Rega Planar 8 Turntable with Neo PSU Power Supply - Ania Pro

A Skeletal Turntable, Paired with the Ania Pro Cartridge

The Rega Planar 8 draws directly on Rega's ultra-high-end Naiad project, translating that no-compromise engineering into a production turntable, and this version ships with Rega's Ania Pro moving-coil cartridge factory-mounted on its RB880 tonearm.

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

The Ania Pro's low-output moving-coil design needs a compatible high-gain MC phono stage rather than a standard MM input — Rega recommends a 100-ohm input load and roughly 1,000pF of capacitance to get the most from it.

Where the Ania Pro Cartridge Earns Its Keep

A Vital-Profile Stylus, Tuned for Detail

The Ania Pro uses an advanced Vital-profile nude diamond stylus on a tapered aluminum cantilever, following small groove modulations to surface fine detail while keeping the bass tight and the midrange genuinely warm throughout.

An ultra-low-mass generator, hand-wound from just 0.018mm wire around an iron micro-cross, keeps the moving assembly small and quick to react as the stylus tracks its way carefully through the record groove.

An RB880 Tonearm, With Nearly Zero Play

The RB880 uses preloaded, zero-tolerance bearings adjusted to less than one-thousandth of a millimeter, giving it nearly friction-free movement with essentially no unwanted play at all anywhere in the finished assembly.

A low-capacitance phono cable terminates in locking RCA plugs rather than standard friction-fit ones, for a noticeably more secure connection to whatever phono preamp you eventually decide to pair it with over the long term.

What Reviewers Are Saying

AVForums called the Planar 8 "the current Best in Class," representing "the state of the art for vinyl performance at the price" while remaining "very well made" and "easy to setup and use."

The Ear's review of the Ania Pro found "the jump in refinement is of the several leagues variety," with mids and highs "instantly more open and detailed" than Rega's standard moving-magnet cartridges.

Who Is the Rega Planar 8 Best For?

• You want moving-coil detail without stepping up to the Apheta 3: the Ania Pro arrives factory-mounted and aligned on the RB880 at a lower price than Rega's more advanced MC cartridges
• You want a genuinely top-rated turntable: AVForums named the Planar 8 the current Best in Class for vinyl performance at its price
• You already have (or plan to add) a high-gain MC phono stage: the Ania Pro's low-output moving-coil design needs one, since it can't run from a standard MM-only phono input
• You want a genuinely well-reviewed cartridge choice: The Ear found the jump in refinement over Rega's moving-magnet range to be dramatic
• You want a moving-magnet cartridge instead: the Ania Pro is a moving-coil design, so if you'd rather avoid a dedicated MC phono stage, the Nd7 or Nd9 version is the better starting point

How Does It Connect to Your System?

The attached RCA cable needs a phono preamp that matches your cartridge's type and output. Never connect the Planar 8 straight into a standard line-level input.

The Ania Pro arrives already mounted and aligned. Balance the tonearm and set tracking force between 1.75 and 2.0 grams during setup, then place the turntable on a firm, level surface.

Pairs Well With

What finishes the system around a Rega Planar 8:

• Phono preamplifiers — needs high-gain MC support to match this cartridge's low output
• Integrated amplifiers — look for one with a built-in MC-capable phono stage to skip a separate box
• Audio racks — a firm, level, vibration-free shelf a turntable like this actually needs
• Record cleaning machines — a clean groove matters even more once resolution stops being the limiting factor

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Ania Pro cartridge already installed?

Yes. Rega mounts and aligns it at the factory. You still balance the tonearm and set tracking force between 1.75 and 2.0 grams during setup.

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

It doesn't. The Ania Pro's low-output moving-coil design 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 Ania Pro installed. Its low 350μV output needs a compatible high-gain MC phono stage rather than a standard MM-only input.

How does the Ania Pro compare to the Apheta 3?

The Ania Pro uses a Vital-profile stylus and a glass-filled PPS body, at a lower price. The more advanced Apheta 3 uses a 90-degree fine-line stylus and a one-piece machined aluminum body.

Does the Neo MK2 power supply come standard?

Yes. It ships as standard equipment on every Planar 8, regardless of which cartridge is fitted.

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.