Rega Replay Manual Belt-Drive Turntable

Rega Replay Manual Belt-Drive Turntable (Stock due January)

The Rega Replay is a compact, handmade British turntable with a low-mass skeletal plinth, RB110 tonearm, factory-fitted Carbon moving-magnet cartridge and 24V low-noise belt-drive motor. It makes proper vinyl playback accessible without the usual cartridge alignment and tonearm balancing work.

Replay takes Rega's low-mass design approach into an entry-level turntable. The skeletal plinth supports the components that need rigidity while keeping unnecessary material out of the structure. With the cartridge aligned and bias preset at the factory, setup is deliberately straightforward: install the supplied counterweight as instructed, connect the RCA leads to a suitable phono stage and start playing records.

Unlike an all-in-one record player, Replay is designed for an existing hi-fi system. It needs a moving-magnet phono input on the amplifier or a separate phono preamplifier, and it does not have built-in speakers or a built-in phono stage.

Skeletal Plinth and Mechanical Design

A rigid, lightweight platform for the record

Replay's laminated skeletal plinth uses a black MDF core with a rigid, low-mass construction. Rega's precision brass main-bearing housing and redesigned feet work with the plinth to manage vibration and keep the record-playing mechanism stable.

Place the turntable on a firm, level surface away from loudspeakers and footfall where possible. Like any record player, it will give better results when the support is solid and free of unnecessary vibration.

RB110 Tonearm and Carbon Cartridge

Factory configured for an easy first setup

The handmade RB110 tonearm has Rega's low-friction bearings and a preset, non-adjustable bias setting. The Rega Carbon moving-magnet cartridge comes fitted and aligned. A 111g push-fit balance weight simplifies the initial setup, removing the need for the owner to make routine tracking-force and bias adjustments.

The Carbon stylus is replaceable, which makes ongoing ownership practical. Keep the stylus guard in place during handling, keep records clean and follow Rega's supplied setup instructions rather than attempting to adjust the factory-set arm.

24V Motor, EBLT Belt and Phenolic Platter

Stable belt-drive playback at 33⅓ and 45rpm

A 24V low-noise synchronous motor drives the 23mm phenolic-resin platter through an EBLT Advanced belt. The platter's mass provides a flywheel effect to help maintain rotational stability. Speed is changed manually between 33⅓rpm and 45rpm by moving the drive belt to the appropriate pulley step.

The motor module integrates the switch, power connection and ventilation. A custom white platter mat is supplied. There is no automatic speed selector, and Replay is a manual turntable, so you cue and lift the tonearm yourself.

Connecting Replay to a Hi-Fi System

A phono stage is essential

The attached RCA phono leads use an internal earth arrangement through the left channel. Connect them to a moving-magnet phono input or a separate MM phono preamplifier before a normal line-level amplifier input. A standard AUX, CD or line input on its own is not suitable for the low-level cartridge output.

For a straightforward system, pair Replay with an integrated amplifier that has an MM phono stage and suitable passive speakers. If your amplifier has only line-level inputs, add a dedicated phono preamplifier. The Audio Experts can help check compatibility and system matching.

Custom Dust Cover and Everyday Care

Protect the mechanism when it is not playing

A removable custom dust cover protects the platter and arm when the turntable is not in use. Unlike the familiar hinged rectangular covers on many record players, it suits Replay's skeletal form and is removed for playback. Keep the stylus clean and the turntable level, and avoid placing the deck on a resonant shelf immediately beside a subwoofer.

Key Features

• Manual belt-drive turntable, handmade in the UK
• Rigid, low-mass skeletal plinth with black MDF core
• Handmade RB110 tonearm with preset bias
• Factory-fitted and aligned Rega Carbon moving-magnet cartridge
• Replaceable Carbon stylus
• 24V low-noise synchronous motor module
• EBLT Advanced drive belt
• 23mm phenolic-resin flywheel-effect platter
• Manual 33⅓ and 45rpm speed selection
• Precision brass bearing and redesigned isolation feet
• Removable custom dust cover and white platter mat
• Requires a moving-magnet phono input or separate phono stage

Specifications

Detailed Technical Specifications

For those who like to drag out all the useful bits

Important Notes

• Replay has no built-in phono stage or speakers. A compatible MM phono input or separate phono preamplifier is required.
• Playback and tonearm cueing are manual. To change from 33⅓ to 45rpm, move the drive belt.
• Position the turntable on a level, stable, low-vibration surface.
• Contact The Audio Experts for current Australian availability and warranty details.

The Audio Experts Take

Replay is an appealing first proper turntable for someone who already owns a hi-fi amplifier and speakers but has been hesitant about tonearm setup and cartridge adjustment. Rega has kept the important mechanical elements and done the fiddly alignment work at the factory.

The buying decision is mainly about system compatibility. Replay is very straightforward to operate, but it still needs an MM phono stage and a stable surface. If you want automatic operation or an all-in-one record player, this is not that kind of product. If the aim is a simple, manually operated record deck with a clear upgrade path through the rest of the hi-fi system, Replay deserves a close look.