Audio T Verdict
The Rega Planar 2 with Carbon cartridge is a straightforward and well-engineered step beyond an entry-level turntable. Its RB220 tonearm, 10mm glass platter and precision brass bearing provide a stronger mechanical platform than the Planar 1 while remaining simple to set up and use.
The factory-fitted Rega Carbon moving magnet cartridge offers plug-and-play convenience and includes a user-replaceable stylus. It provides an accessible introduction to the Planar 2, with clear upgrade options available when you want to improve performance later.
Available in Gloss Black, Gloss White, Red or Walnut, the Planar 2 does not include a built-in phono stage. It must therefore be connected to an amplifier with a moving magnet phono input or to a suitable external phono stage.
Rega Planar 2 Turntable with Carbon Cartridge
The Rega Planar 2 was developed alongside the Planar 3 to provide improved vinyl performance without making turntable ownership unnecessarily complicated.
It combines the hand-assembled RB220 tonearm with a 10mm Optiwhite float-glass platter, 24V low-noise motor, Advanced EBLT drive belt and precision brass central bearing.
A Rega Carbon moving magnet cartridge is factory-fitted, allowing the turntable to be set up and connected to a suitable moving magnet phono input with minimal adjustment.
Factory-Fitted Rega Carbon Cartridge
The
Rega Carbon
is a moving magnet cartridge designed to be simple to install, easy to set up and tolerant of a wide tracking-force range.
It uses a conical diamond stylus and carbon cantilever to follow the record groove. Its replaceable stylus assembly can be removed without taking the complete cartridge from the tonearm.
- Moving magnet cartridge design
- Conical diamond stylus profile
- Carbon cantilever
- User-replaceable stylus assembly
- Standard two-screw cartridge fixing
- Output of 2.5mV at 1kHz
- Recommended tracking range of 2 to 3g
The Carbon is compatible with moving magnet phono inputs and provides a practical starting point for the Planar 2.
Why Choose the Factory-Fitted Carbon Package?
Simple Initial Setup
The cartridge is already installed on the RB220 tonearm, reducing the amount of work required before playing records.
Initial setup mainly involves fitting the platter, attaching the balance weight and setting the tracking force.
Replaceable Stylus
The Carbon stylus can be replaced without removing and realigning the complete cartridge.
This makes routine stylus replacement relatively quick and straightforward.
Clear Upgrade Path
The Planar 2's adjustable tracking force and bias allow compatible alternative cartridges to be fitted later.
A direct replacement Carbon Pro stylus also provides an easy upgrade without changing the cartridge body.
RB220 Precision Tonearm
The Planar 2 is fitted with Rega's hand-assembled RB220 tonearm.
The RB220 uses Rega-designed ultra-low-friction bearings housed within a lightweight but rigid bearing assembly.
Its custom one-piece aluminium arm tube and integrated headshell reduce the number of mechanical joints while maintaining the stability required for accurate tracking.
- Hand-assembled Rega tonearm
- Ultra-low-friction bearing assemblies
- Minimal unwanted bearing play
- Lightweight and rigid bearing housing
- Custom one-piece aluminium arm tube
- Integrated arm clip
- Adjustable tracking force
- Adjustable bias control
- Fixed RCA phono output cable
Adjustable bias, introduced to the RB220 in 2020, gives the tonearm greater flexibility when compatible replacement cartridges are fitted.
10mm Optiwhite Float-Glass Platter
The Planar 2 uses a 10mm Optiwhite float-glass platter.
The accurately manufactured glass provides a stable and flat surface for the record while its mass creates a useful flywheel effect once rotating.
The glass platter is one of the main engineering differences between the Planar 2 and the Planar 1, which uses a lighter phenolic resin platter.
Self-Securing Brass Main Bearing
The glass platter and sub-platter rotate on an 11mm self-securing brass central bearing.
Its accurate fit is designed to reduce unnecessary stress within the bearing assembly and limit the transfer of unwanted energy into the plinth.
