Audio T Verdict
The Rega Planar 2 with Nd3 is an excellent step beyond a basic turntable, combining the more adjustable RB220 tonearm and 10mm glass platter with Rega's latest moving magnet cartridge technology.
The factory-fitted Nd3 is a substantial improvement over the Rega Carbon cartridge traditionally supplied with the Planar 2. Its bonded elliptical stylus and neodymium generator provide a more capable match for the tonearm and allow the turntable to reveal more of what is contained within the record groove.
Available in Gloss Black, Gloss White, Red or Walnut, this package is straightforward to set up and easy to use. It does not include a built-in phono stage, so it must be connected to an amplifier with a moving magnet phono input or to a suitable external phono stage.
Rega Planar 2 Turntable with Nd3 Cartridge
Developed alongside the Planar 3, the Rega Planar 2 combines precision turntable engineering with straightforward manual operation.
It uses Rega's hand-assembled RB220 tonearm, a 10mm Optiwhite float-glass platter, 24V low-noise motor and Advanced EBLT drive belt.
This version includes the Rega Nd3 moving magnet cartridge, factory-fitted to the RB220 tonearm. The combination provides a significant improvement over the traditional Planar 2 and Carbon cartridge package without making initial setup unnecessarily complicated.
Factory-Fitted Rega Nd3 Cartridge
The
Rega Nd3
is part of Rega's latest generation of moving magnet cartridges.
It uses an ultra-high-powered neodymium magnet and miniaturised parallel coils to create a low-inductance and low-impedance generator.
The cartridge generator is manufactured with carefully controlled geometry to support accurate channel balance, stereo separation and high-frequency response.
- Bonded elliptical diamond stylus
- Lightweight aluminium cantilever
- Ultra-high-powered neodymium magnet
- Miniaturised parallel coils
- Low-inductance generator design
- Highly rigid glass-filled PPS body
- Rega three-point mounting system
- Nominal output of 5 to 6mV
- Recommended tracking force of 1.75g
As a moving magnet cartridge, the Nd3 can be used with the moving magnet phono input found in many integrated amplifiers or with a separate moving magnet phono stage.
Why Choose the Factory-Fitted Nd3 Package?
Factory Alignment
The Nd3 is fitted to the RB220 using Rega's three-point mounting system.
This positions the cartridge correctly and avoids the more involved manual alignment process required by many two-bolt cartridges.
Simple Initial Setup
With the cartridge already installed, initial setup consists mainly of fitting the platter, attaching the balance weight and setting the recommended tracking force.
Audio T can also assemble and check the turntable before collection.
Improved Performance
The Nd3's elliptical stylus and neodymium generator provide a substantial improvement over the basic Carbon cartridge.
It allows the RB220 tonearm and glass platter to demonstrate more of their performance potential.
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 one-piece aluminium arm tube and integrated headshell reduce the number of mechanical joints while maintaining the stability required for accurate cartridge 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
The adjustable bias system, introduced to the RB220 in 2020, also provides greater flexibility should a different compatible cartridge be fitted later.
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 additional mass creates a useful flywheel effect once it is rotating.
The glass platter is one of the most important engineering differences between the Planar 2 and the entry-level 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 accurately manufactured fit is designed to reduce unnecessary stress within the bearing assembly and limit the transfer of unwanted energy into the plinth.
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 repositioned manually on the motor pulley.
Advanced EBLT Drive Belt
Rega's Advanced EBLT drive belt is fitted as standard.
Its accurately controlled shape, dimensions and elasticity provide 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 the transfer of vibration from the supporting furniture.
As with any turntable, performance will still benefit from a rigid, level support positioned away from loudspeakers and sources of vibration.
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 engineering 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 factory-fitted Nd3 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 usually 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 is being used as part of a more revealing separate Hi-Fi system.
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.
The Nd3 package also provides a significant cartridge improvement over a standard Planar 1 with Rega Carbon.
Compared with the Planar 3
The
Rega Planar 3 with Nd3
adds the RB330 tonearm, 12mm glass platter, Double Brace Technology and a more substantial future upgrade path.
The Planar 2 remains the more affordable and straightforward option.
Who Is the Rega Planar 2 with Nd3 For?
A Good Choice If You:
- Want to move beyond an entry-level turntable
- Want a cartridge already fitted and aligned
- Want a glass platter and adjustable tonearm
- Prefer straightforward manual operation
- Have a moving magnet phono input or suitable external phono stage
- Want a choice of four distinctive finishes
- May wish to experiment with compatible cartridges later
Consider Another Option If You:
- Need fully automatic 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
- Want a turntable with a wider long-term upgrade path
Key Features
- Factory-fitted and aligned Rega Nd3 moving magnet cartridge
- Bonded elliptical diamond stylus
- Lightweight aluminium cartridge cantilever
- Neodymium magnet cartridge generator
- 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 Nd3 moving magnet cartridge factory-fitted and aligned to the RB220 tonearm.
Which finishes are available?
The Planar 2 with Nd3 is available in Gloss Black, Gloss White, Red and Walnut. Rega officially describes the wood finish as Walnut Effect.
Is the Nd3 fitted at the factory?
Yes. The cartridge is installed using Rega's three-point mounting system and aligned before the turntable leaves the factory.
What stylus does the Nd3 use?
The Nd3 uses a bonded elliptical diamond stylus mounted to a lightweight aluminium cantilever.
What tracking force should I use?
Rega specifies a tracking force of 1.75g for the Nd3 cartridge.
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 I connect it directly to an AUX or line input?
Not without a phono stage. The Nd3 signal must pass through a moving magnet phono stage before it can connect 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 connection to 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 a range of compatible cartridges to be fitted. Cartridge weight, height, tracking force and phono stage compatibility should be checked before purchase.
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 and aligned Nd3 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 future cartridge 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 whether the Rega Planar 2 with Nd3 is right for your system.