Rega Planar 6/Nd7 review

Rega's Planar 6 turntable has been picking up a What Hi-Fi? Award win since 2017 – it's an enviable track record, and it continues to offer a terrifically capable and enjoyable performance at this level.

We originally tested the Planar 6 with the Ania moving coil cartridge, with the package price costing £1400. This option is still available, but the brand now offers the new Nd5 and Nd7 moving magnet cartridges, and the Ania Pro (MC), as the standard factory-fitted options for this package.

We've already encountered the Nd3 and Nd5 in the Planar 3 and Planar 3 RS Edition models, and have been impressed with the jump up in sound quality in every area, from finer detail and greater precision.

The Nd7 uses the same ‘fine-line’ nude diamond profile as Rega’s high-end moving coil designs, and this premium moving magnet (£450) is proving to be the most popular pairing and upgrade path for the Planar 6. The Rega Planar 6/Nd7 package costs £1655; the Ania Pro MC pairing is a fair bit higher at £2030.

Build & design

The Planar 6’s minimal design looks pretty much identical to most of Rega’s turntables over the decades.

But the deck hasn’t just had a fresh lick of paint (although we love that sophisticated matte grey finish). There have been major changes throughout from the previous generation.

The plinth is made of a lightweight foam core, sandwiched between extremely thin but rigid laminates. It’s a similar concept to the Planar 8/Apheta 2 construction, and uses a Tancast 8 polyurethane foam – a material developed for the aerospace industry.

Rega engineers believe that too much mass impacts the sound, and this philosophy carries on to the Planar 6’s design. That delicate balance between lightness and sturdiness is crucial to the Rega’s sound.

The deck uses the RB330 tonearm, which is also found in the current five-star Planar 3/Nd3 and Planar 3 RS Edition turntables, but the Planar 6 gets a stainless-steel balance weight.

The Planar 6 features a dual-layer floating glass platter (as opposed to the single layer found in the Planar 3s), and the double-brace technology with the metalised phenolic skin, which adds rigidity and accuracy to the turntable without adding too much mass.

Other upgrades include a custom-machined belt drive pulley, a single-piece aluminium sub-platter, and a dust cover (either smoked or clear, depending on the chosen finish).

Along with the technological upgrades, Rega has paid particular attention to the finish. Every aspect, from the headshell to the tracking-force slider to the plinth, looks and feels classy.

The current Planar 6 originally came in one finish – a rather fetching grey matte with glossy black edges, rather than a choice of bright colours (that older RP6 sample came in a very bright green). It’s another sign this deck demands to be taken utterly seriously. Since 2023, there is now a matte white finish option, which looks just as elegant.

As before, the Planar 6 comes with a separate Neo Mk2 power supply unit. It also lets you change speed electronically between 33 1/3 and 45 RPM at the push of a button. The deck’s 24V motor is hand-tuned to match the Neo and its anti-vibration control, too.

There’s little in the way of isolation bar the three aluminium-trimmed rubber feet, so it’s essential the deck is placed on a sturdy, level support to minimise any vibrations travelling to the turntable.

We’d also position it away from speakers and other electronics to reduce any hum and interference.

That necessary level of care goes for system-matching, too. The higher price and the improved sound it represents mean the Planar 6 demands a better class of partnering equipment.

We would recommend pairing the Planar 6 with a good quality stereo amplifier and pair of speakers to do the deck justice. We paired it with our reference Naim Nait XS 3 amplifier and Epos ES-7N speakers, while Rega's own Elex Mk4 amp and PMC's Prodigy 1 would also suit the package well.

If using a moving coil cartridge, such as the Ania MC or newer Ania Pro MC, you'll need to invest in a high-quality moving coil phono stage, or ensure your stereo amplifier is compatible with MCs – the best quality ones usually cost a premium.

While we would still recommend suitably talented partners when opting for the Nd7 MM option, you don't have to set aside quite as much money as you would need to for the MC route.

Setting up the turntable is fairly simple, with a matter of balancing the counterweight and setting the tracking force according to the cartridge's recommendations (in this case, it's 1.75g for both the Nd7 and Ania.)

We’d recommend at least a day or two running-in time to get the Rega singing. It’s worth the wait, as this is the subtlest and most articulate Rega Planar 6 yet.

Sound

What marks this Rega Planar 6 out from its rivals (and as a step up from the Planar 3 models) is that it doesn’t go for immediacy to grab your attention.

‘Boldness’ isn’t put to the forefront – instead, its party-piece is the unnerving ability to juggle balance, subtlety and timing in the most understated way.

It’s a frankly astonishing refined and mature sound. With the Ania MC, some of that is down to the moving-coil cartridge’s inherent characteristics, but even with the Nd7 MM cartridge (a more muscular sound but with just as superb grip and precision), this overall package more than justifies its higher pricing.

Spinning Alice by Tom Waits, we’re struck by how every element is given equal billing – the instruments aren’t overshadowed by Waits’s voice, nor do the deep bass notes overpower the piano. It’s a bewitching balancing act.

The growly depths and the raspy edges of Waits’ voice are unearthed effortlessly. All the subtleties of his voice are laid bare, sounding more nuanced and emotive than just his usual deep, gruff persona.

The muted trumpet’s presentation in the song is light and nimble and – here is something that only the very best hi-fi can do – it sounds convincing. There’s a palpable sense of depth, solidity and texture to the bittersweet, meandering tune.

Switch to a different genre, such as SBTRKT’s New Dorp New York, and the Planar 6 is transparent enough to show off the production and recording differences between the albums.

Where Tom Waits showcased textures and depth, here the track exemplifies just how precise, agile and rhythmically secure the Rega sounds.

Those deep, steady basslines have no hint of flab or boom to them. They’re pulled taut and are utterly punctual, and with a great deal of muscular solidity underpinning the notes.

The beat’s build-up is gradual, but once it peaks the Rega keeps that momentum steady – the underlying rhythm never sounds monotonous or inconsequential. You’ll find your foot tapping along to the beat without even noticing it.

There’s a huge amount of space conveyed when playing The Sorcerer’s Apprentice by Dukas. You can gauge exactly where all the sections of the orchestra are seated in the precise soundstage.

Once again, the Rega shows off its maturity during the opening moments: the swift, high notes are crisply delivered and shine just enough without sounding too sharp.

The rhythmic ebb and flow is effortlessly precise – and when it goes quiet, it really goes silent. Timing is spot-on, and the clarity with which every instrument is presented is wonderful to hear.

We like how the Rega Planar 6 doesn’t shout about what it’s doing. It just gets on and does it.

Verdict

The Rega Planar 6’s masterful handle on rhythm and subtle detail is better than before, with refinement adding to the deck’s customarily musical and insightful performance.

The Planar 6/Ania package has been a deserved multiple Award-winner the last few years; with the new Nd7 cartridge, the turntable's premium performance remains class-leading at this level. The Rega Planar 6’s balanced, mature presentation is something you’ll appreciate the more you listen to it – so get listening.

Review published: 2016. Review updated: November 2024, October 2025.

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