Audio T Verdict
The Rega Planar 1 is one of the easiest ways to begin building a proper vinyl system. Its factory-fitted Carbon cartridge, preset RB110 tonearm and plug-and-play balance weight remove many of the adjustments normally associated with setting up a turntable.
Despite its accessible position in the Rega range, it uses a proper belt-drive system, 24V low-noise motor, Advanced EBLT belt, precision brass bearing and full-size plinth with a hinged dustcover.
Available in Matt Black, Matt White or Walnut Effect, the Planar 1 is an excellent choice for first-time turntable owners and anyone returning to vinyl. It does not include a built-in phono stage, so a suitable moving magnet phono input or separate phono stage is required.
Rega Planar 1 Turntable
The Rega Planar 1 is a manually operated belt-drive turntable designed to provide straightforward setup and long-term reliability.
Every major component has been selected to support accurate record playback without introducing unnecessary controls or adjustments.
The RB110 tonearm is supplied with preset bias, while the factory-fitted Rega Carbon cartridge and plug-and-play balance weight allow the turntable to be prepared for use in around 30 seconds.
The Planar 1 is available in Matt Black, Matt White and Walnut Effect finishes. Every version includes a hinged dustcover, felt mat and factory-fitted moving magnet cartridge.
Factory-Fitted Rega Carbon Cartridge
Every Planar 1 includes a
Rega Carbon moving magnet cartridge
fitted to the RB110 tonearm.
The Carbon uses a conical diamond stylus and carbon cantilever. It is designed to provide reliable tracking, straightforward setup and compatibility with conventional moving magnet phono stages.
- Moving magnet cartridge design
- Conical diamond stylus
- 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 removable stylus assembly allows a worn or damaged stylus to be replaced without taking the complete cartridge from the tonearm.
RB110 Plug-and-Play Tonearm
The Planar 1 is fitted with Rega's hand-assembled RB110 tonearm.
It uses Rega-designed ultra-low-friction bearings and a lightweight aluminium arm tube with an integrated headshell.
Bias is preset at the factory, so no separate anti-skating adjustment is required. The supplied 111g balance weight is pushed fully onto the rear of the tonearm until it reaches its stop point, setting the arm for the factory-fitted Carbon cartridge.
- Hand-assembled Rega RB110 tonearm
- Ultra-low-friction bearing assemblies
- Preset automatic bias
- One-piece aluminium arm tube
- Stiff integrated headshell
- Integrated finger lift and arm clip
- 111g plug-and-play balance weight
- Fixed RCA phono output cable
24V Low-Noise Motor
The Planar 1 uses a 24V synchronous low-noise motor with a dedicated motor-control circuit and precision aluminium pulley.
This motor system is designed to reduce vibration while delivering stable drive to the platter through the Advanced EBLT belt.
A motor cover tray with integrated cooling helps support reliable long-term operation.
Advanced EBLT Drive Belt
Rega's Advanced EBLT drive belt is fitted as standard.
Its carefully controlled dimensions and elasticity provide a consistent connection between the motor pulley and sub-platter.
This helps the platter maintain a stable rotational speed while reducing inconsistencies caused by variations in the drive belt.
23mm Phenolic Resin Platter
The Planar 1 uses a 23mm high-mass phenolic resin platter.
Its increased depth and weight create a flywheel effect that helps maintain a consistent speed once the platter is rotating.
A felt turntable mat is supplied to support the record during playback.
Precision Brass Main Bearing
The platter and sub-platter rotate on a precision brass central bearing.
The self-securing bearing housing provides an accurate fit while reducing unnecessary stress within the assembly.
Its design also helps minimise the transfer of unwanted energy into the lightweight plinth.
Lightweight Rigid Plinth
The Planar 1 uses a high-rigidity plinth covered with a durable premium laminate.
Rega favours lightweight and rigid construction rather than using unnecessary mass to absorb vibration.