The central bearing supports smooth and stable platter rotation while helping maintain the correct relationship between the record and tonearm.
24V Low-Noise Motor
The Planar 2 uses a 24V synchronous low-noise motor with a dedicated control circuit and precision aluminium pulley.
The motor assembly is designed to reduce vibration and internal stress while maintaining consistent drive to the platter.
In standard form, changing between 33? and 45 rpm requires the glass 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, dimensions and elasticity create a consistent connection between the motor pulley and sub-platter.
This helps support stable platter speed and reliable long-term operation.
Improved Isolation Feet
Redesigned feet provide a stable foundation for the Planar 2 and help reduce vibration transferred from the supporting furniture.
The turntable should still be positioned on a rigid, level surface away from loudspeakers, suspended floors and other sources of vibration where possible.
Choose Your Finish
Gloss Black
The Gloss Black Planar 2 provides a traditional and understated appearance that complements 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 construction and performance.
A clear hinged dustcover is supplied as standard.
Red
The Red Planar 2 provides the most distinctive finish and creates a strong visual contrast within a system.
A clear hinged dustcover is supplied as standard.
Walnut
Rega officially describes this finish as Walnut Effect. It provides a warmer and more traditional appearance while retaining the same underlying plinth construction.
The Walnut Effect version is supplied with a smoked hinged dustcover.
Choosing a Phono Stage
The Planar 2 does not include a built-in phono stage. The Rega Carbon must be connected to a moving magnet phono input.
Amplifier with MM Phono Input
The turntable can connect directly to an amplifier that includes a suitable moving magnet phono input.
This input will normally be labelled Phono or MM rather than AUX, CD or Line.
Rega Fono Mini A2D
The
Rega Fono Mini A2D
is a compact moving magnet phono stage that allows the Planar 2 to connect to a standard line input.
It also includes a USB output for transferring records to a compatible computer.
Rega Fono MM Mk5
The
Rega Fono MM Mk5
is a higher-performance dedicated moving magnet phono stage.
It is worth considering when the Planar 2 forms part of a more revealing separate Hi-Fi system.
Future Upgrade Options
Carbon Pro Stylus
The
Rega Carbon Pro
is a direct replacement stylus upgrade for the standard Carbon cartridge.
It replaces the original conical stylus with a bonded elliptical profile for improved tracking and detail retrieval.
The stylus can be changed without removing the cartridge from the RB220 tonearm.
Planar 2 with Nd3
The
Rega Planar 2 with Nd3
replaces the Carbon with Rega's more advanced Nd3 moving magnet cartridge.
Its bonded elliptical stylus, aluminium cantilever and neodymium generator provide a substantial improvement in cartridge performance.
Alternative Cartridges
The RB220 can accommodate a range of compatible cartridges due to its adjustable tracking force and bias.
Cartridge height, weight, output, fixing arrangement and phono stage compatibility should be checked before purchase.
Audio T can advise on suitability and arrange professional fitting and alignment.
Planar 1, Planar 2 or Planar 3?
Compared with the Planar 1
The Planar 2 adds the more adjustable RB220 tonearm, a 10mm glass platter and a more substantial central bearing assembly.
Both standard models use the Rega Carbon cartridge, so the improvement comes primarily from the Planar 2's stronger mechanical platform.
Compared with the Planar 3
The
Rega Planar 3 with Nd3
adds the RB330 tonearm, 12mm glass platter, Double Brace Technology and compatibility with the optional Neo Mk2 power supply.
The Planar 2 remains the more affordable and straightforward choice.
Who Is the Rega Planar 2 with Carbon For?
