Rega Planar 3 50th Anniversary Edition Turntable - Walnut Finish

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General:
Rega is a well-established manufacturer of turntables and audio components based in England. The company's focus on low-mass, rigid designs and engineering has made the Planar series very recognizable turntables. The Planar 3 50th Anniversary Edition is a special version of the company's highly regarded Planar 3.

The Planar 3 50th Anniversary Edition incorporates several upgrades over the standard Planar 3. These include an external Neo power supply for improved speed control, a precision CNC-milled motor pulley derived from the higher-end Planar 6, a walnut finish, and a smoked dust cover. It also features Rega's RB330 tonearm, which utilizes precision bearings and an updated bearing housing design.

The lightweight plinth, rigid construction, and belt-drive system reflect Rega's longstanding design philosophy. Combined with the RB330 tonearm and upgraded power supply, the Anniversary Edition offers a refined version of the standard Planar 3 platform.

Installed is an original Rega Exact phono cartridge. This moving-magnet (MM) cartridge is manufactured in England and remains in very good condition. It was examined under our shop microscope and showed minimal stylus wear. In testing, the cartridge tracked properly and sounded very good.

Included with the turntable will be its original manual, box and cabling. Ready to plug and play. 

SkyFi Cosmetic Notes:
Scratches and Swirl marks on the dust cover, Otherwise condition is very good.

Ownership:
Single Owner

Connections:
RCA Phono output, Power

General Sound:
Smooth, uncolored, undistorted natural and clean

Cosmetic Condition:
8/10 = Very Good. Excellent front faceplate, one minor flaw on chassis side or top. See our detailed rating description here.

Working Condition:
Working perfectly and calibrated on our custom turntable calibration stand.

Included:
Unit, Box, Manual

Packing:
Original Manufacturers Packing

Specs:
Specifications
Manufacturer: Rega Research Ltd.
Model: Planar 3 Anniversary Edition
Type: Belt-drive turntable
Country of Manufacture: England
Plinth Finish: Walnut veneer
Dust Cover: Smoked acrylic
Tonearm: Rega RB330
Tonearm Effective Length: 236 mm
Cartridge Mount: Standard 1/2-inch mount
Cartridge: Rega Exact
Cartridge Type: Moving Magnet (MM)
Output Voltage: 6.8 - 7.2 mV
Stylus Profile: Vital profile diamond
Tracking Force: 1.75 g (recommended)
Drive System: Belt drive
Motor: 24V low-noise synchronous motor
Power Supply: Rega Neo PSU (included)
Speed Control: Electronic speed change
Speeds: 33⅓ RPM, 45 RPM
Platter: 12 mm float glass
Main Bearing: Precision brass housing with hardened steel spindle
Included:
Rega Exact MM cartridge
Rega Neo PSU
Smoked dust cover
45 RPM adapter

Dimensions:
44.7 × 11.7 × 36 cm

Weight:
14 lbs.

Link to Manual:
Click Here

Recommended Cables:
Kimber Kable - Phono Interconnects

Kimber Kable - Flagship Phono Interconnects

Testing Process:
First we try to identify any mechanical issues, particularly in the tonearm bearings. We check for freedom of movement or any resistance on both the horizontal and vertical range. There is a quick test for this which involves placing the table on its front edge and allowing the arm to swing freely like a pendulum. We then make any adjustments necessary to achieve minimal resistance and sometimes adjust the bearing pressure. On gimbal tonearms we inspect the cone tip with a magnifier.

We then assess the platter speed using one of several methods, the most accurate being playing a test tone on a test record and measuring the frequency output with a frequency counter or oscilloscope. We also utilize test equipment to measure the wow and flutter to ensure it is within spec. We do this for all speeds available for that particular model (33 RPM, 45 RPM, 78 RPM).

Adjustments are then made to achieve proper speed which will vary depending on the turntable's drive design. Some require an adjustment of an internal or external potentiometer, some will require a pulley or motor adjustment. We also inspect the platter bearing to ensure it is properly lubricated, keeping in mind that some bearings don't require lubrication at all

We then inspect the power supply and address any issues with overworked capacitors, particularly on Linn and later Thorens machines which tend to need attention.

On fully mechanical vintage tables like the Thorens TD-124 and Garrard 301/401 we will go thought the entire mechanism. Then replace any worn parts and lubricate all components necessary to ensure smooth operation, speed change, and low mechanical noise. 

When fitting a new phono cartridge we will go through our detailed calibration process which can involve as many as 12 steps depending on the tonearm design. We perform this work on our custom turntable calibration rig which was developed in-house.

Some of these steps include:
• Pivot to Spindle Adjustment
• Tracking Force
• Anti-Skate
• Tonearm Height
• Lifter Height
• VTA (Vertical Tracking Angle)
• Azimuth
• Stylus Distance and Overhang

We then do a critical listening test using our test records and our test system to ensure proper sonics.