The Rega Planar 6 emerged from the success of the RP8 and RP10 models, designed to deliver the most precise and faithful reproduction of vinyl records, capturing every emotional nuance of the music. To accomplish this, it incorporates cutting-edge materials and top-notch engineering solutions, featuring a meticulously hand-assembled RB330 tonearm. The manufacturer suggests using the Ania MC or Exact MM cartridges, which are factory-installed. Additionally, the turntable is complemented by a sleek dust cover and elegant aluminum legs.
In a groundbreaking development for Rega, a load-bearing sandwich panel (plinth) has been introduced for a player in this price range, offering a unique combination of lightweight construction, high rigidity, and outstanding anti-vibration characteristics. The panel’s rigidity is achieved through its outer layers, which are crafted from high-pressure laminate (HPL). Meanwhile, the low weight and effective damping are attributed to a honeycomb core made from Tan-Cast 8 polyurethane foam, originally designed for aerospace applications. The panel features a matte gray Polaris finish, with edges adorned in a glossy black polymer coating. Additionally, the surfaces are resistant to scratches and dirt.
The disc features a dual-layer construction: the rim, which enhances the disc’s mass and moment of inertia, is crafted from smoky acrylic, while the main body is made of transparent material, showcasing the player’s design. The tonearm mount and the aluminum spindle, precision-engineered from a single block, are affixed to a lightweight aluminum sub-chassis, ensuring accurate tonearm alignment. This sub-chassis is further connected to a sandwich panel that provides effective vibration isolation from the motor. The spindle axis operates within a bronze low-friction bearing housing, a design currently undergoing patenting.
A new 24-volt synchronous motor, chosen for its minimal vibration output, drives the spindle via a white round belt. The Neo PSU electronic control unit enables precise rotation speed adjustments, a feature previously exclusive to the RP10 player. Additionally, to minimize vibration, the motor and control unit are carefully paired for optimal performance.
The Neo PSU engine control unit, similar to the RP10, employs a digital signal processor-frequency synthesizer that is stabilized by a quartz resonator. This processor produces phase-shifted sinusoidal voltages at the necessary frequency for the synchronous motor’s operation. The waveform generated is nearly a perfect sine wave, with a harmonic distortion factor not exceeding 0.15% at the output of the buffer stage. As a result, this design effectively prevents any potential electrical interference in the signal circuits.
Rega Planar 6 specifications:
- Plinth material Tan-Cast 8
- Platter Double-layer glass platter
- Rotation speed 33, 45 rpm
- Tonearm Rega RB 330
- Headshell Rega Ania MC (included)
- Motor Ultra-quiet, synchronous, 24 volts
- Drive Belt
- Mat Felt
- Dust cover Included
- External stabilized power supply with speed control Rega Neo PSU (included)
- Control Fully manual
- Dimensions (WxDxH) 448 x 365 x 120 mm
- Weight 5.2 kg
