Rega RB880 Tonearm

The Rega RB880 is the original tonearm of the Planar 8: a newly designed aluminum bearing housing with stainless steel components brings together almost 40 years of Rega tonearm development.

Why the RB880?

Rega didn't simply scale up the RB330 – it rethought the design from the ground up for the Planar 8's design philosophy: a revised aluminum bearing housing with stainless steel components noticeably increases stability and rigidity, while hand-selected, nearly frictionless bearings deliver calm, precise tracking.

What you'll hear

Even greater calm and resolution compared to the RB330 – finer detail, more stable soundstaging, without the tonearm itself ever becoming the limiting factor.

Who is the RB880 for? (and who isn't it for)

For Planar 8 owners whose original tonearm needs replacing, and for anyone with a compatible RB-mount deck who wants a noticeable upgrade. Straight talk: on a Planar 1–3 the step up barely pays off – there, the deck and motor limit resolution more than the tonearm does.

Our verdict

The tonearm that gives the Planar 8 its seriousness – significantly more substance than the RB330, without reaching for the RB3000's extremes.

Technical data

• Effective length: 236.5 mm
• Effective mass: 11 g (low)
• Armtube: Rega's award-winning aluminum armtube
• Bearings: hand-selected precision bearings, aluminum bearing housing with stainless steel components
• Mounting: 3-point fixing, 222 mm hole spacing
• Overhang: 14.5 mm, offset angle 21.55°
• Compatible with: Planar 8 and other RB-mount decks
• Included: 1 tonearm incl. counterweight, phono cable, and mounting hardware

Frequently asked questions

Which turntable is the RB880 designed for?

The RB880 is the original tonearm of the Planar 8 and was developed specifically for its design philosophy – as a replacement or upgrade arm for this and compatible RB-mount decks.

What sets the RB880 apart from the RB330?

A newly designed aluminum bearing housing with stainless steel components for greater stability and rigidity, plus further refined, hand-selected bearings – almost 40 years of tonearm development come together here.

Which cartridges suit the RB880?

Thanks to its low effective mass, MM and many MC cartridges are suitable; Rega itself typically recommends the Ania, Ania Pro, or Apheta 3 for the Planar 8.

Why buy from HD Zürisee?

Authorized Rega dealer with an experienced team, our own technician for advice, setup, and service, delivery in the Zürichsee region. Call us, write to us, or drop by – we'll advise you on your whole system, not just one component.

Goes well with

A matching Rega cartridge like the Ania Pro or Apheta 3, plus our turntable range.