Rega Planar 3 RS Edition Turntable

The Planar 3 RS Edition is the Planar 3 at its most complete. Where the standard Planar 3 requires separate cartridge and power supply decisions, the RS Edition bundles the RB330 tonearm with the Nd5 moving magnet cartridge and the Neo MK2 power supply in a single, optimised package — in a distinctive dark brushed aluminium finish with high-gloss black edges that sets it apart from the standard range.

This is not a cosmetic exercise. The Nd5 is a genuine step up from the entry cartridges, and the Neo MK2 power supply improves motor control in a way that is clearly audible. Buying the RS Edition rather than specifying these components separately saves money and removes the guesswork.

Where the Planar 3 RS Edition Sits in the Rega Range

The Planar 3 RS Edition sits above the Planar 3 ECO Special and below the Planar 6 RS Edition in the Rega range.

The ECO Special below it is the Planar 3 platform at a reduced price, without a cartridge. The RS Edition is the fully specified, optimised version — cartridge included, power supply included, nothing left to add. For those who want the Planar 3 experience without any further decisions, this is it.

The step to the Planar 6 RS Edition is a different class of turntable: Tancast 8 plinth, heavier glass platter, RB880 tonearm, and the Nd9 cartridge — a clear performance step that you will hear immediately. Whether it is justified depends on how seriously you listen and what the rest of your system can resolve.

Sound and Performance

The Planar 3 is a multiple What Hi-Fi? Product of the Year winner and one of the most celebrated turntables at its price in audio history. The RS Edition improves on the standard specification in two audible ways.

The Nd5 cartridge uses a nude elliptical diamond — cut from a single piece of diamond rather than bonded to a carrier. A nude stylus sits more precisely in the groove, tracking with greater accuracy and recovering more fine detail. Compared to the entry Nd3, the improvement in midrange clarity and bass definition is clearly audible. The Nd5 is factory-fitted and aligned to the RB330 at Rega's factory.

The Neo MK2 power supply brings electronic speed control and advanced anti-vibration circuitry. Speed accuracy is fundamental to vinyl replay — a platter that varies, even slightly, smears the timing and reduces definition. The Neo MK2 holds speed more precisely than the standard motor circuit, and the effect is an improvement in rhythmic confidence and transient clarity that the Planar 3 platform is fully capable of resolving.

The double brace technology — a brace connecting the tonearm mounting to the motor hub — stiffens the structure and reduces motor-induced vibration in the signal path. It is one of the most effective things Rega has done to the Planar 3, and it is present in full in the RS Edition.

Build Quality and Design

The Planar 3 RS Edition is hand-assembled in Southend-on-Sea and weighs 6.0 kg. The dark brushed aluminium HPL laminated plinth with high-gloss black edges is a distinctive finish that looks more premium than the standard Planar 3 range. A smoked dust cover is included.

The 12mm Opti-White polished glass platter is the same as fitted to the standard Planar 3 — heavy enough to provide genuine rotational stability, and inert enough not to introduce resonance. The reference EBLT drive belt is included.

Lifetime limited warranty against manufacturing defects.

Connectivity and System Matching

The Planar 3 RS Edition outputs a standard stereo RCA signal. The Nd5 is a moving magnet cartridge, compatible with any standard MM phono input. A phono stage is not included.

The Rega Fono MM MK5 is the right phono stage at this level — a multi-award-winning MM stage that matches the RS Edition's capabilities well and leaves room for improvement. Those considering a move to moving coil in the future should note that the Planar 3 platform partners well with the Rega Ania and Ania Pro MC cartridges, with the Rega Fono MC as the entry phono stage for that path.

The Neo MK2 power supply is external — it sits alongside the deck and connects via a Mini DIN cable.

Technical Specifications

Who Is It For?

The Planar 3 RS Edition is for the serious music listener who wants the Planar 3 at its best, without the need to research and specify individual components. It suits those who want a complete, optimised analogue source at a single purchase price, in a finish that looks as good as it sounds. It is not for the buyer who already owns a Neo power supply or wants a different cartridge — in those cases the standard Planar 3 with individually chosen components may make more sense.

Buying from Martin's Hi-Fi

Martin's Hi-Fi has been in Norwich since 1968, and the Rega range has been part of what we do for years. We are still family-run — Elizabeth Gould runs the business today — and we stock only brands we have heard properly and stand behind.

The Planar 3 RS Edition is available to hear in our Norwich showroom; call ahead and we will have it set up with a system that makes sense for your budget. When you get in touch, you will be speaking to Dave or Chris — both experienced hi-fi specialists who can talk you through whether the Planar 3 RS Edition or another model in the Rega range is the right fit for your room and your system.

Reach them at dave@martinshifi.co.uk, chris@martinshifi.co.uk, info@martinshifi.co.uk, call on 01603 627010, or WhatsApp Dave or Chris directly on 07554 687137 for a quick answer after your purchase. You can read more about who we are and how we work on our Why Martin's page. We are at 85–91 Ber Street, Norwich, NR1 3EY, open six days a week.

Contact: info@martinshifi.co.uk | 01603 627010 | WhatsApp: 07554 687137 | 85–91 Ber Street, Norwich, NR1 3EY