Rega RP3

Rega Research is currently in the midst of revamping its turntable line.

Last year we saw the release of the new entry-level RP1 table. The RP1 was pitched as an upgrade on the old P1 and priced accordingly. In Canada it retails at $399 ($549 with the upgrade/performance pack).

In addition to discontinuing the P1, Rega also ceased production on the P2.

With the elimination of the P2 and the release of the RP1, it was safe to assume Rega had something up their sleeve for the P3-24.

Welcome the RP3.

The RP3 comes in the same colours as the RP1 (titanium, black and white). In addition, the new RP3 includes a purportedly improved RB303 tonearm (apparently a new tube with increased rigidity) and the incorporation of “Double Brace Technology”. According to Rega, the new double brace, mounted between the tonearm base and the bearing hub, is supposed to improve rigidity while maintaining Rega’s traditional lightweight plinth.

It is certainly an attractive table. Comparing base models, I’d admit it’s an aesthetic improvement over the P3-24, at least in terms of colour. That said, I still think the gloss finished P3-24 line is nicer and I don’t like the look of the double brace contraption.

It will be interesting to see what kind of difference the new double brace makes in terms of performance and whether the RB303 is, indeed, the improvement Rega claims it to be.

Also interesting will be pricing in North America. In the U.K. it will apparently retail at £475 without a cartridge. That’s about C$725 but we all know there is typically a price increase for hi-fi products from the U.K.

My guess is the base model without cartridge will likely retail in the realm of $850-900, i.e. around the same price as the current P3-24 base model it is intended to replace.

This leaves a considerable gap in pricing (likely around $500 if you compare base models) between the RP1 and the RP3.

Nonetheless, I think this makes sound business sense. My impression has always been that the P2 was a table with an identity crisis. Not quite a competitive hi-fi table (like the P3-24) but not quite an entry-level budget table (like the P1). It made more sense to me to skip the P2 and purchase the P3-24 if you wanted a Rega table and wanted to experience what a hi-fi table is capable of.

With the redeveloped tables, the choice is clear for those looking to get into Rega. The entry-level RP1 for under $500 or the RP3 and a window into hi-fi for under $1000.

Now that the RP1 and RP3 have been released, Rega enthusiasts are left to eagerly anticipate the fate of the P5, P7 and P9.