Audio T Verdict
The Rega Planar 3 remains one of the most important turntables in the Rega range. It combines a lightweight double-braced plinth, precision RB330 tonearm and 12mm glass platter in a straightforward design with a clear upgrade path.
This version is supplied without a cartridge, making it the right choice for customers who already own a suitable cartridge or who want to choose one specifically for their system and preferred phono stage.
Available in Gloss Black, Gloss White, Gloss Red or Light Oak, the Planar 3 provides a strong foundation for cartridges such as the Rega Nd3 and Nd5. However, a cartridge must be purchased and fitted before the turntable can be used.
Rega Planar 3 Turntable Without Cartridge
The Rega Planar 3 is the latest evolution of one of the company's longest-running and most widely recognised turntables.
The current model was substantially re-engineered from the earlier RP3, with changes to the tonearm, plinth, bracing, main bearing, sub-platter, motor control and isolation feet.
Its combination of simple manual operation, precision engineering and long-term upgrade potential has helped the Planar 3 earn repeated industry awards since its introduction.
Please note that this product page is for the cartridge-free Planar 3. A suitable cartridge and phono stage are required before records can be played.
RB330 Precision Tonearm
The Planar 3 is fitted with Rega's hand-assembled RB330 tonearm.
Developed using three-dimensional CAD and CAM technology, the RB330 uses a redesigned bearing housing and tapered aluminium arm tube with carefully controlled mass distribution.
Its high-precision bearing assemblies are designed to provide extremely low-friction movement while minimising unwanted play and resonance.
- Hand-assembled precision tonearm
- High-precision horizontal and vertical bearing assemblies
- Near-frictionless movement
- Low-mass tapered aluminium arm tube
- Stainless-steel balance weight
- Integrated arm clip
- Rega three-point cartridge mounting system
- Fixed low-capacitance RCA phono cable
Rega cartridges with three-point mounting can be positioned accurately on the RB330 without the more complicated alignment process required by many traditional two-bolt cartridges.
Lightweight Rigid Plinth
The Planar 3 uses a lightweight laminated plinth designed to resist unwanted bending and vibration without relying on unnecessary mass.
The Gloss Black, Gloss White and Gloss Red versions use a high-gloss acrylic laminate. The Light Oak version uses a realistic wood-effect finish while retaining the same underlying construction and performance.
An ergonomically positioned power switch is fitted beneath the front area of the plinth, keeping the visible design clean and uncluttered.
Double Brace Technology
Rega's Double Brace Technology reinforces the critical area between the tonearm mounting and central hub bearing.
The Planar 3 uses a thicker 3mm phenolic lower brace and a metal-skinned phenolic upper brace to form a rigid stressed-beam structure.
Concentrating rigidity around the tonearm and bearing helps maintain accurate alignment between the cartridge and platter without adding unnecessary mass across the complete plinth.
12mm Optiwhite Glass Platter
The Planar 3 is supplied with a 12mm Optiwhite float-glass platter with a polished outer edge.
The accurately manufactured platter provides a stable surface for the record and creates a useful flywheel effect once rotating.
A felt mat is supplied to support the record during playback.
Precision Main Bearing and Sub-Platter
The redesigned sub-platter is manufactured to provide improved accuracy and stiffness beneath the main glass platter.
It rotates on a hardened spindle within Rega's redesigned brass main hub bearing.
The improved fit and construction help reduce unnecessary stress on the bearing while supporting stable and consistent platter rotation.
24V Low-Noise Motor
The Planar 3 uses a 24V synchronous low-noise motor controlled by an improved motor circuit board.
An integrated motor cover tray assists with cooling, while the motor mounting is designed to reduce unwanted vibration reaching the plinth and record.
In standard form, changing between 33? and 45 rpm requires the platter to be removed and the drive belt moved manually between the two sections of the motor pulley.
Advanced EBLT Drive Belt
Rega's Advanced EBLT drive belt is fitted as standard.
Its accurately controlled shape and elasticity help provide a consistent connection between the motor pulley and sub-platter, supporting stable rotational speed.
Neo Mk2 Upgrade Compatibility
The Planar 3 is compatible with the
Rega Neo Mk2 turntable power supply
,
which is available separately.
Adding the Neo Mk2 provides electronic selection between 33? and 45 rpm, fine speed adjustment and more advanced motor vibration control.
Unlike the Planar 3 RS Edition, the standard Planar 3 motor is not individually factory-matched to a Neo Mk2 power supply. The Neo can still be added as a worthwhile future upgrade.
Choose Your Finish
Gloss Black
The Gloss Black finish provides a traditional and understated appearance that matches most Hi-Fi systems and furniture.
A clear hinged dustcover is supplied as standard.
Gloss White
The Gloss White finish offers a brighter and more contemporary alternative while retaining the same engineering and performance.
A clear hinged dustcover is supplied as standard.
Gloss Red
The Gloss Red Planar 3 is the most distinctive of the high-gloss finishes and provides a strong visual contrast within a system.
A clear hinged dustcover is supplied as standard.
Light Oak
Rega officially describes this finish as Light Oak Effect. It provides a warmer, furniture-inspired appearance while using the same core plinth construction as the gloss versions.
A clear hinged dustcover is supplied as standard.