A Good Choice If You:
- Want to move beyond an entry-level turntable
- Want a cartridge already fitted
- Want a glass platter and adjustable tonearm
- Prefer straightforward manual operation
- Have a moving magnet phono input or suitable external phono stage
- Want a cartridge with a user-replaceable stylus
- Want a choice of four finishes
Consider Another Option If You:
- Want the improved performance of the factory-fitted Nd3 cartridge
- Need fully automatic turntable operation
- Require an integrated phono stage, Bluetooth or USB output
- Want electronic speed change
- Want the RB330 tonearm and Double Brace Technology of the Planar 3
- Prefer a direct-drive turntable
Key Features
- Factory-fitted Rega Carbon moving magnet cartridge
- Conical diamond stylus profile
- Carbon cartridge cantilever
- User-replaceable stylus assembly
- Hand-assembled Rega RB220 precision tonearm
- Ultra-low-friction tonearm bearings
- Adjustable tracking force and bias
- 10mm Optiwhite float-glass platter
- 11mm self-securing brass main bearing
- 24V synchronous low-noise motor
- Precision aluminium motor pulley
- Advanced EBLT drive belt fitted as standard
- Improved isolation feet
- Available in Gloss Black, Gloss White, Red or Walnut
- Clear dustcover supplied with gloss finishes
- Smoked dustcover supplied with Walnut Effect finish
- Lifetime limited warranty against confirmed manufacturing defects
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Rega Planar 2 include a cartridge?
Yes. This version includes a Rega Carbon moving magnet cartridge fitted to the RB220 tonearm.
Which finishes are available?
The Planar 2 with Carbon is available in Gloss Black, Gloss White, Red and Walnut. Rega officially describes the wood finish as Walnut Effect.
What stylus does the Rega Carbon use?
The Carbon uses a conical diamond stylus fitted to a carbon cantilever.
Can the Carbon stylus be replaced?
Yes. The stylus assembly is user-replaceable and can be removed without taking the complete cartridge from the tonearm.
What tracking force does the Carbon require?
Rega specifies a tracking-force range of 2 to 3g. The turntable should be set according to Rega's setup instructions or checked by your Audio T store.
What is the Carbon Pro upgrade?
The Carbon Pro is a direct replacement stylus that adds a bonded elliptical profile in place of the standard conical stylus. It can be installed without removing the Carbon cartridge body.
What is the difference between the Carbon and Nd3?
The Carbon uses a conical stylus, carbon cantilever and traditional moving magnet generator. The Nd3 uses a bonded elliptical stylus, aluminium cantilever and Rega's newer neodymium magnet generator for increased performance.
Does the Planar 2 have a built-in phono stage?
No. It must be connected to an amplifier with a moving magnet phono input or to a separate moving magnet phono stage.
Can it connect directly to an AUX or line input?
Not without a phono stage. The Carbon cartridge signal must pass through a moving magnet phono stage before connecting to a standard line-level input.
How do I change between 33? and 45 rpm?
The glass platter must be removed and the drive belt moved manually between the two sections of the motor pulley.
Can electronic speed change be added?
No. The Planar 2 is not designed for use with Rega's Neo Mk2 external power supply. Speed is changed manually by repositioning the drive belt.
Can I upgrade the cartridge later?
Yes. The adjustable tracking force and bias allow compatible replacement cartridges to be fitted. Cartridge dimensions, weight, tracking force and phono stage compatibility should be checked first.
What is the difference between the Planar 2 and Planar 3?
The Planar 3 adds the more advanced RB330 tonearm, a thicker 12mm glass platter, Double Brace Technology, a more substantial central bearing and compatibility with the optional Neo Mk2 power supply.
Does the Planar 2 include a dustcover?
Yes. The Gloss Black, Gloss White and Red versions include a clear hinged dustcover. The Walnut Effect version includes a smoked hinged dustcover.
Can I arrange a demonstration?
Yes. Contact your local Audio T store to arrange a demonstration with a suitable amplifier and moving magnet phono stage.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Specialist advice from experienced in-store teams
- Factory-fitted Rega Carbon cartridge
- Turntable setup and tracking-force checks available
- Help choosing a compatible amplifier or phono stage
- Demonstrations available through selected Audio T stores
- Advice on Carbon Pro, Nd3 and other future upgrades
- Professional replacement cartridge fitting and alignment
- 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 whether the Rega Planar 2 with Carbon cartridge is right for your system.