Rega Planar 3 Turntable - Nd3 Cartridge

Bring More Music and Detail Out of Your Records

The Rega Planar 3 Turntable has earned a strong following by combining simple operation with serious vinyl performance. This version comes with Rega’s Nd3 moving-magnet cartridge factory-installed on the RB330 tonearm. Its bonded elliptical stylus follows the record groove with care, helping the Planar 3 reveal fine detail, space, and musical energy.

A lightweight double-braced plinth, 12mm glass platter, low-vibration motor, and precision tonearm create a stable base for the cartridge. The Planar 3 is fully manual and does not include a phono preamp. It connects to an MM phono input or a separate moving-magnet phono preamp.

Hear More with the Rega Nd3 Cartridge

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 of the information stored in your records.

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

Follow the Groove with the RB330 Tonearm

The RB330 tonearm uses a one-piece aluminum arm tube and high-precision bearings. The tube is shaped to control unwanted vibration while keeping moving mass low. Its stiff bearing housing helps hold the cartridge steady as it moves across the record.

A low-capacitance phono cable is attached to the tonearm and ends in high-quality RCA plugs. The fixed headshell improves rigidity but does not allow quick cartridge swaps.

Control Vibration with a Light, Rigid Plinth

Rega builds the Planar 3 around a lightweight laminated plinth instead of a heavy base. A double-brace system joins the tonearm mounting area to the main bearing. This adds strength where it matters while keeping the rest of the plinth light.

A 12mm Optiwhite glass platter provides a flat and stable surface for your records. Under the platter, a rigid subplatter, brass main-bearing hub, Advanced EBLT drive belt, and 24-volt motor work together to provide smooth rotation.

Is the Rega Planar 3 with Nd3 Right for You?

• Made for serious vinyl listening: The Planar 3 is a strong choice for a dedicated stereo system built around sound quality.
• Factory-installed cartridge: Rega mounts and aligns the Nd3 before the turntable leaves the factory.
• MM phono stage required: Use 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 phono preamp. Do not connect the Planar 3 directly to a standard AUX or line-level input unless a phono preamp is placed between them.

The package includes the Planar 3 turntable, factory-installed Nd3 cartridge, RB330 tonearm, glass platter, felt record mat, Advanced EBLT drive belt, and clear dustcover. The optional Rega Neo MK2 power supply adds push-button speed change, fine speed adjustment, and improved motor control.

Key Features

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

RB330 precision tonearm
A one-piece aluminum arm tube and low-friction bearings help the cartridge track the groove accurately.

Double-braced lightweight plinth
Braces add strength between the tonearm and main bearing without adding unnecessary mass.

12mm Optiwhite glass platter
The thick polished glass platter gives records a flat and stable playing surface.

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

Compatible with the optional Neo MK2 PSU
Add electronic speed selection, fine speed adjustment, and more advanced motor control.

Specifications

• Drive system: Belt drive
• Operation: Manual
• Speeds: 33⅓ and 45 rpm
• Standard speed change: Manual belt movement
• Motor: 24-volt low-noise synchronous motor
• Drive belt: Rega Advanced EBLT
• Platter: 12mm Optiwhite polished float glass
• Plinth: Lightweight laminated plinth with double-brace construction
• Tonearm: Rega RB330
• Phono cable: Attached low-capacitance 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, High-Gloss Red, and Light Oak Effect
• Dimensions with lid closed: 17.6 inches wide by 4.6 inches high by 14.2 inches deep
• Weight: Approximately 13.2 lb.
• Dustcover: Clear removable cover included
• Optional power supply: Rega Neo MK2, sold separately

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Planar 3 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 optional Rega Neo MK2 PSU adds push-button electronic speed selection.

What is the difference between the Nd3 and Nd5 cartridges?

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

Is this the Planar 3 RS Edition?

No. This is the standard Planar 3 with the Nd3 cartridge. The Planar 3 RS Edition has a metallic HPL plinth, an Nd5 cartridge, and an included Neo MK2 power supply.

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