Choosing a Cartridge
Rega Nd3
The
Rega Nd3
is a moving magnet cartridge with a bonded elliptical stylus, aluminium cantilever and Rega's neodymium magnet generator.
It is a natural starting point for the Planar 3 and can be connected to a standard moving magnet phono input.
A complete
Planar 3 with factory-fitted Nd3
is also available.
Rega Nd5
The
Rega Nd5
upgrades the stylus to a perfect elliptical nude diamond while retaining the aluminium cantilever and neodymium generator.
Its lower stylus-tip mass is designed to retrieve more detail and provide improved tracking compared with the Nd3.
A complete
Planar 3 with factory-fitted Nd5
is also available.
Alternative Cartridges
The RB330 can accommodate a range of suitable moving magnet and moving coil cartridges from Rega and other manufacturers.
Cartridge height, weight, tracking force, output and phono stage compatibility should all be considered before purchase.
Audio T can advise on compatibility and arrange professional cartridge fitting and alignment.
Choosing a Phono Stage
The Planar 3 does not include a built-in phono stage. The correct phono input will depend on the cartridge you choose.
Moving Magnet Cartridges
Rega Nd cartridges require a moving magnet phono input.
This may be built into your amplifier or provided by a separate model such as the
Rega Fono MM Mk5
.
Moving Coil Cartridges
A low-output moving coil cartridge requires a compatible moving coil phono stage.
It should not be connected directly to a standard moving magnet phono input unless a suitable step-up device is also being used.
Who Is the Rega Planar 3 For?
A Good Choice If You:
- Want to choose your own cartridge
- Already own a suitable moving magnet or moving coil cartridge
- Want a substantial upgrade from an entry-level turntable
- Prefer a traditional manual turntable with a hinged dustcover
- Want a turntable with a clear future upgrade path
- Want a choice of four distinctive finishes
- Value simple construction and long-term serviceability
Consider Another Option If You:
- Want a cartridge already fitted and aligned
- Need fully automatic turntable operation
- Require an integrated phono stage, Bluetooth or USB output
- Want electronic speed change included as standard
- Prefer a direct-drive turntable
- Want the complete Nd5 and Neo Mk2 package supplied with the Planar 3 RS
Key Features
- Supplied without a cartridge
- Hand-assembled Rega RB330 precision tonearm
- High-precision low-friction tonearm bearings
- Lightweight laminated plinth
- Rega Double Brace Technology
- 3mm phenolic lower brace
- Metal-skinned phenolic upper brace
- 12mm Optiwhite float-glass platter
- Redesigned high-accuracy sub-platter
- Redesigned brass main hub bearing
- 24V synchronous low-noise motor
- Advanced EBLT drive belt fitted as standard
- Compatible with the optional Rega Neo Mk2 power supply
- Improved isolation feet
- Clear hinged dustcover supplied as standard
- Available in Gloss Black, Gloss White, Gloss Red or Light Oak
- Lifetime limited warranty against confirmed manufacturing defects
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this Rega Planar 3 include a cartridge?
No. This product is supplied without a cartridge. A suitable cartridge must be purchased and fitted before the turntable can play records.
Which finishes are available?
The cartridge-free Planar 3 is available in Gloss Black, Gloss White, Gloss Red and Light Oak. Rega officially describes the wood finish as Light Oak Effect.
Which cartridge should I choose?
The Rega Nd3 and Nd5 are natural moving magnet partners. The RB330 can also accommodate other compatible cartridges, but height, weight, output and phono stage requirements should be checked before purchase.
Can Audio T fit and align my cartridge?
Yes. Our store teams can advise on cartridge compatibility and arrange professional fitting, alignment and tracking-force adjustment.
Does the Planar 3 have a built-in phono stage?
No. It must be connected to a separate phono stage or an amplifier with a phono input suitable for the fitted cartridge.
Can I connect it directly to an AUX or line input?
Not without a phono stage. The turntable signal must pass through a compatible phono stage before it can be connected to a standard line-level input.
How do I change between 33? and 45 rpm?
In standard form, the glass platter must be removed and the drive belt moved manually to the other section of the motor pulley.
Can electronic speed change be added?
Yes. Adding the optional Rega Neo Mk2 power supply provides electronic speed selection, fine speed adjustment and improved motor control.
Is the Neo Mk2 included?
No. The Neo Mk2 is an optional upgrade and must be purchased separately. It is included as standard with the Planar 3 RS Edition.
Does the Planar 3 include a dustcover?
Yes. A clear hinged dustcover is supplied as standard with all four finishes.
Can I upgrade the Planar 3 later?
Yes. Possible upgrades include a higher-performance cartridge, separate phono stage, Neo Mk2 power supply, Reference EBLT belt, improved support or a dedicated turntable wall bracket.
Can I arrange a demonstration?
Yes. Contact your local Audio T store to discuss cartridge options and arrange a demonstration with a suitable amplifier and phono stage.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Specialist advice from experienced in-store teams
- Help choosing a compatible cartridge and phono stage
- Professional cartridge fitting and alignment
- Demonstrations available through selected Audio T stores
- Advice on Neo Mk2 and other future upgrades
- Part exchange available on suitable equipment
- Ongoing support from the UK's oldest independent specialist Hi-Fi retailer
Contact your local Audio T store
to arrange a demonstration or discuss the best cartridge and phono stage for your Rega Planar 3.