Audio T Verdict
The Rega Planar 1 Plus is one of the simplest ways to add proper vinyl playback to an amplifier, all-in-one system or pair of active speakers.
It combines the straightforward setup of the standard Planar 1 with a high-quality moving magnet phono stage built directly into the turntable. This means it can connect to a normal line-level input without requiring an additional phono stage or extra box.
The RB110 tonearm, factory-fitted Carbon cartridge, 24 V motor and preset adjustments make it particularly suitable for first-time turntable owners. However, its output must be connected to an AUX, CD, Line or suitable active-speaker input rather than another Phono input.
Rega Planar 1 Plus Turntable
The Rega Planar 1 Plus takes the simple, award-winning design of the Planar 1 and adds a custom-designed moving magnet phono stage inside the turntable.
The built-in circuit is based on technology developed for Rega's Fono Mini and raises the low-level signal produced by the Carbon cartridge to a standard line-level output.
This allows the turntable to connect directly to a wide variety of amplifiers, wireless speakers, powered speakers and all-in-one systems without a dedicated Phono input.
The Planar 1 Plus is available in Matt Black, Matt White or Walnut Effect and includes the RB110 tonearm, factory-fitted Rega Carbon cartridge, Advanced EBLT drive belt and hinged dustcover.
Built-In Moving Magnet Phono Stage
A cartridge produces a much lower-level signal than a CD player, streamer or other conventional source. A phono stage is therefore normally required between the turntable and amplifier.
The Planar 1 Plus places this phono stage inside the turntable. Its output can be connected directly to a suitable line-level input, avoiding the cost and additional cabling of a separate phono stage.
A twin RCA phono-to-phono cable is supplied. Systems with a 3.5 mm analogue input can also be used with a suitable RCA-to-3.5 mm cable, which is not included.
Suitable Connections
- AUX input
- CD input
- Line input
- Tape or analogue input
- Powered speakers with an analogue line input
- All-in-one systems with a suitable analogue input
Do Not Connect To
- An amplifier Phono input
- An amplifier input marked MM
- An amplifier input marked Disc
- Another external phono stage
- A headphone output socket
- A digital-only optical or HDMI input
Connecting the Planar 1 Plus to another phono stage would amplify the signal twice, resulting in severe distortion and excessive volume.
Factory-Fitted Rega Carbon Cartridge
The Planar 1 Plus is supplied with 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, simple setup and compatibility with the turntable's internal moving magnet phono stage.
- Moving magnet cartridge design
- Conical diamond stylus
- Carbon cantilever
- User-replaceable stylus assembly
- Standard two-screw mounting
- Output of 2.5 mV at 1 kHz
- Recommended tracking range of 2 to 3 g
The removable stylus assembly allows a worn or damaged stylus to be replaced without removing and realigning the complete cartridge.
RB110 Plug-and-Play Tonearm
The hand-assembled RB110 tonearm is designed to make initial setup as straightforward as possible.
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 111 g balance weight is pushed fully onto the rear of the arm until it reaches its stop point, automatically setting the arm for the factory-fitted Carbon cartridge.
- Hand-assembled Rega RB110 tonearm
- Ultra-low-friction bearing assemblies
- Preset bias adjustment
- One-piece aluminium arm tube
- Stiff integrated headshell
- Integrated finger lift
- Preset plug-and-play balance weight
24 V Low-Noise Motor
The Planar 1 Plus uses a 24 V synchronous low-noise motor with a dedicated motor-control circuit and precision aluminium pulley.
The motor is designed to reduce vibration while providing stable drive to the platter through the Advanced EBLT belt.
The motor cover tray also incorporates cooling to 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, helping to support accurate and stable platter rotation.
23 mm Phenolic Resin Platter
The Planar 1 Plus uses a 23 mm high-mass phenolic resin platter.
Its additional depth and weight create a useful flywheel effect, helping the platter maintain a more consistent rotational speed once it is moving.
A felt 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 design provides an accurate fit while reducing unnecessary stress within the bearing assembly and limiting the transfer of unwanted energy into the plinth.
Improved Isolation Feet
Rega's custom foot design helps stabilise the turntable and reduce vibration transferred from the supporting furniture.
The Planar 1 Plus should still be placed on a rigid, level surface away from loudspeakers and other sources of vibration wherever possible.
Avoid placing the turntable on the same shelf or desktop as active or bookshelf speakers, as vibration from the loudspeakers can interfere with playback.
Choose Your Finish
Matt Black
The Matt Black finish 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 engineering and built-in phono stage.
A clear hinged dustcover is supplied as standard.
Walnut Effect
Rega officially describes this finish as Walnut Effect. It gives the turntable a warmer, furniture-inspired appearance.
The Walnut Effect version is supplied with a smoked hinged dustcover.
Simple Initial Setup
The Planar 1 Plus has been designed to minimise the adjustments normally associated with setting up a turntable.
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
- Turn the amplifier or speakers down before connection
- Connect the turntable to an AUX, CD or Line input
- Do not use an input marked Phono or MM
- Select the connected input on the amplifier or speakers
- Switch on the turntable using the control beneath the plinth
Changing Between 33? and 45 rpm
The Planar 1 Plus 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 Plus is not compatible with the Rega Neo Mk2 external power supply, so electronic speed change cannot be added later.
