Audio T Verdict
The Rega Planar 3 with Nd3 is a carefully matched, ready-to-use version of one of Rega's most enduring turntables. The cartridge is fitted and aligned at the factory, removing the uncertainty of choosing and installing a cartridge separately.
The combination of the RB330 tonearm, Nd3 moving magnet cartridge, lightweight double-braced plinth and 12mm glass platter delivers an engaging introduction to serious vinyl replay without making the turntable difficult to set up or operate.
Available in Gloss Black, Gloss White, Gloss Red or Light Oak, it is an excellent choice for listeners moving beyond an entry-level turntable. It does not include a built-in phono stage, so a suitable moving magnet phono input is still required.
Rega Planar 3 Turntable with Nd3 Cartridge
The Rega Planar 3 is one of the company's longest-running and most widely recognised turntables.
The current design was substantially re-engineered from the earlier RP3, with changes to the tonearm, plinth, bracing, central bearing, sub-platter, motor control and isolation feet.
This package includes Rega's Nd3 moving magnet cartridge, factory-fitted and aligned to the RB330 tonearm. Once the turntable has been assembled and the tracking force has been set, it can be connected to a suitable moving magnet phono input.
Factory-Fitted Rega Nd3 Cartridge
The
Rega Nd3
is a hand-assembled moving magnet cartridge developed as part of Rega's latest Nd range.
It uses an ultra-high-powered neodymium magnet and miniaturised parallel coils to create a low-inductance, low-impedance generator.
The generator geometry is designed with close symmetry to support accurate channel balance, stereo separation and high-frequency response.
- Bonded elliptical diamond stylus
- Lightweight aluminium cantilever
- Neodymium magnet generator
- Miniaturised parallel coils
- 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 is compatible with the moving magnet input found in many integrated amplifiers and external phono stages.
Why Choose the Factory-Fitted Package?
Accurate Factory Alignment
The Nd3 is fitted to the RB330 using Rega's three-point mounting system.
This automatically positions the cartridge correctly and removes the need for a complicated manual alignment process.
Ready to Set Up
With the cartridge already installed, initial setup is limited to fitting the platter and belt, attaching the balance weight and setting the recommended tracking force.
Audio T can also prepare and check the turntable before collection.
Matched Performance
The Nd3 has been developed specifically for use with Rega turntables and provides a natural performance match for the RB330 tonearm.
Its moving magnet output also makes it easier to accommodate than a low-output moving coil cartridge.
RB330 Precision Tonearm
The Planar 3 is fitted with Rega's hand-assembled RB330 tonearm.
Developed using three-dimensional CAD and CAM technology, the RB330 uses a precision bearing housing and tapered aluminium arm tube with carefully controlled mass distribution.
Its high-precision bearing assemblies are designed to provide near-frictionless movement while minimising unwanted play and potential resonance.
- Hand-assembled precision tonearm
- High-precision horizontal and vertical bearings
- Near-frictionless movement
- Low-mass tapered aluminium arm tube
- Stainless-steel balance weight
- Integrated arm clip
- Rega three-point cartridge mounting system
- Fixed low-capacitance RCA phono cable
Lightweight Rigid Plinth
The Planar 3 uses a lightweight laminated plinth designed to resist unwanted bending and vibration without relying on excessive mass.
The Gloss Black, Gloss White and Gloss Red versions use a high-gloss acrylic laminate. The Light Oak version has a realistic wood-effect finish while retaining the same underlying construction and performance.
The power switch is positioned beneath the front edge of the plinth, keeping the visible design clean and uncluttered.
Double Brace Technology
Rega's Double Brace Technology reinforces the important structural area between the tonearm mounting and central hub bearing.
The Planar 3 uses a 3mm phenolic lower brace and a metal-skinned phenolic upper brace to form a rigid stressed-beam structure.
Concentrating rigidity around the tonearm and bearing helps maintain accurate alignment between the cartridge and platter without adding unnecessary mass across the complete plinth.
12mm Optiwhite Glass Platter
The Planar 3 is supplied with a 12mm Optiwhite float-glass platter with a polished outer edge.
Its accurately manufactured surface provides a stable platform for the record and creates a useful flywheel effect once the platter is rotating.
A felt turntable mat is supplied to support the record during playback.
Precision Main Bearing and Sub-Platter
Beneath the glass platter is Rega's redesigned sub-platter, manufactured to provide improved accuracy and stiffness.
It rotates on a hardened spindle within a redesigned brass central bearing housing.
The improved fit and construction help reduce unnecessary stress on the bearing while supporting smooth and consistent platter rotation.
24V Low-Noise Motor
The Planar 3 uses a 24V synchronous low-noise motor controlled by an improved motor circuit board.
An integrated motor cover assists with cooling, while the mounting arrangement is designed to reduce unwanted motor vibration reaching the plinth, platter and cartridge.
