Audio T Verdict
The Rega Planar 78 is not a conventional multi-speed turntable. It is a dedicated single-speed design created specifically for collectors who want to play 78 rpm records properly.
By concentrating on one format, Rega has been able to use the RB220 tonearm, a precision central bearing, 24V low-noise motor and Advanced EBLT drive belt without adding speed controls or features that are unnecessary for 78 rpm playback.
The Planar 78 is supplied without a cartridge. Rega's dedicated RB78 mono moving magnet cartridge is the natural partner, although correct fitting and mono wiring are important. Audio T can supply, install and check the cartridge before collection.
Rega Planar 78 Turntable
The Rega Planar 78 is a specialist turntable designed solely for the reproduction of 78 rpm records.
Rather than adapting a conventional turntable with an additional speed setting, Rega has engineered the motor and drive system specifically around 78 rpm playback.
This focused approach allows the Planar 78 to provide collectors with a simple and reliable way to play older records using a modern precision tonearm and drive system.
Please note that the Planar 78 is supplied without a cartridge. A suitable 78 rpm cartridge and moving magnet phono input are required before records can be played.
Dedicated to 78 RPM Playback
The Planar 78 operates at 78 rpm only.
It is designed for older 78 rpm records, including many shellac discs, and does not include alternative speed settings for conventional LPs or singles.
Designed to Play
- 78 rpm records
- Many traditional shellac records
- Mono recordings when used with a suitable cartridge
- Collections requiring a permanently dedicated 78 rpm turntable
Not Designed to Play
- 33? rpm LP records
- 45 rpm singles or EPs
- Modern vinyl at standard LP or single speeds
- Records without a suitable cartridge fitted
There is no switch or adjustment for changing the Planar 78 to 33? or 45 rpm. A separate conventional turntable is required for those formats.
Matt Black Plinth
The current Planar 78 is finished in matt black to match the styling of Rega's wider turntable range.
Its lightweight plinth provides a rigid platform for the RB220 tonearm, motor and central bearing without relying on unnecessary mass.
Rega's minimalist construction also keeps operation straightforward and reduces the number of parts that could require maintenance over time.
RB220 Precision Tonearm
The Planar 78 is fitted with Rega's hand-assembled RB220 tonearm.
Developed from the earlier RB250, the RB220 uses high-quality horizontal and vertical bearings together with Rega's ultra-lightweight polymer bearing components.
Its one-piece die-cast aluminium arm tube is designed to provide stability while reducing unnecessary joints and possible resonance points.
- Hand-assembled Rega RB220 tonearm
- High-quality horizontal and vertical bearings
- Ultra-lightweight polymer bearing components
- One-piece die-cast aluminium arm tube
- Three-point tonearm mounting to the plinth
- Adjustable tracking force
- Standard cartridge mounting arrangement
- Fixed RCA phono output cable
The tonearm is supplied without a cartridge, allowing the correct 78 rpm design to be selected and installed separately.
Phenolic Resin Platter
The Planar 78 uses a phenolic resin platter designed to provide a stable rotating surface without adding unnecessary weight to the central bearing.
Its mass creates a flywheel effect that helps the platter maintain a consistent rotational speed once moving.
A turntable mat is supplied to support the record during playback.
Precision Main Bearing
The platter and sub-platter rotate on a precision central bearing designed to provide smooth and stable operation.
Accurate bearing construction helps reduce unwanted movement and noise while the stylus follows the record groove.
24V Low-Noise Motor
The Planar 78 uses Rega's 24V synchronous low-noise motor technology.
The motor and pulley are configured specifically to rotate the platter at 78 rpm, removing the need for a separate electronic speed-control system.
The motor mounting is designed to limit the amount of unwanted vibration transferred into the plinth, platter and cartridge.
Advanced EBLT Drive Belt
Rega's Advanced EBLT drive belt is fitted as standard.
Its carefully controlled shape and elasticity create a consistent connection between the motor pulley and sub-platter, supporting stable 78 rpm operation.
Clear Hinged Dustcover
A clear hinged dustcover is supplied with the Planar 78.
The lid protects the platter, tonearm and cartridge from dust when the turntable is not being used.
Choosing a Cartridge
The Planar 78 does not include a cartridge. A cartridge designed for the wider grooves found on 78 rpm records must be fitted before use.
Rega RB78 Cartridge
The
Rega RB78
is a dedicated mono moving magnet cartridge designed to play most 78 rpm records.
It provides a natural performance and mechanical match for the Planar 78 and RB220 tonearm.
- Dedicated 78 rpm stylus
- Mono moving magnet design
- Output of 6.2 to 6.8mV
- Recommended tracking force of 1.75g
- Standard two-screw mounting
- High-specification parallel wound coils
Alternative 78 RPM Cartridges
Other compatible cartridges designed specifically for 78 rpm records may also be used.
The cartridge must be suitable for the groove dimensions of the records being played and compatible with the RB220 tonearm.
