Rega Planar 8 Turntable

Rega Planar 10 vs. Rega Planar 8: Which Turntable is Right for You?

Rega has long been a leader in turntable innovation, and their Planar 10 and Planar 8 models are no exception. Both are inspired by Rega’s ultimate reference turntable, the Naiad, incorporating cutting-edge materials and design principles to deliver world-class vinyl playback. But how do they compare, and which one is the better fit for your system? Let’s break it down.

Plinth and Construction

Both the Planar 8 and Planar 10 feature Rega’s skeletal plinth design, crafted from Tancast 8 foam core, a lightweight yet rigid aerospace-grade material. This design minimizes mass while maximizing stiffness, reducing unwanted vibrations for superior performance.

However, the Planar 10 takes rigidity even further with ceramic bracing, compared to the phenolic resin bracing used in the Planar 8. This difference enhances structural integrity and improves energy transfer, resulting in even greater precision and detail in playback.

Tonearm: RB880 vs. RB3000

A turntable’s tonearm plays a crucial role in tracking accuracy and minimizing distortion. The Planar 8 is fitted with the RB880 tonearm, featuring ultra-low friction bearings and a redesigned vertical bearing assembly for improved stability.

The Planar 10, however, boasts the RB3000 tonearm, which takes precision to another level. Machined to extreme tolerances, it features an advanced bearing system and zero-tolerance design, allowing for virtually friction-free movement. This leads to superior tracking and an even more natural, dynamic sound.

Platter and Speed Stability

The Planar 8 utilizes a multi-layer glass platter for improved rotational stability, but the Rega Planar 10 goes a step further with a diamond-cut ceramic oxide platter. The added mass and superior material properties enhance speed accuracy and reduce resonance, resulting in a blacker background and greater detail retrieval.

Power Supply: Neo PSU vs. PL10 PSU

The Rega Planar 8 includes the Neo PSU, which offers electronic speed selection, fine speed adjustment, and vibration control for smoother motor operation.

The Planar 10, however, is powered by the more advanced PL10 PSU, which provides even more precise motor control, superior anti-vibration circuitry, and an enhanced power supply architecture for ultimate speed accuracy and musical fidelity.

Performance & Sound Quality

Both the Rega Planar 8 and Planar 10 deliver an open, detailed, and highly musical presentation that captures the soul of vinyl. However, the Planar 10 pulls ahead with its greater refinement, improved dynamics, and lower noise floor, making it the closer to the Rega Naiad in performance.

While the Rega Planar 8 is one of the best turntables in its price class, the Rega Planar 10 offers a reference-level performance only bested by the Rega Naia.

Which One Should You Choose?

• Go for the Rega Planar 8 if you want an exceptional high-end turntable that delivers outstanding performance at a more accessible price.
• Choose the Rega Planar 10 if you want a reference turntable featuring absolute precision, clarity, and musicality.

No matter which you choose, both models showcase Rega’s legendary design, craftsmanship, and engineering, making them fantastic upgrades for any serious vinyl enthusiast.

Need help deciding? Contact us today for expert advice on building your perfect analog system!