The Vinyl Anachronist: SuperRega!

By Marc Phillips

December 2007

Rega P3-24

Rega TTPSU

Groovetracer aluminum subplatter

What if I told you that Rega had just introduced a turntable that competed admirably with some of the finest analog rigs in the world? I'm sure you'd think I was talking about Rega's flagship, the P9, and wondering if the company had just put out a new updated version. Well, I must admit that I've spent some time with the P9 this year, and I'm quite impressed. I'd also have to admit that I was never a big P9 fan until the RB-1000 tonearm appeared, which has turned out to be the missing ingredient. These days, the P9 is undoubtedly a world-class vinyl rig.

But I'm talking about a different Rega turntable, one a bit more modest, and a bit more famous. Yes, I'm talking about the new P3-24, the fourth generation of one of the best-selling turntables in history. And while I've said for years that the P3 in its various guises is the turntable to beat for under US$1000 [the P3-24 sells in New Zealand for $1250], it might sound like a bit of hyperbole to call it one of the world's best. But I've heard a version of this 'table that I've absolutely flipped over.

Stop rolling your eyes at me. I know what you're thinking. I'm probably talking about one of those extensively-tweaked Regas where the wiring has been ripped out and replaced with “six-nines” pure silver Litz, the glass platter has been switched out for a high-mass acrylic one, and the RB-300 tonearm has been modded to the point where an original Rega part is nowhere to be found. But with the exception of one small part from another manufacturer, this baby is pure, unadulterated P3.

Let's start with the P3-24...

You may have read about the new P3-24, which looks a lot like the P3-2000 before it, and the P3 before that, and the Planar 3 before that...even the one with the weird S-shaped tonearm. Sure, there are minor cosmetic touches here and there, and I'm sure the most avid of Rega fans can tell the difference in a second. But you'll take one look at the P3-24, and you'll instantly recognize it, from the glass platter to the relatively modest-looking plinth. According to Rega, the improvements came from “revisiting the virtues of the Planar 3”, which immediately caused a few P3-2000 to wonder what was wrong with their 'tables, and to ask me if they should immediately trade up to the P3-24.

The answer is maybe, but only if you're going to go all the way.

The P3-24 has a plinth made from better materials. The motor is quieter and is the same one used on the P5 and the P7. And the new RB-301 tonearm differs from the landmark RB-300 by using better wiring and bearings. But the most important improvement, in my opinion, comes from the P3-24's ability to be used for the first time with the Rega TT-PSU.

Add one TT-PSU...

The TT-PSU is the outboard power supply that was developed for the P7, and has been available as an option for the P5 as well. The TT-PSU also serves as an electronic speed control, which should silence those who believe they hear speed variations with the lesser Regas, and other belt-drive turntables as well. Until the introduction of the P3-24, the TT-PSU was not compatible with the P3 (or P2 or P1). When I fought that war against the Technics SL1200 Army, that was one of their battle cries, that pitch stability was much more important to them than a light, airy and natural sound. Now, these guys have no excuse!

Not only does the TT-PSU [$475 in New Zealand] eliminate pitch stability, it also gives the P3-24 much deeper bass, and a firmer musical foundation. Imaging becomes rock-solid as well. The TT-PSU gives a little extra heft to the P3-24's somewhat fast and lean musical presentation, making it seem a little more balanced and seamless.

..and the Rega Apheta cartridge...

The Rega Apheta [$2500 in New Zealand] is Roy Gandy's first moving coil cartridge cartridge, which was introduced last year. And yes, the Apheta costs roughly twice as much as a stock P3-24, which doesn't make it a natural first choice. I'm not even going to suggest that it's necessary to mount the Apheta in order for the P3-24 to reach its full potential, especially when cartridges such as the Dynavector 10X5 and the new 20X are more than up to the task at a fraction of the price. And I'm positive the P3-24 doesn't allow the Apheta to reach its potential. The Apheta, after all, was designed specifically for the P9.

But I'm talking about a synergistic match here, and the somewhat sharp-sounding Apheta gave the P3-24 the ability to extract an extraordinary amount of information from the grooves. Coupled with the TT-PSU's ability to provide a solid low-end and a lowered noise floor, the Apheta allowed the P3-24 to sound particularly open and extended through the high frequencies. Just remember that with the Apheta, proper loading is the key, with anything over 100 ohms sounding way too bright.

And finally, the Groovetracer aluminum subplatter!

This is where I make Roy Gandy frown a bit, since he hates it when others tweak his gear. The addition of the Groovetracer aluminum suplatter isn't that radical of a departure from what Rega is doing however, since the P9 also uses an aluminum subplatter. It is an important upgrade over the phenolic resin subplatter that appears on the lesser Regas, since it offers important gains in the overall weight of the presentation.

Of these three additions I've mentioned, the Groovetracer platter made perhaps the smallest difference in the overall presentation, but it also costs the less money. And if you switch the stock subplatter back in, you'll definitely miss what the Groovetracer does. And if you already own a Rega P3, the Groovetracer mods are a cost-effective way to improve your 'table without varying too far away from the signature Rega sound.

The result of these three additions turns the modest P3-24 is a 'table that runs with the big dogs. The P9 is still the superior Rega in every conceivable way. And while many will think that I'm silly for suggesting that you basically triple the price of your P3-24 to achieve this type of performance, I think it says a lot about the quality of the stock P3 that it can be done at all without sounding like the proverbial sow's ear/silk purse. And yes, going with a Dynavector instead of the Apheta will save you close to a third of the total price, and you'll still be happy. That might be the more practical way to go.

But I'm still in awe of this combination. At roughly US$3000, it competes vigorously with every other offering at the same price. And the stock P3-24 is still the best 'table under US$1000 after all these years. Even more so, I think.

Marc Phillips has been writing about hi-fi and music under the Vinyl Anachronist banner since 1998. His earlier columns can be found on the Perfect Sound Forever website. You can discuss vinyl with Marc at Vinylanach@aol.com

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