Every aspect of the Planar 8 is engineered to extract as much detail from the vinyl surface as possible. Rega has used the most advanced materials and engineering solutions built around a supremely lightweight plinth to ensure the greatest level of performance.

Key features

• RB880 precision tonearm
• Ania, Ania Pro, Apheta 3 factory fitted (optional)
• Super flywheel effect triple-layer glass platter
• Double brace technology
• Tancast 8 foam core plinth
• Custom-matched Neo Psu
• Reference EBLT drive belt fitted as standard
• Available in two matt finishes, Polaris grey and white (new for 2023)
• Lifetime warranty against manufacture defects

The Planar 8 is supplied with the new RB880 tonearm and Neo PSU as standard which offers electronic speed change, advanced anti-vibration control and user-adjustable electronic fine speed adjustment to ensure total accuracy and control over the motor. The outer frame of the previous model has now been removed and a new stylish, removable, single-piece dustcover has been introduced further reducing the overall mass of the turntable.

The Planar 8 is the second Rega turntable constructed using an ultra-lightweight Tancast 8 polyurethane foam core (a material developed for the aerospace industry). This material is sandwiched between two layers of HPL (high-pressure laminate). HPL is exceptionally thin and extremely rigid. This new construction makes the new Planar 8 skeletal plinth 30% lighter than the original RP8 while offering increased rigidity over the previous model. This super lightweight plinth has been combined with a phenolic resin double brace mounted specifically where the increased rigidity is required (between the tonearm mounting and the main hub bearing) and forms a structurally sound “stressed beam” assembly. This rigid plinth design prevents energy absorption and unwanted resonances which will add unnatural distortions to the music.

Planar 8 is fitted with the new RB880 that features an improved vertical bearing assembly constructed using an aluminium and stainless-steel, low-mass assembly with vastly improved stability and rigidity. This tonearm is using Rega’s advanced preloaded zero tolerance bearing assembly adjusted to less than 1000th of a mm, this gives friction-free movement and zero levels of unwanted play. RB880 is then terminated with a re-designed, low capacitance phono cable terminated with high quality, locking phono plugs to ensure the best possible connection
Planar 8 also features a new low-mass central bearing assembly, the latest generation 24v, synchronous, low-vibration motor technology and a super flywheel effect platter design. This three-piece laminated glass platter is the result of a collaboration with a British glass engineering company. This brand-new platter is constructed from two different high-quality Pilkington glasses.

Linking all these mechanical entities together is another innovation – EBLT Drive Belts!

Rega Planar 8 Turntable

For three years Rega has been researching and developing with chemists the use of a bespoke new rubber compound for drive belts. Using a specialised curing system, the new drive belt offers superior consistency of modulus (a constant representing the degree to which a substance has a particular property, especially elasticity). These new belts are manufactured on Rega-designed, state-of-the-art, super-accurate tools which produce ‘perfectly round’ and ‘dimensionally accurate’ belts, critical for perfect speed stability.

Planar 8 will be available on its own or as a complete package with either an Ania or Apheta 2 Moving Coil cartridge at an advantageous price over purchasing separately.

Manufacturer product details and specification