Rega Planar 3 Turntable - Light Oak - Nd5 Cartridge

A Belt-Drive Turntable, Stepped Up with a Lower-Mass Stylus

The Rega Planar 3 is a 2-speed belt-drive turntable, and this version ships with the step-up Rega Nd5 moving-magnet cartridge factory-mounted and aligned on its RB330 tonearm. Rega builds it around a double-braced acrylic-laminated plinth, a 12mm float-glass platter, and a low-vibration 24-volt motor.

The Nd5 trades the Nd3's bonded elliptical stylus for a lower-mass nude elliptical diamond stylus, following the groove more closely for finer retrieved detail. The same neodymium magnet and glass-filled PPS body carry it, held to the tonearm by Rega's three-point mounting system.

The Planar 3 is fully manual, with no built-in phono preamp, and connects to an MM phono input or a separate moving-magnet phono stage. It ships in Gloss Black, Gloss White, or Light Oak.

Where the Nude Diamond Stylus Earns Its Keep

A Lower-Mass Stylus, Following the Groove More Closely

The Nd5's nude elliptical diamond stylus carries less mass than the Nd3's bonded stylus, letting it track fine groove modulation more accurately. The same neodymium magnet and miniaturized parallel coils sit behind it in Rega's own generator design.

Rega mounts and aligns the Nd5 at the factory. The geometry is already set before the turntable ships, so the hardest part of getting a new deck right is already done.

An RB330 Tonearm, Built to Hold Still

The hand-assembled RB330 tonearm uses a one-piece aluminum arm tube shaped to control unwanted vibration while keeping moving mass low. A stiff bearing housing keeps the cartridge steady as it tracks across the record.

A low-capacitance phono cable runs from the tonearm to a set of RCA plugs. The fixed headshell adds rigidity, but rules out quick cartridge swaps. Rega chose this design on purpose, not as a shortcut.

A Light, Rigid Plinth Instead of a Heavy One

Rega builds the Planar 3 around a double-braced, lightweight laminated plinth rather than a heavy base, joining the tonearm mount to the main bearing hub for stiffness exactly where it matters.

A 12mm Optiwhite float-glass platter sits on a redesigned subplatter and brass main-bearing hub. Rega's Advanced EBLT belt and a 24-volt low-vibration motor turn it smoothly, quietly, and consistently, side after side.

What Reviewers Are Saying

What Hi-Fi? awarded the Planar 3/Nd3 combination five stars for sound and build, calling it a turntable that "sets new standards for the price" — the Nd5 shares this same plinth, platter, and tonearm, one step up in cartridge tier.

Who Is This Turntable Best For?

• You want a step up in cartridge resolution, with the setup already handled — Rega mounts and aligns the Nd5 cartridge at the factory, before the turntable ever leaves the building
• You want the same five-star-reviewed foundation, one cartridge tier up — the Nd5 rides on the identical plinth, platter, and RB330 tonearm What Hi-Fi? awarded five stars
• You want a real choice of finishes — Gloss Black, Gloss White, or Light Oak, all ready to match a real room
• You already have (or plan to add) a phono stage — the Planar 3 has no built-in phono preamp, so it needs an MM phono input on your amp or receiver, or a separate phono preamp such as one of our phono preamplifiers
• You want room to upgrade later — the optional Rega Neo MK2 adds push-button speed change and finer motor control

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 3 straight into a standard line-level or AUX input — a phono preamp has to sit between the two.

During setup, fit the platter and drive belt, balance the tonearm, and set tracking force and bias to the recommended 1.75g — the Nd5 arrives already mounted and aligned, so this is the only adjustment left to make. Place the turntable on a firm, level surface away from speakers.

One cable, one phono input, and you are playing records.

Pairs Well With

What finishes the system around a Rega Planar 3:

• 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 3 have a built-in phono preamp?

It needs an MM phono input on your amplifier or receiver, or a separate moving-magnet phono preamp. There is no phono preamp built in, and it cannot connect directly to a standard line-level input on its own.

Is the Nd5 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 speed from 33⅓ to 45 rpm?

Lift off the glass platter and move the drive belt to the other step on the motor pulley. The optional Rega Neo MK2 power supply adds push-button electronic speed change.

What's the difference between the Nd3 and Nd5 cartridges?

The Nd3 uses a bonded elliptical stylus. The Nd5 uses a lower-mass nude elliptical diamond stylus designed to follow the groove more closely and retrieve finer detail.

Is this the Planar 3 RS Edition?

This is the standard Planar 3 with the Nd5 cartridge. The Planar 3 RS Edition is a separate model, with a metallic HPL plinth and the Neo MK2 power supply included as standard.

What's included in the box?

The Planar 3 turntable, the factory-installed and aligned Nd5 cartridge, the RB330 tonearm, glass platter, felt mat, drive belt, and a clear dustcover.

See It in Action

The Apartment Audiophile takes a close look at the Planar 3:

Nick's Listening Space checks back in after living with one:

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Learn More

Want to learn more about turntable setup, phono preamps, or getting the most from a belt-drive turntable? Visit our Learning Center for guides, tips, and expert advice.