Rega Planar 3 RS Edition - Best Overall Turntable
The Rega Planar 3 RS Edition is the definitive high-performance belt-drive turntable, combining meaningful upgrades for a confident, detailed, and spacious sound that sets the standard.
- +Exceptional sound-per-pound value with a clean, detailed, and muscular presentation
- +Key upgrades include the Nd5 cartridge, external Neo PSU Mk2, and HPL-wrapped plinth
- +Winner of prestigious Product of the Year Award for turntables, emphasizing its benchmark status
- -Only available in a single brushed aluminium finish, limiting aesthetic choice
- -Requires a separate phono stage, adding to system cost and complexity
- -The price has crept up from the standard Planar 3, representing a significant investment
The Rega Planar 3 RS Edition stands as the current pinnacle of mid-high-end turntable design, earning its place as a top recommendation across multiple expert reviews. It is not merely an iteration but a thoughtfully enhanced version of the acclaimed Planar 3. The 'RS' or 'Rega Special' designation signifies three critical improvements that collectively elevate performance. First is the inclusion of the step-up Nd5 moving-magnet cartridge, which employs a higher-quality diamond stylus for superior tracking accuracy and retrieval of fine musical details. Second, the external Neo PSU Mk2 power supply ensures a cleaner feed to the motor and adds convenient electronic speed switching, eliminating the need for manual belt adjustment. Finally, the plinth is wrapped in a High Pressure Laminate skin, a material typically reserved for Rega's most expensive models, which contributes to a more inert and stable platform.
The sonic result is a clear step forward from the already excellent standard Planar 3. The RS Edition delivers a cleaner, more open, and more authoritative presentation. It locks instruments and vocals into a precise and stable soundstage with admirable confidence. There is a greater sense of space and dynamics, making for a wholly engaging and effortless listening experience. While the original Planar 3 owners can add some upgrades separately, the integrated engineering of the RS Edition, particularly its bespoke plinth, yields a performance that is difficult to match piecemeal. For those seeking the best combination of British engineering, purist sound quality, and tangible upgrade value, the Rega Planar 3 RS Edition is an outstanding and award-winning choice.