Rega PL10 Turntable - No Cartridge

The Rega Planar 10 is a reference-level turntable designed to uncover the detail, timing, and musical energy stored in your records. It combines an ultra-light skeletal plinth, diamond-cut ceramic platter, RB3000 tonearm, and custom-matched PL10 power supply. Available in Black or White, this version comes without a phono cartridge so you can choose the model that best fits your system.

Reference Performance Inspired by the Naiad

The Planar 10 was inspired by Rega’s Naiad reference turntable. Its skeletal design removes material that is not needed. This keeps the plinth very light and reduces stored energy that could add unwanted sound to the music.

The plinth uses an aerospace-developed Tancast 8 polyurethane foam core placed between thin, rigid high-pressure laminate skins. This design provides strength without the added mass of a traditional turntable base.

Ceramic Double-Brace Technology

The Planar 10 was Rega’s first production turntable to use ceramic bracing. Its double-brace system creates a firm connection between the tonearm and central bearing, where stiffness matters most.

The ceramic top brace controls unwanted movement without adding a heavy structure. This helps the tonearm and cartridge retrieve small musical details without vibration hiding the information in the groove.

RB3000 Reference Tonearm

The Planar 10 includes Rega’s hand-built RB3000 tonearm. Its preloaded, zero-tolerance bearings are adjusted to less than one-thousandth of a millimeter. This allows nearly friction-free movement without unwanted play.

The one-piece aluminum arm tube is hand polished to keep its mass low. Rega designed the arm with very few mechanical joints and does not use adhesive in its construction. This creates a stiff and stable path between the cartridge and tonearm bearings.

Choose Your Own Cartridge

This version of the Planar 10 does not include a phono cartridge. You can select a compatible moving magnet or moving coil cartridge based on your listening goals, budget, and phono preamp.

The RB3000 works especially well with Rega’s three-point cartridges, including the Apheta 3 and Aphelion 2 moving coil models. Other cartridges can also be used, but they require careful installation and alignment. Some cartridges may need a tonearm spacer to provide the correct playing height.

Your cartridge choice determines which type of phono preamp you need. A moving magnet cartridge requires an MM phono input. A low-output moving coil cartridge requires a compatible high-gain MC phono preamp.

Diamond-Cut Ceramic Platter

The custom platter is made from ceramic oxide powder that is compressed, fired, and diamond cut for accurate shape and a flat playing surface. More mass is placed around the outer edge to create a flywheel effect for smooth rotation and stable speed.

A low-mass central bearing assembly uses a one-piece aluminum sub-platter, hardened tool-steel spindle, and custom brass housing. Twin Reference EBLT drive belts connect the platter to the hand-tuned 24-volt motor.

Custom-Matched PL10 Power Supply

Each Planar 10 motor is hand matched to its own PL10 outboard power supply. A crystal-controlled DSP generator creates the precise signal needed to turn the platter at the selected speed.

The PL10 power supply provides electronic switching between 33⅓ and 45 rpm. It also includes user-adjustable fine-speed control and an advanced anti-vibration circuit to reduce motor noise and maintain accurate pitch.

Setup and Compatibility

A phono cartridge must be installed, aligned, and adjusted before the turntable can play records. After installing the cartridge, balance the tonearm and set the tracking force and bias according to the cartridge maker’s instructions.

The Planar 10 does not have a built-in phono preamp. Connect it to a phono preamp that matches your chosen cartridge. For help selecting a cartridge, tonearm spacer, or phono preamp, contact an Audio Advisor product specialist.

Is It Right for You?

Choose the cartridge-free Planar 10 if you already own a reference-quality cartridge or want to build a carefully matched analog system. It provides the freedom to select the cartridge and phono preamp that best suit your records and listening preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this Planar 10 include a cartridge?

No. A compatible phono cartridge must be purchased and installed separately.

Can I use a moving magnet cartridge?

Yes. The RB3000 can accept a compatible moving magnet cartridge. Connect it to an MM phono preamp.

Can I use a moving coil cartridge?

Yes. The Planar 10 is an excellent match for a high-quality moving coil cartridge, including the Rega Apheta 3 or Aphelion 2.

Will every cartridge fit without a spacer?

No. Some cartridges are taller than Rega cartridges and may require a tonearm spacer. Ask Audio Advisor for help before choosing a cartridge.

Does the Planar 10 include a phono preamp?

No. You need an external phono preamp or an amplifier with a phono input that matches your cartridge.

Can it play 45 rpm records?

Yes. The PL10 power supply provides electronic switching between 33⅓ and 45 rpm.

Does it include a dustcover?

Yes. The Black model includes a smoked dustcover, while the White model includes a clear dustcover.

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