KLIAVS: Rega RP3 turntable to be launched

The Rega RP3 in titanium finish.

Following the success of the Rega RP1, Rega has launched the RP3 to replace the P3-24. Unlike the RP1, the RP3 does not have a phenolic resin platter and uses the same old glass platter. However, the RB301 tonearm has been upgraded to the RB303 tonearm featuring a new tube with increased rigidity.

From the Rega website:

The RP3 has been designed and engineered to achieve outstanding performance way beyond the expectations of a product at this price point. Excellent build quality, reliability and ease of use combine to make a product which, if used correctly, will offer a lifetime of musical enjoyment. Omitting unnecessary gimmicks allows us to concentrate the manufacturing costs on the high quality parts necessary to reproduce records accurately. The RP3 is fitted with a brand new hand assembled RB303 tonearm, precision main bearing and a low vibration low noise 24v motor assembly which is individually hand tuned to its circuit to further reduce vibration.

DB Technology (Double Brace Technology)

Note the brace connecting the bearing housing to
the tonearm base. Note also the familiar glass platter.

"Mass absorbs energy - lost energy equals lost music"! Rega has pioneered the use of lightweight rigid plinths. Clever use of lightweight particulate core with a highly rigid phenolic resin skin became the foundations of the high level of performance achieved by the now iconic Planar turntable range. The RP3 takes this design philosophy to the next level. A super lightweight plinth combined with a phenolic resin double 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 rigid plinth design prevents energy absorption and unwanted resonances which will add unnatural distortions to the music. Equally, heavier mass can transfer more unwanted energy such as motor or bearing noise directly into the rotating record. The use of braces instead of the complete skin allows double thickness phenolic resin in these key areas while providing further weight reduction to the plinth which directly addresses the issue of mass absorption and unwanted energy transmission.

RB303 Tonearm - Making the best better

Designed using the latest 3D CAD & CAM technology the new RB303 is the culmination of more than 30 years of tonearm design experience. Due to advances in technology we have been able to fine tune the iconic RB300 tonearm design. Featuring a brand new tube with increased rigidity to the bearing housing, arm carrier and headshell coupled with intelligent redistribution of mass ensure this arm will exhibit fewer points of possible resonance. Extreme stability with almost friction free movement from the high precision bearing assemblies guarantee to gather more information from your vinyl than ever before.

The Rega RP3 comes in three finishes - titanium, white and grey. It is available with the Rega Elys 2 cartridge factory fitted.

Eddie Tan of Asia Sound said he has already ordered a shipment which will arrive in time for its launch at the Kuala Lumpur International AV Show to be held at the end of this month.

"The price has not been finalised yet, but it should cost around RM2,100," he said.