Rega Planar 3 Turntable - Nd5 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 record-playing performance. This version comes with Rega’s Nd5 moving-magnet cartridge factory-installed on the RB330 tonearm. The Nd5 uses a nude elliptical diamond stylus to track the groove with greater care and reveal more of the music stored in your records.

A lightweight double-braced plinth, 12mm glass platter, low-vibration motor, and precision tonearm create a firm 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 Detail with the Rega Nd5 Cartridge

The Nd5 is a handmade moving-magnet cartridge built around a powerful neodymium magnet. Its nude elliptical diamond is mounted directly to the aluminum cantilever without a metal bonding shank. This lowers moving mass and helps the stylus follow small changes in the record groove.

Rega uses miniaturized parallel coils and carefully matched generator parts to improve channel balance and high-frequency response. The cartridge is attached with Rega’s three-point mounting system, which keeps it firmly aligned with the RB330 tonearm.

Follow the Groove with the RB330 Tonearm

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

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

Control Vibration with a Light, Rigid Plinth

Rega builds the Planar 3 around a lightweight acrylic-laminated plinth instead of a heavy base. A double-brace system links 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 Nd5 Right for You?

• Made for serious vinyl listening: The Planar 3 is a strong choice for a dedicated stereo system built around sound quality.
• Upgraded factory-installed cartridge: The Nd5 adds a nude elliptical stylus and advanced neodymium generator to the standard Planar 3 package.
• MM phono stage required: Use an amplifier or receiver 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 Nd5 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 turntable 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 Nd5 cartridge, RB330 tonearm, glass platter, felt record mat, Advanced EBLT drive belt, and clear dustcover. The Rega Neo MK2 power supply is an optional upgrade that adds push-button electronic speed change and improved motor control.

Key Features

Factory-installed Rega Nd5 cartridge
The handmade moving-magnet cartridge uses a nude elliptical diamond 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 push-button speed change, 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 acrylic laminate with double-brace construction
• Tonearm: Rega RB330
• Phono cable: Attached low-capacitance RCA cable
• Included cartridge: Rega Nd5 moving magnet
• Stylus: Nude perfect 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 Nd5 cartridge already installed?

Yes. Rega mounts and aligns the Nd5 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 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 track the groove with greater care and retrieve more detail.

Is this the Planar 3 RS Edition?

No. This is the standard Planar 3 with the Nd5 cartridge. The Planar 3 RS Edition has a different metallic HPL plinth and includes a matched Neo MK2 power supply.

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