Rega ups the ante: planar 6 rs edition blurs lines with planar 8 tech
Rega’s reputation for crafting accessible, high-performance turntables just got a significant boost. At the recent Bristol Hi-Fi Show, the British manufacturer unveiled the Planar 6 RS Edition, a compelling upgrade that borrows heavily from its flagship Planar 8, effectively narrowing the performance gap between the two models—and potentially shaking up the mid-to-high-end turntable landscape.
A foundation of rigidity and lightness
The heart of the RS Edition's improvement lies in its chassis. Rega has employed its Tancast 8 foam core, a proprietary material known for its exceptional rigidity-to-weight ratio. This lightweight yet stiff platform minimizes unwanted resonances, creating a stable base for the upgraded components. The familiar Neo MK2 power supply and 24V low-noise motor, hand-tuned for precision, return—now paired with a CNC-machined double-pulley and Rega Reference EBLT belts for enhanced speed accuracy and control. It's a subtle change, perhaps, but one that contributes to a noticeably tighter and more refined presentation.
The rb880 arm and nd9 cartridge: a winning combination
But the real differentiator? The inclusion of the RB880 tonearm, previously reserved for the Planar 8. This arm, meticulously designed using 3D CAD technology and featuring precision hand-tuned bearings, promises near-frictionless operation. It arrives pre-mounted with the award-winning Nd9 moving magnet cartridge, known for its ability to trace even the most challenging vinyl grooves with remarkable detail. This combination alone elevates the Planar 6 RS Edition to a level well above its predecessor.
The Nd9, with its fine-line diamond stylus and boron cantilever, can resolve variations in the vinyl groove down to a mere 3 microns—a testament to Rega’s commitment to extracting every nuance from your record collection. The brushed aluminum finish, a departure from the standard Planar 6’s aesthetic, adds a touch of industrial sophistication, while the “tensioned beam” structure between the arm and main bearing effectively eliminates energy absorption, ensuring a cleaner signal path.
Price and positioning: a calculated move?
At €2,299 in Spain, the Planar 6 RS Edition presents a fascinating proposition. While its price edges closer to the Planar 8’s €2,349 starting point, it offers a more accessible entry point into Rega’s higher-tier performance. Whether this proximity proves advantageous or slightly cannibalizes sales of the Planar 8 remains to be seen—but for those seeking a significant upgrade without breaking the bank, the RS Edition is a serious contender. It’s a shrewd move by Rega, capitalizing on existing technology to deliver a compelling package that raises the bar for mid-range turntables. The sound is tighter, the detail more pronounced, and the overall experience undeniably more refined.
The RS Edition isn't merely an incremental update; it’s a strategic repositioning, and the music it delivers speaks volumes.