Rega P3-24 Review

 by James Leahy

                                                                                  Introduction

The living legend that is the Rega P3 just got a whole lot better.

This must be classed as the best bang-for-buck table in the world. It has been around longer then sliced bread and is deceptively simple in appearance. There is no complicated tonearm arrangement that will always get out or alignment and need constant re-adjustment or suspension system to fight with. Just no nonsense time proven technology in an elegant package that works.

It was a while in the making with long and tedious supply problems thanks to our forward thinking friends at Rega in the U.K., but as they say all good things are worth waiting for. Known as the P3-24 now, it is everything the old P3 was and much more. Closing the gap between the older P5 this new table is destined for greatness. Never before has such a feature packed and well designed table been offered to every Tom, Dick and Harry for such low cost. For those not familiar with the afore mentioned Rega P3 you can see my review HERE.

From the outside the table looks much the same to the untrained eye but there are many important changes that add up to more than the sum of all the parts alone.

The heavy and well designed glass platter is responsible for much of the loved dampening properties on this table and great vibration isolation. Never before have such quality material been used a such a low price point.

One thing about all Rega tables I am not wrapped about is their design and choice in slip mat. It is both cheap and nasty. Their stock felt mat sticks to the record when you change sides and leaves dust particles all over your just cleaned record. It provides minimal to zero vibration dampening and is not at the forefront of design technology.

Thankfully this is an easy oversight to correct and with a little modification you can have a much higher quality set-up. This review sample has been fitted with a 6mm rubber high density mat in place of the stock Rega felt mat.

Firstly and some would say most importantly is the famed new Rega RB301 tonearm that is the direct replacement to the legendary Rega RB300. Rega tables are built around their tonearms and are the centre piece of at Rega house sound. Used by more third party turntable manufacturers than any other tonearm on the market this is testimony to their much loved sound and quality.

The RB301 is so good that the differences between it and the RB700 have grown even smaller that many potential P5 buyers have been now looking very seriously that the P3-24 as an answer when in the past the P5 would have been their only option. All I have to say on this is, roll on trickle down technological advances and bring the power to the people.

As many will know Rega's company philosophy when it comes to their tables is RIGIDITY. To this end they have developed an all new vertical bearing housing in the RB301. Their Plinth is stronger and the RB301 has a much better three point mounting system instead of a single.

The internal tonearm wiring has also been up-graded to RB700 specification giving a heightened level of transparency and detail.

The mounting design of the RB301 to the plinth has been worked over from the RB300, now taking after the RB700 & RB1000 with a three point anchoring system.

In this picture to the left it can be seen that I have used two Rega RB1000 spacers to obtain the correct VTA. Yes, the price is ridiculously expensive for a simple spacer but that is the price Rega have set in their infinite wisdom not me. Also it is impossible to use anything else which I am sure has somehow added 1000% to the stupid price.

The main drive motor is also the very same 24 volt unit as used in the P5, P7 and P9. Lower vibration and higher torque is given a new performance benchmark parameter to the P3-24. The clever controlling circuitry can be adjusted for phase angle of the motor coils resulting in very low vibration levels from the complete motor assembly.

A very worthy addition to an already extraordinary good motor in the old P3,the new 24V motor in the P3-24 is proof to anyone who cares to doubt the quality, Rega is not letting moss grow under their feet and are Hell bent on pushing the envelope right past the competition when it comes to an extreme value for money table in the P3-24's price range.

Another first is the addition of the provision for a separate out board power supply called the TT PSU. Optional in the P5 and standard in the P7 this is an amazingly handy feature that many will love now having the option of

up-grading the performance at will. The P3-24 is supplied with a standard power supply what connects directly to the rear of the table. When the TT PSU is used a four pin din socket is used to connect to the P3-24 for power to the motor and the original power supply is connected to the TT PSU. In this configuration all the internal electrical circuits in the P3-24 are disabled and the TT PSU handles all operations. This up-grade is more important then it may first appear. It increases musical performance, by conditioning the electrical supply with a synthesized low distortion crystal controlled ac input. The difference is quite astounding and should be auditioned before you decide the stock power supply will suffice.

The speed of 33rpm/45rpm can also be selected on the TT PSU rather than having to manually lift the platter. Not that it is difficult to do with only the glass platter having to be lifted up and the drive belt placed on the smaller position on the motor drive spindle. This is preferable to any automated switching mechanism as it would no doubt reduce the rigidity of the table. This is just another reason to get the separate power supply along with the added performance benefit it brings.

The P3-24's plinth is all new whilst being slim and attractive, it offers high levels of rigidity by using phenolic resin laminates, with a high quality edging. It is a considerable improvement over the old P3.

The quality of the finish is also slightly improved although I never had reason to complain with the old P3; the P3-24 is simply better everywhere. From the tonearm to the plinth, the attention to detail has been refined even further to provide what is basically a factory hot-rodded P3.

The RCA leads and plug connectors are great quality and of the same standard as used on the P5 and P7. No need to look else where for an aftermarket up-grade in this department.

The cable is well shielded and the RCA plugs provide a secure and firm connection with your Phono Stage.