Audio T can advise on cartridge compatibility, fitting, tracking force and phono stage requirements.
Mono Cartridge Connection
The Rega RB78 is a genuine mono cartridge and its connection differs from a conventional four-terminal stereo cartridge.
Correct cartridge-tag wiring is required so that the mono signal is reproduced properly through the connected system. The correct arrangement can also depend on whether the amplifier has a mono switch.
We recommend allowing Audio T to fit and check the RB78 cartridge rather than altering the tonearm wiring without guidance.
Choosing a Phono Stage
The Planar 78 does not contain a built-in phono stage.
The Rega RB78 is a moving magnet cartridge and requires a moving magnet phono input. This may be built into the amplifier or provided by a separate phono stage.
Amplifier with MM Phono Input
The Planar 78 can be connected to a suitable moving magnet phono input once the cartridge has been correctly fitted and wired.
An amplifier with a mono switch can provide an especially convenient way to reproduce the mono signal through both loudspeakers.
External Moving Magnet Phono Stage
When the amplifier only has standard line-level inputs, a separate moving magnet phono stage must be installed between the turntable and amplifier.
Suitable options include the
Rega Fono Mini A2D
and
Rega Fono MM Mk5
.
Who Is the Rega Planar 78 For?
A Good Choice If You:
- Own a collection of 78 rpm records
- Want a dedicated turntable permanently set for 78 rpm
- Want to avoid repeatedly changing cartridges on another turntable
- Prefer simple manual operation
- Want a modern precision tonearm and motor
- Are happy to purchase a suitable cartridge separately
- Have a moving magnet phono input or suitable external phono stage
Consider Another Option If You:
- Primarily play 33? rpm LP records
- Need to play 45 rpm singles
- Want one turntable to cover several speeds
- Need a cartridge included as standard
- Require an integrated phono stage, Bluetooth or USB output
- Need fully automatic operation
- Do not own any 78 rpm records
Key Features
- Dedicated single-speed 78 rpm turntable
- Supplied without a cartridge
- Compatible with the optional Rega RB78 mono cartridge
- Hand-assembled Rega RB220 precision tonearm
- High-quality horizontal and vertical tonearm bearings
- One-piece die-cast aluminium arm tube
- Three-point tonearm mounting
- Lightweight matt black plinth
- Phenolic resin flywheel-effect platter
- Precision central bearing
- 24V synchronous low-noise motor
- Advanced EBLT drive belt fitted as standard
- Clear hinged dustcover supplied as standard
- Lifetime limited warranty against confirmed manufacturing defects
Frequently Asked Questions
What records can the Rega Planar 78 play?
The Planar 78 is designed exclusively for 78 rpm records, including many older shellac discs.
Can it play standard LP records?
No. Standard LPs normally play at 33? rpm, while the Planar 78 operates permanently at 78 rpm.
Can it play 45 rpm singles?
No. The Planar 78 does not include a 45 rpm speed setting.
Can the speed be changed?
No. The motor and pulley are configured specifically for 78 rpm playback. The turntable cannot be switched to 33? or 45 rpm.
Does the Rega Planar 78 include a cartridge?
No. A compatible 78 rpm cartridge must be purchased and fitted separately.
Which cartridge does Rega recommend?
Rega recommends its dedicated RB78 mono moving magnet cartridge, which is designed to play most 78 rpm records.
Can I use a normal stereo cartridge?
A conventional stereo cartridge intended for modern LP grooves is not normally suitable for correctly tracing 78 rpm records. A dedicated 78 rpm cartridge or stylus should be used.
Is the Rega RB78 a mono cartridge?
Yes. The RB78 is a dedicated mono moving magnet cartridge.
Does the RB78 need special wiring?
The RB78 has a different output arrangement from a conventional four-terminal stereo cartridge. Correct cartridge-tag wiring is required, particularly when the amplifier does not include a mono switch.
Can Audio T fit the RB78 cartridge?
Yes. Our store teams can fit the cartridge, arrange the correct tag connections, set the tracking force and check the complete turntable before collection.
What tracking force does the RB78 require?
Rega specifies a tracking force of 1.75g for the RB78 cartridge.
Does the Planar 78 have a built-in phono stage?
No. It must be connected to an amplifier with a suitable 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 cartridge signal must pass through a suitable moving magnet phono stage before connecting to a standard line-level input.
Does it include a dustcover?
Yes. A clear hinged dustcover is supplied as standard.
Can I arrange a demonstration?
Yes. Contact your local Audio T store to discuss availability, cartridge fitting and arranging a demonstration with a suitable 78 rpm record.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Specialist advice from experienced in-store teams
- Help choosing a suitable 78 rpm cartridge
- Professional cartridge fitting and alignment
- Correct mono cartridge-tag connection
- Tracking-force setup and turntable checks
- Help choosing a compatible moving magnet phono stage
- Demonstrations available through selected Audio T stores
- 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 discuss the Rega Planar 78, RB78 cartridge fitting or the best way to play your collection of 78 rpm records.