Rega Planar 3 Turntable - No Cartridge

Choose the Cartridge That Best Fits Your System

The Rega Planar 3 Turntable combines simple operation with serious vinyl performance. This Gloss White version is supplied without a cartridge, giving you the freedom to choose the moving-magnet or moving-coil cartridge that best matches your listening goals, phono preamp, and budget.

A lightweight double-braced plinth, 12mm glass platter, low-vibration motor, and RB330 precision tonearm create a stable base for your chosen cartridge. The Planar 3 is fully manual and does not include a phono preamp. A cartridge and compatible phono stage are required and sold separately.

Build the Vinyl Playback System You Want

Buying the Planar 3 without a cartridge gives you more control over its final sound and price. You can add a Rega moving-magnet cartridge for simple three-point mounting or choose another compatible cartridge that uses standard two-screw mounting.

Your phono input must match the cartridge. A moving-magnet cartridge requires an MM phono stage. Most moving-coil cartridges require an MC phono stage with suitable gain and loading. Some taller cartridges may also require a Rega tonearm spacer for correct arm height.

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 vertical bearing housing helps hold the cartridge steady as it moves across the record.

The tonearm includes adjustable tracking force and bias, plus a 100g steel balance weight. A low-capacitance phono cable is permanently attached 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 acrylic-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. Beneath it, 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 Without a Cartridge Right for You?

• You want to select your own cartridge: This version lets you build the Planar 3 around the cartridge and phono stage you prefer.
• You already own a compatible cartridge: It is a smart choice when moving a suitable cartridge from another turntable.
• Professional setup may be helpful: The cartridge must be mounted, aligned, balanced, and adjusted before the turntable can play records.
• 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

A cartridge is not included. Before playing records, install a compatible cartridge, align it correctly, balance the RB330 tonearm, and set the tracking force and bias to the cartridge maker’s instructions. A tonearm spacer may be needed when using a cartridge that is taller than Rega’s own models.

Connect the attached RCA cable to a phono input that matches your cartridge. If your amplifier only has standard line-level inputs, add a separate phono preamp between the turntable and amplifier.

The package includes the Gloss White Planar 3 turntable, RB330 tonearm, glass platter, felt record mat, Advanced EBLT drive belt, balance weight, and clear dustcover. A cartridge, phono preamp when required, amplification, and speakers are sold separately.

Key Features

Supplied without a cartridge
Choose the compatible moving-magnet or moving-coil cartridge that best fits your system.

RB330 precision tonearm
A one-piece aluminum arm tube and low-friction bearings give your cartridge a stable working platform.

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
• Main bearing: Redesigned brass central bearing hub
• Plinth: Lightweight acrylic laminate with double-brace construction
• Finish: High-Gloss White
• Tonearm: Rega RB330
• Balance weight: 100g milled steel
• Cartridge: Not included
• Cartridge compatibility: Compatible moving-magnet or moving-coil cartridge
• Phono cable: Attached low-capacitance cable with RCA plugs
• Built-in phono preamp: No
• 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

Award-Winning Performance

The Rega Planar 3 has received repeated Product of the Year honors from What Hi-Fi?, including awards in 2016 through 2021 and again in 2024. These awards apply to the Planar 3 platform; final performance also depends on the cartridge and phono stage you select.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this Planar 3 include a cartridge?

No. This version is supplied without a cartridge. A compatible cartridge must be purchased and installed before the turntable can play records.

Can I use a moving-coil cartridge?

Yes, if the cartridge is compatible with the RB330 tonearm. You will also need an MC phono preamp or an amplifier with a suitable moving-coil phono input.

Will every cartridge fit without a spacer?

No. Some cartridges are taller than Rega models and may require a tonearm spacer for correct arm height. Check cartridge height and mounting needs before installation.

Does the Planar 3 have a built-in phono preamp?

No. It requires a phono input or separate phono preamp that matches the type of cartridge you install.

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.

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