Rega Planar 3 Turntable

$1,700.00

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Colour: High-Gloss Black

High-Gloss Black

High-Gloss White

Light Oak

Cartridge: No cartridge

No cartridge

Nd3

Nd5

Product variants

Replacing the multi award winning What Hi-Fi? Product of the Year (RP3) was never going to be an easy task. It took Rega's team of designers two years to develop the all new ‘Planar 3’ following the biggest re-design of the iconic ‘Three’ model ever seen. The ‘Planar 3’ is a completely new turntable carrying over just two components from the previous RP model.

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Specifications

Tonearm: Hand assembled RB330 precision Tonearm
Motor: 24 V low noise motor
Connectivity: RCA/Phono
Platter: 12mm Glass polished edge
Dimensions (lid closed) (W x H x D): 447 x 117 x 360 mm
Weight: 6.0 kg

This Rega package continues to be a class-leading entertainer.

What HiFi

The iconic Planar 3

Rega has pioneered the use of lightweight rigid plinths. Clever use of lightweight particulate core with a highly rigid phenolic resin skin became the foundations of the high level of performance achieved by the now iconic original Planar range.

The new Planar 3 takes this design philosophy to the next level. A lightweight acrylic laminated plinth strengthened using a new improved double brace system mounted specifically where the increased rigidity is required (between the tonearm mounting and the main hub bearing) which forms a structurally sound “stressed beam” assembly. This rigid plinth design prevents energy absorption and unwanted resonance, which will add unnatural distortions to the music. Equally, heavier mass can transfer more unwanted energy, such as motor or bearing noise directly into the rotating record. The use of braces instead of the complete skin allows double thickness phenolic resin in these key areas while providing further weight reduction to the plinth which directly addresses the issue of mass absorption and unwanted energy transmission.

RB330 Tonearm

The RB330 tonearm was designed using the latest 3D CAD & CAM technology, and is the culmination of more than 35 years of tonearm design experience. Featuring a brand new bearing housing, and the latest tonearm tube designed using intelligent redistribution of mass ensure this arm will exhibit fewer points of possible resonance. Extreme stability with almost friction free movement from the new high precision bearing assemblies guarantees to gather more information from your vinyl than ever before.

Plinth

High gloss acrylic, laminated plinth, stiffer and vastly improved appearance, ergonomically positioned power switch. Available in three stunning high gloss finishes, black, white and red and new for 2024 Light oak effect.

Double brace Technology

Improved thicker 3 mm phenolic bottom brace and new metalised skin phenolic top brace.

Bearing housing

Re-designed brass main hub central bearing, improved fit and construction reducing stress on the bearing itself.

Stability, Accuracy, and Style

The Rega Planar 3 turntable delivers a refined combination of precision, stability, and user-friendly design. Its redesigned feet improve isolation by reducing vibration transfer, while the 24 V motor features an updated control PCB with integration for the optional Neo PSU, allowing electronic speed changes and enhanced anti-vibration performance. A new motor cover tray with integrated cooling further optimises performance. The re-engineered sub-platter and 12 mm Optiwhite float-glass platter provide increased stiffness and rotational accuracy, ensuring smoother, more consistent playback. Supplied with a dust cover and plinth protectors to maintain its finish, the Planar 3 also includes a multilingual quick-start guide, making setup simple and straightforward.

Who is this for?

The Planar 3 is one of the most acclaimed turntables ever made at its price point — a multi-year What Hi-Fi? Product of the Year winner and the model that defines what serious vinyl replay looks like without requiring a serious budget.

This is the right choice for the committed music lover who has a quality integrated amplifier, a decent phono stage, and wants a turntable that will genuinely reveal what their records contain. The acrylic laminated plinth with its double-brace system, the handmade RB330 tonearm, and the choice of factory-fitted Nd cartridges make for a complete, carefully tuned package that rewards good source material and good partnering equipment in equal measure.

Compatible with the optional Neo power supply for electronic speed switching and improved motor stability. Available in gloss black, white, red and light oak — a turntable you'll be happy to have on display for years.

What is the Rega Planar 3 Turntable designed to do?

The Rega Planar 3 is a high-quality belt-drive turntable designed to deliver engaging, detailed, and musically coherent vinyl playback. It is one of Rega’s most popular models, sitting at the heart of the range for serious entry-level to mid-level hi-fi systems.

What makes the Rega Planar 3 different from entry-level turntables?

The Planar 3 uses a rigid double-braced plinth design with a lightweight construction philosophy. This reduces unwanted resonance and allows the cartridge to track the groove with greater accuracy, improving clarity and timing.

What tonearm does the Planar 3 use?

It is fitted with the RB330 tonearm, which offers very low friction bearings, high rigidity, and excellent tracking stability for improved detail retrieval.

Does the Rega Planar 3 include a cartridge?

It can be supplied with or without a cartridge. Common factory-fitted options include Rega moving magnet cartridges such as the Nd3 or Nd5, depending on configuration.

What power supply does the Planar 3 use?

The Planar 3 uses a standard 24V low-noise motor supply. It can be upgraded with the Neo TT-PSU for electronic speed switching and improved speed stability.

Is the Planar 3 a belt-drive or direct-drive turntable?

It is a belt-drive turntable, using a precision low-stretch belt system and low-noise motor for smooth, stable rotation.

What type of platter does the Planar 3 use?

It uses a high-quality float glass platter designed for consistent mass and rotational stability.

What type of sound does the Rega Planar 3 produce?

It delivers a lively, rhythmic, and engaging sound with strong timing, clear midrange presence, and good overall detail for its class.

How does the Planar 3 compare to the Planar 1?

The Planar 3 offers significantly better detail, improved tonearm performance (RB330 vs RB110), greater rigidity, and higher overall resolution.

How does the Planar 3 compare to the Planar 6?

The Planar 6 is a more advanced design with a lighter, more sophisticated plinth, improved isolation, and higher overall transparency and detail retrieval.

What type of music does the Planar 3 excel with?

It performs well across all genres, particularly rock, pop, jazz, and acoustic music where rhythm and musical flow are important.

What type of system is the Planar 3 designed for?

It is designed for entry-level to mid-level hi-fi systems, typically paired with quality MM phono stages and integrated amplifiers.

Is the Planar 3 sensitive to setup?

Yes. Proper cartridge alignment, tracking force adjustment, and a stable surface are important for achieving best performance.

Can the Planar 3 be upgraded?

Yes. Performance can be improved with cartridge upgrades, adding the Neo PSU, and pairing with higher-quality phono stages.

What makes the Planar 3 design philosophy important?

It follows Rega’s minimalist engineering approach, focusing on rigidity and low mass to reduce energy storage and preserve musical timing.