Rega Planar 6

Rega’s entry-level decks — Planars 1, 2 and 3 — are justly renowned as top choices for those re-entering the vinyl world, or for those building what used to be regarded as a sweet spot for hi-fi separates systems. Many are the homes and student digs which saw the 1980s through with a Rega Planar 3, perhaps a NAD 3020 amp variant and some Wharfedale or Mission standmounters.

But the company’s Planar 6 offers a jump to a higher level, a halfway house to Rega’s reference turntables. Yet when first launched the Planar 6 hosted technologies and materials that led the way for Rega, rather than merely offering middle-ground for upgraders.

Technology & equipment

Philosophy first. You might think this looks a fairly bare bones kind of turntable for the price of $2399 without cartridge. But that’s to compare with turntables using large and solid plinths, with their thinking