Our latest low mass, precision engineered, vertical bearing assembly has been manufactured to further complement the inherent design philosophy of the Planar 10 turntable.The RB3000 tonearm uses our advanced, preloaded zero tolerance bearing assembly adjusted to less than 1000th of a mm. The tolerance of the RB3000 tonearm is so tight that no adhesive is used at any point throughout the construction. The RB3000 is the first Rega arm to benefit from these improvements.The entire tonearm structure is designed to have the minimum of mechanical joints while using the stiffest materials in all critical areas. Over the past three years Rega has found a new manufacturing process which improves on all these characteristics resulting in a micron perfect bearing fit. Technical characteristics such as “roundness” and “parallelity” are critical. In particular the accurate manufacturing of our bearing housing and bearing spindles. Rega is renowned for the quality of its tonearm bearing assemblies. The use of braces instead of the complete skin allows increased thickness in these key areas, while providing further weight reduction to the plinth which directly addresses the issue of mass absorption and unwanted energy transmission. This unique Rega double brace solution enables this. The tonearm and cartridge must to be able to read accurately, directly from the platter. Equally, heavier mass can transfer more unwanted energy such as motor or bearing noise directly into the rotating record. This rigid plinth design prevents energy absorption and unwanted resonances which will add unnatural distortions to the music. “Mass absorbs energy – lost energy equals lost music”! A super lightweight plinth combined with a ceramic top brace and phenolic resin bottom brace mounted specifically where the increased rigidity is required (between the tonearm mounting and the main hub bearing) forms a structurally sound, “stressed beam,” assembly. This new construction makes the new Planar 10 skeletal plinth 30% lighter than the original RP10 while offering increased rigidity over the previous model. This material is sandwiched between two layers of HPL (high pressure laminate). HPL is exceptionally thin and extremely rigid. The Planar 10 is the third Rega turntable constructed using our latest technology the ultra-lightweight Tancast 8 polyurethane foam core (a material developed for the aerospace industry). For the first time on a Rega production turntable, a ceramic top brace delivers ultimate rigidity and accuracy whilst creating the perfect platform between tonearm and central bearing. Finally, this entirely new player is controlled by our most advanced electronic power supply housed in a brand-new, full metal custom case designed to match the latest range of Rega electronics. We have pioneered a completely new low mass, central hub bearing assembly with improved mechanical integrity. The Planar 10 features the new RB3000 tonearm fitted with an improved, low mass, precision bias housing. New innovations in hub bearing, sub platter, motor and drive belt design have led to even greater accuracy in turntable speed which directly improve sound performance. The Planar 10 narrows the gap between itself and the Naiad even further by using more exotic materials, carefully selected to reduce mass and improve rigidity throughout the design. We decided early on that instead of an evolution of the previous RP10, the new Planar 10 was to be developed and engineered to encapsulate the essence of the Naiad at a more affordable price. Like its sibling the Planar 8, the Planar 10 was inspired by the ultimate Rega turntable, the Naiad. We have used the most advanced materials and engineering solutions built around a supremely lightweight plinth to ensure the greatest level of performance.
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