Analog Gear News

Rega Announces New RP8!

Michael Fremer  |  Oct 22, 2012

Rega late last week announced a new turntable, the RP8. Available mid-December, the RP8 features an improved plinth, platter and tonearm, the RB808.

The new design features "dual brace" technology that is said to increase rigidity without added mass.

It's made of a new super lightweight foam core polyolefin resin sandwich that's seven times lower in weight than the plinth on Rega's original P3 plinth. It includes a frame for a dustcover.

Rega is sticking with glass for the platter, this one of three precision layers including an outer ring for "super flywheel effect."

The new 'table features improved bearings, tighter tolerances compared to the P7 and RP6 and a machined sub-platter.

The new TTPSU includes a "super accurate" crystal locked, low distortion sine wave generator that outputs a 24V AC balanced signal with less than 0.05% distortion.

The new turntable costs $2995 without cartridge. For a limited time Rega will offer the new 'table with a pre-installed hand-built $1795 Rega Apheta MC cartridge, for a total package price of $3995, which represents a $795 saving.

Clearly more evolutionary than revolutionary, the RP8 represents a unwavering commitment to a design that has long performed extremely well at the various price points at which its been offered.

Can Rega compete with this design at the $3000 price point compared to other similarly priced 'tables?

Stay tuned. One will soon be on the way here for review.

COMMENTS
Jim Tavegia's picture
Submitted by Jim Tavegia on Mon, 2012-10-22 16:31

Mr. Fremer, do you ever have job security now.  More TTs to review.  

They just might stop pressing cds before the demise of the LP.  The question: Can cds make it to 50 years of continuous pressing?  Game is on now. 

Travis Klersy's picture
Submitted by Travis Klersy on Tue, 2012-10-23 07:23

It seems to me like the RP8 will be a tough sell in this market compared to a VPI Classic One.  I'm curious to see how the compare to one another sound-wise. 

And is it just me, or does the RP8 look similar to the Funk Firm tables in terms of plinth design?  Not in a "rip-off!" way, but two different people approaching a similar goal along similar paths.

krell's picture
Submitted by krell on Tue, 2012-10-23 13:51

The problem for the RP8 IMHO is that the price point (3K + cartridge) puts it squarely up against some pretty serious US and German tables that offer high-end build and finish with great sound. Can a lightweight, glass plattered TT really compete? I love Rega turntables at the cheaper end as they offer super sound for the dollar, but it would have to be something truly special to take sales away from the 3-4k competition. Can't wait to read Michael's review and take on this one...

Time_Stand_Still's picture
Submitted by Time_Stand_Still on Tue, 2012-10-23 19:53

Now that I use a Rega, P3-24 and I can appreciate the sound and design of a Rega. The higher up units do have an appeal. The RP-8  definately  looks interesting and likely will be a great performer but it is in a price range with some  sold alternatives, Clearaudio's new Performance DC and VPI Classic 1 are just two alternatives. Project RM-10.1  would be another $3000ish choice.

If one has a budget between say $2700-$3200 the RP-8 should be one to look at but   its  gonna have to win out over  some other choices. Rega fanatics may be easier to convince to buy.

I really do like my P3-24 and it  really shot past my expectations but if and when the time to play in a higher price point comes, it will be a tough selection process for me.

HT Guy's picture
Submitted by HT Guy on Wed, 2012-10-24 19:38

As everyone said, there is lots of competition at this price point.  Considering the $2K price of the RP6 with the Exact2 cartridge this is a huge jump in price.  It's more than what I would pay but I do enjoy reading those reviews.

 

Bring on the reviews and let the fun begin.

Caspar's picture
Submitted by Caspar on Wed, 2012-12-19 01:13

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krell's picture
Submitted by krell on Wed, 2012-10-24 20:00

The RP3 sits in class B in Stereophlle recommended components, so it stands to reason the RP6 would be class A, therefore the RP8 would sit alongside the Caliburn in class A+. Could have saved yourself some cash Michael! :)

AndyPrice44's picture
Submitted by AndyPrice44 on Thu, 2012-10-25 06:06

I respect rega and their long heritage of producing quality analog gear. With that being said, I don't like this turntable at the 3k price point. Granted I haven't listened to it yet, and this may be unfair to say about it without listening to it. In my personal opinion this turntable looks cheap and toy-ish. It really reminds me of some of the funky designed pro-ject tables. It would need to really sound good to convince me to buy this turntable over some of the others in it's price range. I would much rather have a VPI table such as the Classic 1 or the scoutmaster at this price point. Just my opinion.

Andy

Glotz's picture
Submitted by Glotz on Tue, 2012-10-30 08:40

Man is that thing gorgeous! Im a Vippie, but I own Rega gear as well. I didn't see Rega thinking out of the box like this, but change is good. 

I expect it will be a strong performer. 

ruksilove's picture
Submitted by ruksilove on Fri, 2012-12-14 22:19

I was looking at the Rega P1 and saw that you have to switch the drive belt in order to play 45's. Is that true with all Rega models or do the P2 or P3 have the speed selector switch on it without changing drive belts? I know everything they design is only to make the music sound better so maybe there is a reason for it not having a switch to change speeds(?).

 

Julie

the vertical advantage system

socktown's picture
Submitted by socktown on Wed, 2012-12-26 10:16

As a proud Rega P7 owner I for one have zero problems with the build quality of Rega tables. I'm fascinated by the RP8 as I've been waiting to see how they succeeded the P7. Not sure this would be enough of a step up in sound quality to consider a purchase...probably the P9 or its eventual successor are my only viable Rega upgrade path...but I will definitely go hear this table when the local dealer gets it in. 

As for comments that it looks cheap...or like a Funk Firm...this picture is just the base plinth. There is a seperate machined surround that makes the table look alltogether more "traditional" but which is not directly affixed to this plinth. The surround gives a seperate mounting point for a dust cover that decouples it from the base. Seems like pretty sound engineering to me. 

Have a great day everyone!

serenityrobert32's picture
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Squom1974's picture
Submitted by Squom1974 on Wed, 2013-01-30 22:29

Very clever and the double belt is interesting too. I think it looks fab and look forward to hearing one when I next visit. I want to learn more of this turntables!

Robert K. Rogers
Tarlow Design Complaint

Foldente's picture
Submitted by Foldente on Wed, 2013-02-20 23:13

Wow! Looks amazing! Something to look forward to one day perhaps! Thanks for posting the product announcement.

Naomi L. Wiggins

Tarlow Design Complaint

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