In standard form, changing between 33? and 45 rpm requires the 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 and elasticity create a consistent connection between the motor pulley and sub-platter, helping to support stable rotational speed.
Choose Your Finish
Gloss Black
The Gloss Black finish 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.
Gloss Red
The Gloss Red Planar 3 is the most distinctive of the high-gloss finishes and provides a strong visual contrast within a system.
A clear hinged dustcover is supplied as standard.
Light Oak
Rega officially describes this finish as Light Oak Effect. It provides a warmer, furniture-inspired appearance while using the same core plinth construction as the gloss versions.
A clear hinged dustcover is supplied as standard.
Choosing a Phono Stage
The Planar 3 does not include a built-in phono stage. The 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 may be labelled Phono or MM and will usually include a separate grounding arrangement where required.
External Phono Stage
When your amplifier only has standard line-level inputs, a separate moving magnet phono stage must be fitted between the turntable and amplifier.
A suitable option is the
Rega Fono MM Mk5
.
Future Upgrade Options
Rega Nd5 Cartridge
The
Rega Nd5
replaces the bonded elliptical stylus with a perfect elliptical nude diamond.
Its lower stylus-tip mass is designed to improve tracking, refinement and detail retrieval while retaining moving magnet compatibility.
A complete
Planar 3 with factory-fitted Nd5
is also available.
Rega Neo Mk2 Power Supply
The Planar 3 is compatible with the
Rega Neo Mk2 power supply
,
which is sold separately.
It provides electronic speed selection, fine speed adjustment and more advanced motor vibration control.
Planar 3 RS Edition
The
Rega Planar 3 RS Edition
combines an aluminium-skinned plinth, Nd5 cartridge, Reference EBLT belt and custom-matched Neo Mk2 power supply.
It is worth considering when these are upgrades you are already likely to add.
Who Is the Rega Planar 3 with Nd3 For?
A Good Choice If You:
- Want a cartridge already fitted and aligned
- Are upgrading from an entry-level turntable
- Want a straightforward manual turntable
- Have an amplifier with a moving magnet phono input
- Want a turntable with a clear future upgrade path
- Prefer a conventional hinged dustcover
- Want a choice of four finishes
Consider Another Option If You:
- Want to choose your own cartridge
- Need fully automatic turntable operation
- Require an integrated phono stage, Bluetooth or USB output
- Want electronic speed change included as standard
- Prefer a direct-drive turntable
- Already plan to add an Nd5 and Neo Mk2 power supply
Key Features
- Factory-fitted and aligned Rega Nd3 moving magnet cartridge
- Bonded elliptical diamond stylus
- Aluminium cartridge cantilever
- Neodymium magnet generator
- Hand-assembled Rega RB330 precision tonearm
- High-precision low-friction tonearm bearings
- Lightweight laminated plinth
- Rega Double Brace Technology
- 3mm phenolic lower brace
- Metal-skinned phenolic upper brace
- 12mm Optiwhite float-glass platter
- Redesigned high-accuracy sub-platter
- Redesigned brass main hub bearing
- 24V synchronous low-noise motor
- Advanced EBLT drive belt fitted as standard
- Compatible with the optional Rega Neo Mk2 power supply
- Clear hinged dustcover supplied as standard
- Available in Gloss Black, Gloss White, Gloss Red or Light Oak
- Lifetime limited warranty against confirmed manufacturing defects
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this Rega Planar 3 include a cartridge?
Yes. It includes a Rega Nd3 moving magnet cartridge factory-fitted and aligned to the RB330 tonearm.
Which finishes are available?
The Planar 3 with Nd3 is available in Gloss Black, Gloss White, Gloss Red and Light Oak. Rega officially describes the wood finish as Light Oak 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 fitted to an aluminium cantilever.
Can the Nd3 stylus be replaced?
The stylus assembly is not designed to be replaced by the customer. Rega operates a cartridge rebuild scheme through authorised retailers when the stylus becomes worn or damaged.
What tracking force should be used?
Rega specifies a tracking force of 1.75g for the Nd3 cartridge.
Does the Planar 3 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 Nd3 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?
In standard form, the glass platter must be removed and the drive belt moved manually to the other section of the motor pulley.
Can electronic speed change be added?
Yes. Adding the optional Rega Neo Mk2 power supply provides electronic speed selection, fine speed adjustment and improved motor control.
Is the Neo Mk2 included?
No. The Neo Mk2 is an optional upgrade and must be purchased separately.
Can the cartridge be upgraded later?
Yes. The Nd5 is a natural moving magnet upgrade, while other compatible cartridges can also be fitted. Cartridge height, weight, output and phono stage compatibility should be checked first.
Does the Planar 3 include a dustcover?
Yes. A clear hinged dustcover is supplied as standard with all four finishes.
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 and Neo Mk2 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 3 with Nd3 is right for your system.