Rega

Roy Gandy's minimalist turntables that outperform their price

History

Rega Research Ltd. was founded in Romford, Essex, England in 1973 by Roy Gandy, a Ford engineer and music enthusiast who was dissatisfied with the turntables available at the time. Gandy believed that many turntables were over-engineered, adding mass and complexity that actually degraded performance.

Rega's philosophy was radical: use low-mass, rigid construction with minimal parts count. This "less is more" approach would define the company's turntables for decades to come.

The Planet (1973) was Rega's first turntable—a simple belt-drive design that focused on the essentials. It established the template for all future Rega designs: lightweight plinth, simple bearing, and a low-mass tonearm.

The Planar 2 (1976) and Planar 3 (1976) refined the concept. The Planar 3 in particular became an icon of analog audio, remaining in production for over 40 years with continuous improvements. It is arguably the most influential turntable design since the Thorens TD-150.

The 1980s and 1990s saw Rega expand into tonearms (the RB300 became a classic), cartridges (the Rega Elys and Exact), and electronics. The Elex and Mira integrated amplifiers continued the minimalist philosophy.

Key Facts

• Founded: 1973, Essex, England
• Founder: Roy Gandy
• Philosophy: Low-mass, minimalist engineering
• Famous Model: Planar 3 (40+ years in production)
• Key Innovation: RB300 tonearm
• Current Status: Independent British manufacturer

Legendary Products

Rega Planar 3 (1976-Present)

One of the most influential turntables in history. The Planar 3's low-mass, rigid design and simple construction proved that turntable performance comes from engineering fundamentals, not mass and complexity. Continuously updated for over 40 years.

Rega RB300 Tonearm (1980s-2000s)

A low-mass tonearm that became the standard for affordable high-end arms. The RB300's one-piece cast design eliminated joints and resonances. It was fitted to many other manufacturers' turntables and spawned countless imitators.

Rega Planar 2 (1976-1990s)

The entry-level Rega that brought analog quality to the masses. The Planar 2 offered most of the Planar 3's performance at a lower price, becoming a gateway to vinyl for thousands of enthusiasts.

Rega Elys Cartridge (1990s)

A moving-magnet cartridge designed to complement Rega turntables. The Elys offered exceptional tracking and musicality at a reasonable price, becoming a popular upgrade for Rega owners.

Classic Models

• Planet: 1973, Turntable, Belt-drive, First Rega
• Planar 2: 1976-90s, Turntable, Belt-drive, Entry classic
• Planar 3: 1976+, Turntable, Belt-drive, The legend
• Planar 3 2016: 2016+, Turntable, Belt-drive, Major update
• P2/P3: 2000s, Turntable, Belt-drive, Letter naming
• RP3: 2010s, Turntable, Belt-drive, Planar update
• RB300: 1980s-00s, Tonearm, Cast one-piece, Classic arm
• RB250: 1980s-00s, Tonearm, RB300 sibling, Budget classic
• Elex: 1990s, Integrated, 50WPC, Classic amp
• Mira: 2000s, Integrated, 60WPC, Updated amp
• Brio: 1990s+, Integrated, 50WPC, Budget classic

Sound Signature

• Musical timing - Rhythm and pace
• Low mass advantage - Speed and clarity
• Simplicity - No unnecessary complexity
• Analog warmth - Vinyl as the source
• British engineering - Practical and effective

Collecting Rega

Vintage Rega gear is valued for: Planar 3 - The classic turntable, RB300 arm - Influential design, Early examples - First production units, Upgraded versions - Modified by owners, Complete systems - Matched components.

Most collectible models: Original Planar 3 - 1976 first production, RB300 - The classic arm, Planar 2 - The entry classic, Early Planet - Rare first model.

Restoration Tips

• Replace belts (simple but critical)
• Lubricate bearing (light oil)
• Check tonearm wiring
• Verify cartridge alignment
• Simple designs, easy to service
• Upgrade bearings available

Competitors & Comparisons

Rega vs Linn: Both British; Linn suspension, Rega rigid. Rega vs Thorens: Different philosophies; both valid. Rega vs Pro-Ject: Similar market; Rega more established.

All Models in Archive (3)

Turntables, Amplifiers

• Rega - British Turntable Artistry

Tonearms

• Rega RB300 - 1983-1990

Turntables

• Rega Planar 2 - 1977-1990
• Rega Planar 3 - 1976-1990