Rega Planar 8 Turntable with Neo PSU - Black - Apheta 3 Cartridge

A Skeletal Turntable, Paired with the Apheta 3 Cartridge

Rega developed the Planar 8 to capture the essence of its ultimate turntable, the Naiad, at an affordable price. This version ships with Rega's own Apheta 3 moving coil cartridge factory fitted on the RB880 tonearm.

A triple-layer float-glass platter and the Neo MK2 power supply come as standard. The Neo MK2 provides electronic 33⅓/45 rpm switching, fine speed adjustment and an anti-vibration motor circuit.

The Apheta 3 is a low-output moving coil design, so it needs a moving coil phono stage rather than a standard MM input. Rega recommends a 100-ohm load and 1,000pF of capacitance.

A Fine-Line Diamond, Mounted at 90 Degrees

The Apheta 3 uses a Fine Line nude diamond stylus mounted at 90 degrees. Rega uses the same technique on its reference Aphelion 2. Rega says this pulls even more detail from the record groove.

Its generator has no tie wire and no foam damper, unlike most moving coil cartridges. Rega designed it this way for clear highs and firm, tight bass.

An RB880 Tonearm, With Nearly Zero Play

The RB880 uses preloaded, zero-tolerance bearings adjusted to less than a thousandth of a millimeter. That gives friction-free movement with no unwanted play.

A low-capacitance phono cable ends in locking RCA plugs for a secure connection to your phono stage.

How the Planar 8 Fits Your System

The Planar 8 has no built-in phono stage, USB output or Bluetooth. With the Apheta 3 fitted, its RCA leads need a high-gain moving coil phono stage. It will not work properly from an MM-only phono input or a line input.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Jason Kennedy, The Ear, October 2018: "If you are looking for maximum musical intensity for your pound, dollar or euro you will be very hard pressed to find a better turntable at anywhere near this price."

Who Is This Turntable Best For?

• Moving coil listeners — the Apheta 3 arrives factory fitted on the RB880, using the same 90-degree stylus technique as Rega's Aphelion 2.
• Owners of a high-gain MC phono stage — the Apheta 3's low output needs one.
• Fans of light, rigid design — the skeletal Tancast 8 plinth and double brace follow the Naiad's thinking.
• Anyone who wants easy speed control — the Neo MK2 power supply is included as standard.
• Not for MM-only systems — choose a moving magnet version of the Planar 8 instead.

How Does It Connect to Your System?

Place the turntable on a firm, level surface. Connect the tonearm's RCA leads to a moving coil phono stage, never to a line-level input.

The Apheta 3 arrives already mounted and aligned. Balance the tonearm and set tracking force between 1.9 and 2.0 grams during setup.

Pairs Well With

What finishes the system around a Rega Planar 8:

• Phono preamplifiers — choose one with high-gain MC support for the Apheta 3
• Integrated amplifiers — look for one with a built-in MC-capable phono stage
• Audio racks — a firm, level shelf for the turntable
• Record cleaning machines — clean records get the most from a moving coil

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Apheta 3 cartridge already installed?

Yes. Rega fits and aligns it at the factory. You still balance the tonearm and set tracking force between 1.9 and 2.0 grams during setup.

Does the Planar 8 have a built-in phono preamp?

No. The Apheta 3 needs a separate high-gain MC phono preamp, or an amplifier with one built in.

Can I use a standard MM phono input instead?

Not with the Apheta 3 installed. Its 350μV output needs a high-gain MC phono stage.

What's the difference between the Apheta 3 and Ania Pro?

Both are Rega moving coil cartridges with three-point mounting. The Apheta 3 has a one-piece machined aluminum body and a Fine Line stylus. The Ania Pro has a PPS body and a Vital-profile stylus.

Does the Neo MK2 power supply come standard?

Yes. Rega ships every Planar 8 with the Neo MK2 power supply as standard.

See It in Action

Audio Advisor takes a closer look at the Rega Planar 8:

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Learn More

Want to learn more about turntable setup, phono preamps, or getting the most from a moving coil cartridge? Visit our Learning Center for guides, tips, and expert advice.