We know that fruits and vegetables that are a little ugly are sold in the supermarket so they don’t get thrown away. And if that were also possible in the hi-fi sector? We would say unthinkable, especially in the mid-range and high-end sectors where the products are so expensive. However, Rega takes the opposite view of this common idea and specifically uses parts with aesthetic flaws to offer green-grade equipment at reduced prices.
Every year, the hifi industry sends large quantities of components with cosmetic defects to landfill. In fact, they are considered unworthy of representing a high-end or luxury product, for which the consumer often pays a large sum. However, in times of climate change and increasing recycling initiatives, Rega no longer finds this acceptable. The Green Grade anti-waste initiative was launched to mark the fiftieth anniversary of Rega, co-founded in 1973 by Roy Gandy, the current owner of the brand.
“Crooked Fruit”
The British brand works with 650 suppliers, 85% of which are based in the UK. Due to poor packaging, improper handling or an accident during transport, parts are damaged and considered irreparable by the Rega repair team. This is what some UK audiophiles are calling “Wonky Fruits” and is becoming increasingly popular due to the growing environmental awareness of the population. Instead of throwing away these parts, Rega gives them new life by using them in equipment with the Rega Green Grade label.
Rega Green Grade Planar 1 Eco Deck
The first product to emerge from Rega’s anti-waste approach will be the Planar 1 Eco Deck, based on a landfill-rescued frame. These can be stained, scratched, or obsolete Planar 1 and Planar 1 Plus turntable frames, or shiny P2 and P3 acrylic frames (Planar 2 and Planar 3) that are marked or scratched. These elements serve as the basis for a record player that is built like a Planar 1.
Rega adds a brass bearing to the P3 chassis at no additional cost, which is necessary for the turntable to operate with such a chassis. Platters and tonearms with cosmetic defects will be added based on availability. Finally, each turntable is fitted with a new phono cartridge.
Easy identification and quality check
For easy identification, Green Grade Planar 1 Eco Deck decks do not carry the screen printed “P1” logo on their case, unlike references that have no defects. Eco turntables have a Rega Eco emblem on the dust cover and a Rega Green Grade sticker on the packaging box. The quality checks carried out by Rega are the same as for a conventional Planar 1 turntable. The brand claims that there will be no difference between a Green Grade turntable and a classic model in terms of sound reproduction.
Planar 1 Green Grade and Planar 1 Plus Green Grade turntables are offered from June 2023 in the UK at current prices from £200 And £230against £300 And £385 for standard new models. Rega Green Grade products are offered with a lifetime guarantee against malfunctions but not against cosmetic defects.
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