Rega Planar 2 Turntable - Gloss Black - Nd3 Cartridge

A Clear Step Up in Vinyl Sound

The Rega Planar 2 is a 2-speed belt-drive turntable that steps up from an entry-level deck with the Rega Nd3 moving-magnet cartridge factory-mounted on its RB220 tonearm. A neodymium magnet and bonded elliptical stylus give the Nd3 more detail and space than a basic conical-stylus cartridge.

A 10mm Optiwhite float-glass platter, low-vibration 24-volt motor, and brass main bearing give that cartridge a stable base to work from. The Planar 2 is fully manual, with no built-in phono preamp, and connects to an MM phono input or a separate phono stage instead.

Where the Nd3 Cartridge Earns Its Keep

A Neodymium-Powered Nd3 Cartridge

The handmade Nd3 uses a bonded elliptical diamond stylus on an aluminum cantilever, paired with a neodymium magnet and miniaturized parallel coils in Rega's own generator design, chasing more retrieved detail than a basic spherical stylus.

A light, rigid glass-filled PPS body carries those parts without adding stress to the tonearm bearings, and Rega's three-point mounting system keeps the cartridge precisely aligned with the tonearm once it's fitted at the factory.

An RB220 Tonearm with Adjustable Bias

The RB220 tonearm uses a custom one-piece aluminum arm tube and Rega-designed low-friction bearings, letting the arm move freely while holding the cartridge steady in the groove even on a warped or well-worn record.

Unlike the entry-level RB110, the RB220 has adjustable bias, so it can work with a range of cartridges beyond the factory-installed Nd3. The headshell stays fixed rather than removable, trading quick swaps for extra rigidity.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Independent reviewer Marc Henshall called the Planar 2/Nd3 "an exceptionally well-made turntable that gets all the important mechanics spot on without breaking the bank," praising its "open, natural sound" and "impressive soundstage at this price."

The-ear.net's review of the Nd3 cartridge itself found it "open and extended in the treble and superbly timed for its asking price," adding that "you get an awful lot of well balanced engagement for your money."

Who Is the Rega Planar 2 Best For?

• A clear step up from an entry-level turntable: the glass platter, RB220 tonearm, and Nd3 cartridge form a genuinely stronger package for serious vinyl listening
• You want the cartridge already mounted and aligned: Rega fits and aligns the Nd3 at the factory, before the turntable ever leaves the building
• You may want to try other cartridges down the road: the RB220's adjustable bias gives it more flexibility than the entry-level Planar 1's preset tonearm
• You already have (or plan to add) a phono stage: the Planar 2 has no built-in phono preamp, so it needs an MM phono input on your amp, or a separate Phono preamplifiers
• You want electronic speed change or automatic operation: the Planar 2 is still fully manual with belt-driven speed change, so if that matters more, look further up Rega's line

How Does It Connect to Your System?

The attached RCA cable runs from the tonearm to your amplifier's MM phono input, or to a separate phono preamp if your amp doesn't have one built in. Never connect the Planar 2 straight into a standard line-level or AUX input.

During setup, fit the platter and drive belt, balance the tonearm, and set tracking force and bias to the recommended 1.75g. The Nd3 arrives already mounted and aligned, so that's the only adjustment left to make.

Pairs Well With

What finishes the system around a Rega Planar 2:

• Phono preamplifiers — required if your amplifier has no built-in MM phono input
• Integrated amplifiers — look for one with a built-in MM phono stage to skip a separate box
• Turntable accessories — mats, levels, and clamps for getting the most from this setup
• Audio racks — a firm, level, vibration-free shelf a turntable actually needs

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Planar 2 have a built-in phono preamp?

It doesn't. Connect it to an MM phono input, or add a separate moving-magnet phono preamp. It can't connect directly to a standard line-level input on its own.

Is the Nd3 cartridge already installed?

Yes. Rega mounts and aligns it at the factory. You still balance the tonearm and set tracking force and bias to 1.75g during setup.

How do I change from 33⅓ to 45 rpm?

Lift off the glass platter and move the drive belt to the other step on the motor pulley. The Planar 2 doesn't have electronic speed selection.

What's the difference between the Rega Carbon and Nd3 cartridges?

The Nd3 uses a bonded elliptical stylus, a neodymium magnet, and Rega's three-point mounting system, aimed at retrieving more detail than the entry-level Carbon.

Can I fit a different cartridge later?

Yes. The RB220 has adjustable bias and can work with other compatible cartridges, though any replacement still needs to be mounted, aligned, and set up correctly.

See It in Action

Audio Advice reviews the Rega Planar 2:

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Learn More

Want to learn more about turntable setup, phono preamps, or stepping up from an entry-level turntable? Visit our Learning Center for guides, tips, and expert advice.