Rega Planar 78 Turntable

Give Your 78 rpm Record Collection a Turntable of Its Own

The Rega Planar 78 is a single-speed turntable made only for 78 rpm records. Its dedicated design lets Rega focus on the parts needed for stable speed, accurate tracking, and easy operation. It is a fine choice for collectors who want more from treasured jazz, blues, classical, and vocal recordings pressed at 78 rpm.

This version is supplied without a cartridge. You will need to add a compatible cartridge with a stylus made for the wider grooves found on 78 rpm records. A standard cartridge made for modern LPs is not recommended.

Choose the Right Cartridge for Your 78s

Buying the Planar 78 without a cartridge lets you select the model that best suits your records and audio system. Rega recommends its RB78 moving-magnet mono cartridge, which uses Rega’s three-point mounting system and is designed for 78 rpm grooves.

Other compatible 78 rpm cartridges can also be used. A mono cartridge can reduce noise and provide a more stable center image when playing mono records. Your phono input or separate phono preamp must match the type and output of the cartridge you install.

Track Older Records with the RB220 Tonearm

The hand-assembled RB220 tonearm uses a custom aluminum arm tube and carefully selected bearings. Its low-friction movement helps the stylus follow the groove while the stiff bearing housing keeps the cartridge steady.

The tonearm includes adjustable tracking force and bias, allowing it to be set for your chosen cartridge. Its fixed headshell adds rigidity but does not allow quick cartridge swaps. The cartridge must be mounted, aligned, and adjusted before the turntable can play records.

Maintain Stable 78 rpm Playback

A low-noise 24-volt motor turns the platter through Rega’s Advanced EBLT drive belt. The phenolic-resin platter uses a flywheel effect to help maintain stable speed once it reaches 78 rpm.

The turntable normally takes about 10 to 15 seconds to reach full speed. This slower start is part of a design focused on steady playback instead of fast startup. A lightweight plinth and precision main bearing complete the simple, purpose-built design.

Is the Rega Planar 78 Right for You?

• Made for dedicated 78 collectors: It provides a separate playback system for shellac and other 78 rpm records.
• Cartridge choice is yours: Select a compatible cartridge with a stylus made for the wider grooves used on 78 rpm records.
• Single-speed design: The Planar 78 plays only 78 rpm records. It does not play 33⅓ or 45 rpm records.
• Phono stage required: Use a phono input or separate phono preamp that matches your chosen cartridge.
• 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 78 rpm cartridge, align it correctly, balance the tonearm, and set the tracking force and bias to the cartridge maker’s instructions. Professional installation is recommended if you are not familiar with cartridge setup.

Connect the turntable’s RCA cable to a compatible phono input or separate phono preamp. The optional Rega RB78 cartridge is a moving-magnet design and works with an MM phono input. Some early 78 rpm records were made before the modern RIAA equalization standard, so serious collectors may want a phono preamp with selectable historic equalization curves.

The package includes the Matt Black Planar 78 turntable, RB220 tonearm, phenolic-resin platter, Advanced EBLT drive belt, record mat, balance weight, and clear dustcover. A cartridge, phono preamp when needed, amplifier, and speakers are sold separately.

Key Features

Dedicated 78 rpm playback
The single-speed design is made solely for playing 78 rpm records.

Supplied without a cartridge
Choose the compatible 78 rpm cartridge that best fits your records and system.

Hand-assembled RB220 tonearm
The aluminum arm tube and low-friction bearings provide a stable platform for your cartridge.

Phenolic-resin flywheel platter
The lightweight platter helps maintain steady rotation after the turntable reaches full speed.

24-volt low-noise motor
The dedicated motor system is designed for stable 78 rpm playback.

Advanced EBLT drive belt
Rega’s carefully made belt supports consistent speed and reliable performance.

Specifications

• Drive system: Belt drive
• Operation: Manual
• Speed: 78 rpm only
• Supported record speeds: 78 rpm
• Unsupported record speeds: 33⅓ and 45 rpm
• Motor: 24-volt low-noise motor
• Drive belt: Rega Advanced EBLT
• Platter: Phenolic resin with flywheel effect
• Tonearm: Hand-assembled Rega RB220
• Cartridge: Not included
• Recommended cartridge: Rega RB78 mono moving magnet, sold separately
• Required stylus type: Stylus designed for 78 rpm record grooves
• Built-in phono preamp: No
• Audio connection: Attached stereo RCA phono cable
• Finish: Matt Black
• Startup time: Approximately 10–15 seconds to reach full speed
• Dimensions with lid closed: 17.6 inches wide by 4.6 inches high by 14.2 inches deep
• Weight: Approximately 9.3 lb.
• Dustcover: Clear dustcover included

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Planar 78 include a cartridge?

No. This version is supplied without a cartridge. You must install a compatible 78 rpm cartridge before playing records.

Can it play regular 33⅓ or 45 rpm records?

No. The Planar 78 is a dedicated single-speed turntable that plays only 78 rpm records.

Can I use a standard stereo LP cartridge?

A standard LP cartridge is not recommended. Most 78 rpm records have wider grooves and need a larger stylus made for 78 playback. A mono 78 cartridge can also help reduce noise.

Does it have a built-in phono preamp?

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

Why does the turntable take several seconds to reach full speed?

The motor and flywheel-effect platter are designed for stable playback rather than instant startup. Rega states that reaching full 78 rpm speed normally takes 10 to 15 seconds.

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