Carbon Pro Stylus Upgrade
The simplest performance upgrade for the Planar 1 Plus is the
Rega Carbon Pro upgrade stylus
.
The Carbon Pro is a direct replacement for the standard Carbon stylus and uses a bonded elliptical diamond profile in place of the original conical design.
It can be installed without removing or realigning the cartridge body, making it a particularly practical upgrade for the preset RB110 tonearm.
A standard replacement Carbon stylus is also available when the original stylus becomes worn or damaged.
Planar 1, Planar 1 Plus or Planar 2?
Planar 1 Plus
Choose the Planar 1 Plus when your amplifier or powered speakers have a line input but no dedicated phono stage.
The internal phono stage provides the simplest connection and avoids the need for a separate box and additional interconnect.
Standard Planar 1
The
standard Rega Planar 1
is more appropriate when your amplifier already contains a moving magnet phono stage or when you want to choose an external phono stage separately.
Planar 2
The
Rega Planar 2
adds the more adjustable RB220 tonearm, 10 mm glass platter and a more substantial central bearing.
It does not contain a built-in phono stage, so a suitable amplifier input or separate phono stage is required.
Who Is the Rega Planar 1 Plus For?
A Good Choice If You:
- Want a straightforward first turntable
- Have an amplifier without a Phono input
- Want to connect to active or powered speakers
- Want a cartridge already fitted
- Prefer preset tracking force and bias
- Do not want a separate external phono stage
- Want a choice of three matt finishes
Consider Another Option If You:
- Want to connect to an existing amplifier Phono input
- Want to choose or upgrade the phono stage separately
- Want adjustable tracking force and bias
- Plan to experiment with several different cartridges
- Need fully automatic operation
- Require Bluetooth, USB or digital output
- Want electronic speed selection
Key Features
- Integrated high-quality Rega moving magnet phono stage
- Line-level output for amplifiers and powered speakers
- Factory-fitted Rega Carbon moving magnet cartridge
- User-replaceable Carbon stylus
- Hand-assembled Rega RB110 tonearm
- Ultra-low-friction tonearm bearings
- Preset bias adjustment
- 111 g plug-and-play balance weight
- 24 V synchronous low-noise motor
- Precision aluminium motor pulley
- Advanced EBLT drive belt fitted as standard
- 23 mm high-mass phenolic resin platter
- Precision brass main bearing
- Improved isolation feet
- Supplied RCA phono-to-phono connection cable
- 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 Plus have a built-in phono stage?
Yes. Its built-in moving magnet phono stage produces a line-level output suitable for an amplifier, all-in-one system or powered speakers with an appropriate analogue input.
Which finishes are available?
The Planar 1 Plus is available in Matt Black, Matt White and Walnut Effect.
Can I connect it to an AUX or Line input?
Yes. The built-in phono stage is specifically designed to connect to standard line-level inputs such as AUX, CD, Line or Tape.
Can I connect it to an amplifier Phono input?
No. The turntable signal has already been amplified by its internal phono stage. Connecting it to another Phono or MM input would amplify the signal twice and cause excessive volume and distortion.
Can it connect directly to powered speakers?
Yes, provided the speakers have a suitable analogue line input and their own volume control. A different cable may be required depending on whether the speaker input uses RCA sockets or a 3.5 mm connection.
Does it include a cartridge?
Yes. A Rega Carbon moving magnet cartridge is factory-fitted to the RB110 tonearm.
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 with a bonded elliptical diamond profile. It replaces the standard conical stylus and can be fitted without removing or realigning the cartridge body.
Can I fit an Nd3 cartridge?
The RB110 tonearm, preset balance weight and internal phono stage are designed around the supplied Carbon cartridge. The Carbon Pro stylus is the simplest recommended upgrade. Speak to Audio T before considering a complete cartridge change.
How do I set the tracking force?
Push the supplied balance weight fully onto the rear of the RB110 tonearm until it reaches its stop point. The tracking force is then set for the factory-fitted Carbon cartridge.
Do I need to adjust the bias?
No. The RB110 bias is preset at the factory and does not require adjustment during normal setup.
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 Plus is not compatible with the Rega Neo Mk2 external power supply.
Does it have Bluetooth or USB?
No. The Planar 1 Plus provides a wired analogue line-level output and does not include Bluetooth, USB or a digital output.
Does it include a dustcover?
Yes. Matt Black and Matt White versions include a clear hinged dustcover. The Walnut Effect version includes a smoked hinged dustcover.
Is a connection cable supplied?
Yes. A twin RCA phono-to-phono cable is supplied. A suitable RCA-to-3.5 mm cable must be purchased separately when required.
Can I arrange a demonstration?
Yes.
Contact your local Audio T store
to arrange a demonstration with an amplifier, all-in-one system or suitable powered speakers.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Specialist advice from experienced in-store teams
- Help checking compatibility with your amplifier or powered speakers
- Clear advice about line-level and Phono connections
- Turntable setup and cartridge checks available
- Demonstrations available through selected Audio T stores
- Advice on replacement Carbon and Carbon Pro styli
- 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 Plus will connect correctly to your system.