Rega Planar 3 50th Anniversary Edition Turntable - Walnut Finish

General: Rega is a well-established manufacturer of turntables and audio components based in England. The company's focus on low-mass, rigid designs and engineering has made the Planar series very recognizable turntables. The Planar 3 50th Anniversary Edition is a special version of the company's highly regarded Planar 3. The Planar 3 50th Anniversary Edition incorporates several upgrades over the standard Planar 3. These include an external Neo power supply for improved speed control, a precision CNC-milled motor pulley derived from the higher-end Planar 6, a walnut finish, and a smoked dust cover. It also features Rega's RB330 tonearm, which utilizes precision bearings and an updated bearing housing design. The lightweight plinth, rigid construction, and belt-drive system reflect Rega's longstanding design philosophy. Combined with the RB330 tonearm and upgraded power supply, the Anniversary Edition offers a refined version of the standard Planar 3 platform. Installed is an original Rega Exact phono cartridge. This moving-magnet (MM) cartridge is manufactured in England and remains in very good condition. It was examined under our shop microscope and showed minimal stylus wear. In testing, the cartridge tracked properly and sounded very good. Included with the turntable will be its original manual, box, and cabling. Ready to plug and play. SkyFi Cosmetic Notes: Scratches and Swirl marks on the dust cover, Otherwise condition is very good. Ownership: Single Owner Connections: RCA Phono output, Power General Sound: Smooth, uncolored, undistorted natural and clean Cosmetic Condition: 8/10 = Very Good. Excellent front faceplate, one minor flaw on chassis side or top. See our detailed rating description here. Working Condition: Working perfectly and calibrated on our custom turntable calibration stand. Included: Unit, Box, Manual Packing: Original Manufacturers Packing Specs: Specifications Manufacturer: Rega Research Ltd. Model: Planar 3 Anniversary Edition Type: Belt-drive turntable Country of Manufacture: England Plinth Finish: Walnut veneer Dust Cover: Smoked acrylic Tonearm: Rega RB330 Tonearm Effective Length: 236 mm Cartridge Mount: Standard 1/2-inch mount Cartridge: Rega Exact Cartridge Type: Moving Magnet (MM) Output Voltage: 6.8 - 7.2 mV Stylus Profile: Vital profile diamond Tracking Force: 1.75 g (recommended) Drive System: Belt drive Motor: 24V low-noise synchronous motor Power Supply: Rega Neo PSU (included) Speed Control: Electronic speed change Speeds: 33⅓ RPM, 45 RPM Platter: 12 mm float glass Main Bearing: Precision brass housing with hardened steel spindle Included: Rega Exact MM cartridge Rega Neo PSU Smoked dust cover 45 RPM adapter Dimensions: 44.7 × 11.7 × 36 cm Weight: 14 lbs. Link to Manual: Click Here Recommended Cables: Kimber Kable - Phono Interconnects Kimber Kable - Flagship Phono Interconnects Testing Process: First we try to identify any mechanical issues, particularly in the tonearm bearings. We check for freedom of movement or any resistance on both the horizontal and vertical range. There is a quick test for this which involves placing the table on its front edge and allowing the arm to swing freely like a pendulum. We then make any adjustments necessary to achieve minimal resistance and sometimes adjust the bearing pressure. On gimbal tonearms we inspect the cone tip with a magnifier. We then assess the platter speed using one of several methods, the most accurate being playing a test tone on a test record and measuring the frequency output with a frequency counter or oscilloscope. We also utilize test equipment to measure the wow and flutter to ensure it is within spec. We do this for all speeds available for that particular model (33 RPM, 45 RPM, 78 RPM). Adjustments are then made to achieve proper speed which will vary depending on the turntable's drive design. Some require an adjustment of an internal or external potentiometer, some will require a pulley or motor adjustment. We also inspect the platter bearing to ensure it is properly lubricated, keeping in mind that some bearings don't require lubrication at all We then inspect the power supply and address any issues with overworked capacitors, particularly on Linn and later Thorens machines which tend to need attention. On fully mechanical vintage tables like the Thorens TD-124 and Garrard 301/401 we will go thought the entire mechanism. Then replace any worn parts and lubricate all components necessary to ensure smooth operation, speed change, and low mechanical noise. When fitting a new phono cartridge we will go through our detailed calibration process which can involve as many as 12 steps depending on the tonearm design. We perform this work on our custom turntable calibration rig which was developed in-house. Some of these steps include: • Pivot to Spindle Adjustment • Tracking Force • Anti-Skate • Tonearm Height • Lifter Height • VTA (Vertical Tracking Angle) • Azimuth • Stylus Distance and Overhang We then do a critical listening test using our test records and our test system to ensure proper sonics.