The power switch is positioned discreetly beneath the front edge of the plinth, helping to maintain the turntable's clean and uncluttered appearance.
Improved Isolation Feet
Rega's custom foot design helps stabilise the turntable and reduce vibration transferred from the supporting furniture.
For the best results, the Planar 1 should still be placed on a rigid, level surface away from loudspeakers and other sources of vibration.
Avoid placing the turntable on the same shelf or desktop as your loudspeakers where possible.
Choose Your Finish
Matt Black
The Matt Black Planar 1 provides a discreet and understated appearance that complements most amplifiers, speakers and furniture.
A clear hinged dustcover is supplied as standard.
Matt White
The Matt White finish offers a brighter and more contemporary alternative while retaining the same turntable engineering and Carbon cartridge.
A clear hinged dustcover is supplied as standard.
Walnut
Rega officially describes this finish as Walnut Effect. It gives the Planar 1 a warmer, furniture-inspired appearance while using the same high-rigidity plinth construction.
The Walnut Effect version is supplied with a smoked hinged dustcover.
Simple Initial Setup
The Planar 1 has been designed to minimise the adjustments normally associated with turntable setup.
Setting Up the Turntable
- Remove the turntable from its packaging while keeping it upright
- Check that the drive belt is correctly positioned
- Fit the platter and felt mat
- Push the balance weight fully onto the rear of the tonearm
- Remove the Carbon cartridge stylus guard
- Connect the supplied power supply
Connecting Your System
- Connect the RCA cable to a moving magnet Phono input
- Alternatively, use a separate moving magnet phono stage
- Do not connect directly to a standard AUX or Line input
- Turn the amplifier volume down before selecting the input
- Position the turntable on a rigid and level surface
Choosing a Phono Stage
The standard Planar 1 does not include a built-in phono stage. The Rega Carbon cartridge 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 1 to connect to a standard line-level 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 1 is being used with a more revealing amplifier and loudspeaker system.
Changing Between 33? and 45 RPM
The Planar 1 can play conventional 33? rpm LPs and 45 rpm singles.
Speed is changed manually by lifting off the platter and moving the drive belt between the two sections of the motor pulley.
The Planar 1 is not compatible with the Rega Neo Mk2 external power supply, so electronic speed selection cannot be added later.
Future Upgrade Options
Carbon Pro Stylus
The
Rega Carbon Pro
is a direct replacement stylus upgrade for the factory-fitted Carbon cartridge.
It replaces the original conical stylus with a bonded elliptical profile for improved tracking and detail retrieval.
The Carbon Pro can be installed without removing or realigning the cartridge body.
External Phono Stage
Adding a separate moving magnet phono stage can improve performance and allows the Planar 1 to connect to an amplifier without a dedicated Phono input.
This also provides flexibility if the turntable is moved to a different system in the future.
Turntable Support
A rigid equipment rack, dedicated turntable platform or wall bracket can help isolate the Planar 1 from footfall and loudspeaker vibration.
This can be especially useful in rooms with suspended wooden floors.
Planar 1, Planar 1 Plus or Planar 2?
Standard Planar 1
Choose the standard Planar 1 when your amplifier already includes a suitable moving magnet phono input or when you want to choose an external phono stage separately.
It provides greater flexibility than a turntable with a permanently active built-in phono stage.
Planar 1 Plus
The
Rega Planar 1 Plus
includes a built-in moving magnet phono stage.
It can connect directly to an AUX, CD or Line input and is particularly useful with powered speakers or amplifiers without a Phono input.
Planar 2
The
Rega Planar 2
adds the more adjustable RB220 tonearm, a 10mm glass platter and a more substantial central bearing assembly.
It is the natural step up when additional cartridge flexibility and improved mechanical performance are priorities.
Who Is the Rega Planar 1 For?
