A lesson in engineering
Rega Planar 8 applies a skeletal Tancast 8 structure, RB880 tonearm, triple-layer glass platter and Neo PSU MK2 to an extremely light and rigid platform.
Planar 8 was born from the experience of the Naia project and develops a structure very different from Rega turntables with a conventional plinth. The skeletal chassis uses a Tancast 8 foam core enclosed between HPL laminates, with Double Brace reinforcement between the tonearm base and central bearing. The RB880 tonearm, low-mass bearing assembly and triple-layer glass platter work together with the 24 V synchronous motor and included Neo PSU MK2, which manages speed and vibration control.
Key features
- Precision RB880 tonearm
- Triple-layer glass platter with flywheel effect
- Double Brace technology
- Ultra-lightweight skeletal plinth with Tancast 8 core and HPL laminate
- Low-noise 24 V motor
- Neo PSU MK2 matched and included
- Reference EBLT drive belt included as standard
- Dedicated dust cover
Skeletal Tancast 8 plinth
The Planar 8 chassis is built to remove material where it is not needed and concentrate rigidity along the mechanical path between the tonearm and rotational axis. The Tancast 8 core is enclosed between two thin, rigid HPL layers, while Double Brace reinforces the areas subject to the highest stress. This approach reduces the mass of the support and limits the plinth's ability to absorb and release energy during playback.
RB880 tonearm and central bearing
The RB880 is hand assembled with selected bearings to achieve extremely free and stable movement. The central system uses a one-piece machined aluminium sub-platter, hardened steel spindle and brass housing mounted directly into the rigid chassis structure. Reducing mass in the central assembly and controlling tolerances are intended to maintain accurate geometry between the record and tonearm.
Triple-layer platter
The platter is formed from multiple glass layers and distributes most of its mass towards the outer edge, creating a pronounced flywheel effect. This provides the inertia required for smooth rotation without placing excessive load on the main bearing. The central area remains lighter, while the outer edge supplies the mass needed to stabilise speed during playback.
Motor and Neo PSU MK2
The low-noise 24 V synchronous motor is controlled by the Neo PSU MK2 supplied with the turntable. The power supply provides electronic speed change, fine adjustment and an advanced circuit for reducing motor vibration. The Reference EBLT belt completes the drive system, while the removable one-piece dust cover avoids the outer frame used by previous generations.
Supplied accessories
Planar 8 includes the Neo PSU MK2 matched to the motor and the dedicated dust cover. Cartridge configuration varies according to the selected version.
