-compatible phono stage rather than a moving coil input. Rega lists its FONO MINI A2D and FONO MM phono stages as compatible partners, and its ELEX and ELICIT integrated amplifiers both include a built-in MM phono stage, so buyers without a separate phono stage can run the turntable directly into either amplifier's phono input. Power for the turntable itself comes from the Neo MK2 PSU via a mini DIN connector, with the PSU drawing mains power through Rega's PS1 wall supply.
What's involved in setting up the Planar 3 RS Edition?
Setup centres on the turntable's electronic speed control and pre-fitted cartridge rather than manual cartridge alignment. The Nd5 arrives factory-fitted to the RB330 arm, so initial setup is largely limited to levelling the plinth, fitting the platter and dust cover, and connecting the Neo MK2 PSU. Fine speed adjustment is handled through the PSU's 0.01 RPM step control rather than through mechanical adjustment at the platter, and electronic speed change removes the need to manually move the drive belt between pulley steps when switching between 33â…“ and 45 RPM.
Who should buy the Planar 3 RS Edition over the standard Planar 3 or the Planar 6?
Buyers upgrading from a standard Planar 3, or from an entry-level Planar 1 or Planar 2, gain the HPL aluminium-skinned plinth, double brace structure, Neo MK2 PSU and Nd5 cartridge in one factory-matched package rather than buying these as separate upgrades. This suits owners who want the Planar 3's footprint and tonearm geometry but with the stiffer construction normally associated with Rega's Planar 6 and above. Buyers who want to go further than the RB330 tonearm or Nd5 cartridge, or who want the Planar 6's twin-belt drive and additional bracing, are better served by stepping up to the Planar 6 RS Edition. The Planar 3 RS Edition is supplied with a smoked dust cover as standard and weighs 6.0kg with the lid closed, fitting the same footprint considerations as other Planar 3-based models.
What does Rega's warranty cover on the Planar 3 RS Edition?
Rega backs the Planar 3 RS Edition with a lifetime limited warranty covering confirmed manufacturing defects on products designed and assembled in the UK. The warranty excludes wear and tear and consumable parts, and unauthorised modification or failure to follow the recommended setup guidelines in the product manual can invalidate cover. Warranty terms can vary by country, so buyers should confirm specific conditions with their local Rega dealer or distributor before purchase.
