Matt from Audio T Cardiff goes deep into the Rega turntable lineup, comparing his trusted Planar 6 with the higher-end Planar 8. Is the jump worth it? Let’s find out.

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Hi again folks. As the title suggests, I’m once more exploring changes to the beating heart of my home Hi-Fi system. It’s been almost four years since I bought my beloved Rega Planar 6 turntable, which has never skipped a beat or let me down. If you’ve read my blogs before, you’ll know my passion for vinyl and its uniquely musical way of reproducing sound. To me – and maybe to many of you out there – vinyl remains the ultimate way to listen to music.

I’m writing this while cranking Ozzy Osbourne’s Mr Crowley from Blizzard of Ozz. There’s only one way to listen to the Prince of Darkness – LOUD. Anyway, let’s get back to business.

Why the Upgrade Question Came Up

Lately, I’ve been wrestling with one big question: should I upgrade from my Planar 6 to the Rega Planar 8?

The Planar 10 – and the flagship Naia – are a step too far for me at the moment. But on paper, the Planar 8 looks like a meaningful step up from the P6. So before we dive into listening impressions, let's take a look at the specs of both decks.

For this comparison, I’ve removed the cartridge variable by using my own Dynavector 10X5 Mk2 high-output moving coil.

Starting with my current turntable, let’s have a look at their respective specifidcations:

Rega Planar 6 Specifications

RB330 tonearm with stainless steel balance weight
Dual-layered float glass platter
Double brace technology
Tancast 8 foam-core plinth
Custom-matched Neo PSU
EBLT reference drive belt fitted as standard

Rega Planar 8 Specifications

RB880 precision tonearm
Super flywheel-effect triple-layer glass platter
Double brace technology
Tancast 8 foam-core plinth
Custom-matched Neo PSU
24-volt low-noise motor assembly
Two EBLT reference drive belts as standard

Looking Back – Why I Chose the Planar 6

It feels like time has flown since I picked up the P6. I remember the exact demo setup I used in our shop at the time: a Rega Planar 3 with an Exact cartridge, a Planar 6 with an Ania Pro, a Nytech CDP 122 phono stage, a Rega Elex-R amplifier, and a pair of Acoustic Energy AE300 speakers. Some of you might recall this system from when I first joined Audio T.

The Planar 3 was fantastic, but the P6 brought something extra. Beyond the cartridge differences, I immediately noticed a lower noise floor and a more refined overall presentation – I remember spinning Iron Maiden’s then-new album Senjutsu and being properly wowed.

Even now, I think the P6 stands tall among turntables in its class. The combination of Tancast foam-core plinth, advanced motor assembly, and overall design detail gives it a real sense of musicality. These are the reasons I’ve held onto it for so long – but something recently nudged me to reconsider.

So, Why Change?

If I’m so happy with the Planar 6, why even entertain the idea of switching?

Well, as you might’ve guessed I’m always chasing that next level of sonic performance. The turning point came during a demo I set up for a customer using the Planar 8. As I sat back and listened, I thought: this deck has something special. That moment planted the seed. I had to hear it for myself at home, using my own cartridge, in my own system.

Design Evolution – What Makes the Planar 8 Special?

Rega drew clear inspiration for the Planar 8 from their no-compromise Naiad turntable, and it really shows in the design. The plinth is strikingly skeletal, saving mass without sacrificing rigidity.

A major upgrade is the RB880 tonearm, with a redesigned vertical bearing assembly made from aluminium and stainless steel. It offers vastly improved rigidity and tracking stability over the RB330. Then there's the 24V motor and twin-belt drive on the sub-platter, which delivers more consistent torque.

One of the biggest innovations is the super flywheel triple-layer glass platter, developed in collaboration with a UK glass engineering company to Rega’s exact specs. It offers improved speed stability – and, in my opinion, a noticeable sonic gain.

The Listening Session Begins

Right – coffee in hand – time for the fun part…

big wreck lp displayed with matts very own strat

My Test Tracks

Ozzy Osbourne – Blizzard of Ozz (1980) – Mr Crowley
Iron Maiden – The Final Frontier (2015) – El Dorado
Big Wreck – Albatross (2025) – Albatross

Let the evening of guitar-driven vinyl madness commence 🤟 (Apologies in advance for the nerdy detail. You’ve been warned.)

Planar 6 Listening Impressions

Kicking off with Mr Crowley, the Planar 6 delivers a powerful sense of presence. Don Airey’s keyboard intro sounds huge, with great clarity between notes. Then Randy Rhoads’ iconic riff cuts through – full of grit and character. You can really sense that gear combo: his Sandoval polka-dot Flying V with DiMarzio Super Distortion pickups through the Marshall 1959 Super Lead. It’s the kind of track you just have to crank.

Planar 8 Listening Impressions

Cartridge transferred. Planar 8 powered up. Let’s go.

Calling the P8 "a bit better" than the P6 just doesn’t cut it. While it retains Rega’s signature sound, the differences are more than subtle. Right away, the RB880 feels smoother and more precise in tracking. While the RB330 is excellent – and something of a Hi-Fi icon – the RB880 takes things up a notch.

the essential tools for swapping the cartrdige over

Back to Mr Crowley – Rhoads’ guitar had even more texture and bite, and Ozzy’s vocals were better placed within the soundstage. Everything felt more alive. With Albatross by Big Wreck, there was greater clarity between notes and more space in the mix. Ian Thornley’s guitar tone was richer, and his vocals seemed more dynamic – made me want to grab a guitar and jam (emphasis on try).

planar 8 fitted with dynavector 10×5 high output

El Dorado by Iron Maiden was the biggest surprise. With three guitarists in the mix – Dave Murray, Adrian Smith and Janick Gers – there’s a lot going on. Around three minutes in, there's a blistering guitar battle between all three, and the P8 gave each player their own space in the mix. It sounded spectacular.

Final Verdict

As much as I love my Rega Planar 6 – and always will – the Planar 8 has definitely got me thinking. It builds on everything the P6 does well and pushes it further. I can easily see myself ordering one before the year’s out.

But before that, I’ve got another exciting upgrade on the way – the new Cyrus 40 PPA phono stage. I’ll be writing all about it when it arrives next month.

Try It Yourself

This weekend’s turntable shootout was eye-opening, and I highly recommend doing the same if you're curious. If you’re considering a step up from the P6, come in for a demo – hear the difference for yourself and let me know what you think.

Thanks for Reading

Matt Aaron - Audio T Cardiff

Rega can be found at the following Audio T stores