Rega ups the ante: planar 6 rs edition blurs line with flagship
Rega’s latest offering isn’t just a turntable; it’s a calculated assault on the mid-to-high-end market. Unveiled at the Bristol Hi-Fi Show last month, the Planar 6 RS Edition (dubbed the ‘RS’ for ‘Rega Special’) cleverly grafts key components from their lauded Planar 8 onto the familiar, classic chassis, delivering performance previously reserved for significantly deeper pockets.
A familiar foundation, radically improved
The core concept is straightforward: elevate the Planar 6 without completely abandoning its established identity. Rega achieves this through a series of carefully selected upgrades, starting with the chassis. It’s constructed around Tancast 8 foam – a proprietary material that’s surprisingly lightweight yet exceptionally rigid – finished with a brushed aluminum HP laminate and matching plinth. This provides an ideal platform for the RB880 tonearm, which is included and meticulously aligned with the award-winning Nd9 moving magnet cartridge right out of the box.
But it’s not just about the parts list. The RS Edition inherits the Neo MK2 power supply and a 24V low-noise motor, now coupled with a CNC-machined double pulley and two Rega Reference EBLT belts for enhanced speed accuracy and control. This refined drive system minimizes vibration and allows for finer speed adjustments.
Engineering details that matter
The RB880 tonearm, typically found on the Planar 8, is a significant step up. Its CAD 3D-designed construction incorporates a stainless steel shaft and precision-tuned bearings, ensuring near-frictionless movement. Paired with the Nd9 Reference MM cartridge, boasting a fine-line diamond stylus and boron cantilever, the RS Edition possesses a reading capability capable of discerning variations as small as 3 microns within the vinyl groove. This isn't just about playing records; it’s about extracting every nuance.
Beyond the ultra-light chassis, the RS Edition’s aesthetic benefits from a brushed aluminum finish, striking a balance between industrial sophistication and understated elegance. The “tensioned beam” structure – a clever design detail spanning the arm and main bearing – actively rejects energy absorption, ensuring that only the music reaches the speakers. The external Neo MK2 PSU, individually hand-tuned for each motor, delivers rock-solid rotational stability.
Price proximity and value proposition
The Planar 6 RS Edition occupies a strategically interesting space within Rega’s lineup. While the feature set undeniably closes the gap with the Planar 8, the price difference remains substantial enough to make it a compelling option. In Spain, the RS Edition retails for €2,299, a mere €70 less than the entry-level Planar 8. Whether that slight premium is justified will ultimately depend on individual priorities and budgets. For those seeking a significant performance boost without committing to the full Planar 8 investment, the RS Edition presents a remarkably attractive proposition.
The Rega Planar 6 RS Edition isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a statement—a declaration that exceptional vinyl playback doesn't have to break the bank. It’s a turntable ready to deliver a premium experience from the moment you drop the needle.