Rega launch a new Planar 8 turntable which will begin shipping in the UK 'this month'.

Features:

• Inspired by the Rega's 'Naiad' £30,000 40th anniversary turntable launched in 2013, rather than simply being an evolution of the RP8.
• Ultra lightweight skeletal plinth in foam-core High Pressure Laminate sandwich material
• Double Brace Technology to 'prevent energy absorption and unwanted resonances'
• RB880 tonearm, new improved bearings & counterweight design
• New central bearing & mounting
• New 'super flywheel' triple layer glass platter, with peripheral mass
• 24v Low noise, low vibration, hand-tuned motor
• EBLT Drive Belts, new material, super-accurate manufacture
• Neo PSU, smooth, mains-isolated, anti-vibration circuit, using the RP10 digital signal generator

£1699 turntable only
£2119 with with factory-fitted Ania cartridge
£2439 with Apheta 2 cartridge

DarkLantern blog - darklanternforowen.wordpress.com

I spotted one of the new triple-layer, Pilkington Glass thick (20-25mm?) platters today (on a RP3 I think) & it looks very 'chunky', looks rather different from a traditional Rega TT.

DarkLantern blog - darklanternforowen.wordpress.com

Actually, this is an elegant TT, a synthesis of Rega's current key ideas - low tolerances, high rigidity, low mass chassis design.

Note 24v motor & double drive belts.

And the first Rega TT to have speed control.

DarkLantern blog - darklanternforowen.wordpress.com

Michael Fremer's review (with Rega Ania cartridge):

" This combination delivered uncommon tonal neutrality at this price point but even more impressive was the dynamic expressiveness, especially of the micro-variety that gives music a sense of “real life” as opposed to recorded. Low-level detail resolution was also outstanding. "

US$3095

DarkLantern blog - darklanternforowen.wordpress.com