Rega Planar 2 Turntable - Nd3 Cartridge

Take a Clear Step Up in Vinyl Sound

The Rega Planar 2 Turntable offers a clear step up from basic record players. This version comes with Rega’s Nd3 moving-magnet cartridge factory-installed on the RB220 tonearm. Its bonded elliptical stylus follows the record groove with care, helping the Planar 2 uncover more detail, space, and musical energy from your vinyl collection.

A 10mm glass platter, low-vibration 24-volt motor, precision main bearing, and lightweight plinth give the cartridge a stable base. The Planar 2 is fully manual and does not include a phono preamp. It requires an MM phono input or a separate moving-magnet phono preamp.

Hear More from Your Records with the Rega Nd3

The handmade Nd3 cartridge uses a bonded elliptical diamond stylus attached to an aluminum cantilever. Its stylus shape follows the groove more closely than a basic spherical stylus, helping it retrieve more musical detail.

Inside the cartridge, a powerful neodymium magnet works with miniaturized parallel coils and Rega’s new generator design. A light, rigid glass-filled PPS body supports these parts without placing extra stress on the tonearm bearings. Rega’s three-point mounting system keeps the cartridge firmly aligned with the tonearm.

Follow the Groove with the RB220 Tonearm

The RB220 tonearm uses a custom one-piece aluminum arm tube and Rega-designed low-friction bearings. Its stiff, lightweight bearing housing helps the arm move freely while holding the cartridge steady in the groove.

The tonearm includes adjustable bias, allowing it to work with a range of cartridges. The factory-installed Nd3 makes setup easier because the cartridge is already mounted and aligned. The headshell is fixed rather than removable, which improves rigidity but does not allow quick cartridge swaps.

Support Your Records with a Glass Platter

The 10mm Optiwhite float-glass platter gives your records a flat and stable playing surface. Beneath it, an 11mm self-securing brass bearing helps the platter turn smoothly while placing less stress on the main bearing assembly.

A 24-volt low-noise motor turns the platter through Rega’s Advanced EBLT drive belt. Redesigned feet improve stability and help reduce vibration from the shelf or furniture supporting the turntable.

Is the Rega Planar 2 with Nd3 Right for You?

• A clear step up from an entry-level turntable: The glass platter, RB220 tonearm, and Nd3 cartridge create a strong package for serious vinyl listening.
• Factory-installed cartridge: Rega mounts and aligns the Nd3 before the turntable leaves the factory.
• MM phono stage required: Connect it to an amplifier with a moving-magnet phono input or add a separate MM phono preamp.
• Manual speed change: Playing a 45 rpm record requires lifting the platter and moving the drive belt to the other pulley position.
• Manual operation: You lower the stylus at the beginning of a record and return the tonearm when playback ends.

Setup, Compatibility & What’s Included

The Nd3 cartridge comes mounted and aligned at the factory. During setup, install the platter and drive belt, balance the tonearm, and set the tracking force and bias to the recommended 1.75g. Place the turntable on a firm, level surface away from speakers and other sources of vibration.

Connect the attached RCA cable to an MM phono input or separate moving-magnet phono preamp. Do not connect the Planar 2 directly to a standard AUX or line-level input unless a phono preamp is placed between them.

The package includes the Planar 2 turntable, factory-installed Nd3 cartridge, RB220 tonearm, glass platter, felt record mat, Advanced EBLT drive belt, and hinged dustcover. Amplification, speakers, and a phono preamp are sold separately.

Key Features

Factory-installed Rega Nd3 cartridge
The handmade moving-magnet cartridge uses a bonded elliptical stylus and powerful neodymium magnet.

RB220 precision tonearm
A one-piece aluminum arm tube and low-friction bearings help the cartridge move freely across the record.

10mm Optiwhite glass platter
The float-glass platter provides a flat and stable surface for your records.

24-volt low-vibration motor
The motor and control board are designed to provide smooth platter rotation with low noise.

Advanced EBLT drive belt
Rega’s carefully made belt supports stable and consistent platter speed.

Lightweight laminated plinth
The stiff plinth and redesigned feet help control unwanted vibration.

Specifications

• Drive system: Belt drive
• Operation: Manual
• Speeds: 33⅓ and 45 rpm
• Speed change: Manual belt movement
• Motor: 24-volt low-noise, low-vibration motor
• Drive belt: Rega Advanced EBLT
• Platter: 10mm Optiwhite float glass
• Main bearing: 11mm self-securing brass bearing
• Plinth: Acrylic-laminated or wood-effect laminated lightweight plinth
• Tonearm: Rega RB220
• Bias adjustment: Adjustable
• Phono cable: Attached stereo RCA cable
• Included cartridge: Rega Nd3 moving magnet
• Stylus: Bonded elliptical diamond
• Cantilever: Aluminum
• Cartridge magnet: Neodymium
• Cartridge mounting: Rega three-point system
• Nominal cartridge output: 5–6mV
• Recommended tracking force: 1.75g
• Built-in phono preamp: No
• Available finishes: High-Gloss Black, High-Gloss White, and Walnut Effect
• Dimensions with lid closed: 17.6 inches wide by 4.6 inches high by 14.1 inches deep
• Weight: Approximately 12 lb.
• Dustcover: Clear with gloss finishes; smoked with Walnut Effect

Award-Winning Performance

What Hi-Fi? named the Planar 2 its Best Mid-Price Record Player for 2024. The Nd3 cartridge has also received Best Buy awards from AVForums and The Ear.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. It requires an MM phono input or a separate moving-magnet phono preamp. It cannot connect directly to a standard line-level input by itself.

Is the Nd3 cartridge already installed?

Yes. Rega mounts and aligns the Nd3 at the factory. You must still balance the tonearm and set the tracking force and bias 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 does not have electronic speed selection.

What is the difference between the Rega Carbon and Nd3 cartridges?

The Nd3 uses a bonded elliptical stylus, neodymium magnet, miniaturized coils, and Rega’s three-point mounting system. It is designed to retrieve more detail than the basic Rega Carbon cartridge.

Can I replace the cartridge later?

Yes. The RB220 has adjustable bias and can work with other compatible cartridges. A replacement cartridge must be mounted, aligned, and adjusted correctly.

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