A Good Choice If You:
- Are buying your first proper turntable
- Are returning to vinyl after a long break
- Want a cartridge already fitted
- Prefer preset tracking force and bias
- Have an amplifier with a moving magnet Phono input
- Want straightforward manual operation
- Want a choice of three attractive finishes
Consider Another Option If You:
- Need a built-in phono stage
- Want to connect directly to powered speakers
- Want adjustable tracking force and bias
- Plan to experiment with several different cartridges
- Need fully automatic turntable operation
- Require Bluetooth, USB or digital output
- Want electronic speed selection
Key Features
- Factory-fitted Rega Carbon moving magnet cartridge
- User-replaceable conical diamond stylus
- Carbon cartridge cantilever
- Hand-assembled Rega RB110 tonearm
- Ultra-low-friction tonearm bearings
- Preset automatic bias
- 111g plug-and-play balance weight
- 24V synchronous low-noise motor
- Precision aluminium motor pulley
- Advanced EBLT drive belt fitted as standard
- 23mm high-mass phenolic resin platter
- Precision brass main bearing housing
- Improved isolation feet
- Setup possible in around 30 seconds
- Available in Matt Black, Matt White or Walnut Effect
- Clear dustcover supplied with Matt Black and Matt White
- Smoked dustcover supplied with Walnut Effect
- Lifetime limited warranty against confirmed manufacturing defects
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Rega Planar 1 include a cartridge?
Yes. A Rega Carbon moving magnet cartridge is factory-fitted to the RB110 tonearm.
Which finishes are available?
The Planar 1 is available in Matt Black, Matt White and Walnut. Rega officially describes the wood finish as Walnut Effect.
Does the Planar 1 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 I connect it 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.
Can it connect directly to powered speakers?
Only when a separate moving magnet phono stage is installed between the Planar 1 and the speakers. The Planar 1 Plus is the simpler choice when a built-in phono stage is required.
How long does the Planar 1 take to set up?
Rega describes setup as taking less than 30 seconds once the turntable has been removed from its packaging. The cartridge and bias are preset, and the balance weight is pushed fully onto the tonearm.
Do I need to set the tracking force?
No separate calibration is required. Push the supplied balance weight fully onto the rear of the RB110 tonearm until it reaches its stop point.
Do I need to adjust the bias?
No. The RB110 bias is preset at the factory for the supplied Rega Carbon cartridge.
Can the Carbon stylus be replaced?
Yes. The stylus assembly can be replaced without removing the complete cartridge from the tonearm.
What is the Carbon Pro upgrade?
The Carbon Pro is a direct replacement stylus that uses a bonded elliptical diamond profile. It replaces the standard conical stylus and can be fitted without removing or realigning the Carbon cartridge body.
Can I fit a different cartridge?
The RB110 and preset balance weight are designed around the supplied Carbon cartridge. The Carbon Pro stylus is the simplest upgrade. Speak to Audio T before considering a complete cartridge change.
How do I change between 33? and 45 rpm?
The platter must be lifted off and the drive belt moved manually between the two sections of the motor pulley.
Can electronic speed change be added?
No. The Planar 1 is not compatible with the Rega Neo Mk2 external power supply.
Does the Planar 1 include a dustcover?
Yes. Matt Black and Matt White versions include a clear hinged dustcover. The Walnut Effect version includes a smoked hinged dustcover.
What is the difference between the Planar 1 and Planar 1 Plus?
The Planar 1 Plus includes a built-in moving magnet phono stage and produces a line-level output. The standard Planar 1 requires a separate phono stage or an amplifier with a suitable Phono input.
What is the difference between the Planar 1 and Planar 2?
The Planar 2 adds the more adjustable RB220 tonearm, a 10mm glass platter and a more substantial central bearing assembly.
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 cartridge checks available
- Help checking your amplifier's phono stage compatibility
- Demonstrations available through selected Audio T stores
- Advice on Carbon Pro and future system 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 check whether the Rega Planar 1 will connect correctly to your system.