REGA PLANAR 25 + HEED ORBIT

Pre owned. In good condition. Shows signs of wear on the dust cover and external power supply. Includes Heed Orbit external power supply, without original packaging.

The Rega Planar 25 represents a refined evolution of the acclaimed Planar 3, designed to deliver a significant portion of the performance of the more ambitious Planar 9 at a more accessible price point. The design improvements may appear minor from a construction standpoint, but they produce substantial sonic benefits, highlighting how, in the analog world, it is often the smallest details that make the biggest difference. At the heart of the design is a reworked motor power supply, engineered to drastically reduce vibrations and improve rotational stability, allowing the motor to be rigidly mounted directly to the plinth. This solution eliminates the micro speed variations typical of suspended motors, which are responsible for a harder, brighter sound, and results in smoother, more focused, and harmonically rich playback. The outcome is greater timing precision and a naturalness that brings the Planar 25 close to the performance of Rega’s reference models.

The turntable features the same thin, light yet extremely rigid plinth as the Planar 9, made of chipboard with a phenolic laminate, paired with a wooden frame attached via spacers and three hollow rubber feet, each tuned to slightly different frequencies to optimize resonance control. Compared to the Planar 9, the Planar 25 uses a glass platter and a plastic drive hub with a single O-ring, simpler solutions that remain consistent with Rega’s philosophy, which favors rigidity and rapid energy dissipation over heavy damping. This design choice contributes to a fast, clean, and well-organized sound, convincingly reproducing the rhythm, dynamics, and harmonic structure of music.

The Planar 25 is equipped with the RB600 tonearm, derived from the well-known RB300 but upgraded with low-capacitance wiring and high-quality connectors, as well as a high-density tungsten counterweight for improved control and stability. The preloaded bearings and solid mounting ensure accurate and consistent tracking, while the lack of unnecessary adjustments such as azimuth and VTA reflects Rega’s approach focused on functional simplicity and repeatable performance. Setup is quick and straightforward, allowing users to focus on listening rather than fine-tuning.

In listening tests, the Rega Planar 25 stands out for delivering a highly musical, fast, and detailed sound, with precise transient reproduction and exceptional timbral realism. High frequencies are airy and natural, with particularly believable cymbals and harmonics, while the low end is articulate, deep, and well-controlled. The soundstage is stable and well-organized, with clarity that allows listeners to discern even the subtlest nuances of analog recordings. Overall, the Planar 25 perfectly embodies Rega’s philosophy, providing an engaging and authentic listening experience that fully enhances the quality of vinyl and satisfies even the most demanding enthusiasts.

Rega Planar 25 Specifications:

• Tonearm: RB600 with upgraded bearings, silver finish, and tungsten counterweight
• Motor: Low-vibration 24V synchronous motor, derived from the Planar 9
• Plinth: P9-style wood veneer (light oak or cherry), semi-isolated design
• Platter: Standard glass platter (similar to P3)
• Sub-platter: Phenolic resin
• Speeds: 33 & 45 RPM (manual belt change for 45 RPM)
• Dimensions (approx.): 45 × 36.5 × 12 cm
• Weight (approx.): 6.8 kg

Heed Orbit Power Supply Specifications:

• Type: Turntable power supply
• Output Frequency: 50 Hz (for 33⅓ RPM); 67.5 Hz (for 45 RPM)
• Output Stability: 0.1% frequency deviation; max. 1% THD
• Output Power: Max 3 W
• Dimensions: 95 × 220 × 75 mm (W × D × H)
• Weight: 6.8 kg