Rega Planar 78 Turntable - Black, RB78 Mono Cartridge

A Turntable Built Only for 78 rpm Records, with the Cartridge Included

The Rega Planar 78 is a single-speed belt-drive turntable made only for 78 rpm shellac records — it does not play 33⅓ or 45 rpm LPs at all. This version ships with Rega's own RB78 moving-magnet mono cartridge factory-fitted on its RB220 tonearm.

Focusing on one speed lets Rega tune the motor, platter, and tonearm purely for stable, accurate 78 playback. The RB78's mono design and stylus profile are built specifically for the wider, coarser grooves that 78s actually cut.

It's fully manual, with no built-in phono preamp, and connects to a standard MM phono input on your amplifier or a separate moving-magnet phono stage, never straight into a line-level input.

Where the RB78 Mono Cartridge Earns Its Keep

A Cartridge Built for 78s, Not Adapted to Them

The RB78 uses Rega's three-point mounting system and a stylus profile sized for 78 rpm grooves, rather than a modern LP stylus that would sit too deep and pick up extra noise in a groove it was never shaped for.

Its mono design sums both channels together, which can meaningfully quiet surface noise and vertical rumble that a stereo cartridge would otherwise pick up from an old shellac pressing's worn or damaged groove walls.

A Slower Start, on Purpose

The Planar 78 typically takes 10 to 15 seconds to reach full speed, a deliberate tradeoff: the phenolic-resin platter's flywheel effect favors rock-steady speed once it's spinning over a fast startup.

The RB220 tonearm's adjustable tracking force and bias let Rega dial in the RB78 correctly at the factory, though many 78 collectors still prefer a phono preamp with selectable historical EQ curves for pre-RIAA pressings.

Who Is the Rega Planar 78 Best For?

• You collect 78 rpm shellac records: a dedicated single-speed deck gives these older, more delicate pressings a turntable tuned only for them
• You want the cartridge decision made for you: the RB78 mono cartridge arrives factory-mounted and aligned, matched specifically to 78 rpm grooves
• You care about correct historical playback: the RB78's mono design quiets surface noise on old pressings, and pairing it with a phono preamp offering historical EQ curves gets closer to how these records were mastered
• You already have (or plan to add) a phono stage: the Planar 78 has no built-in phono preamp, so it needs an MM phono input on your amp, or a separate Phono preamplifiers
• You want shellac done properly — one correct speed, and the right 78 stylus for records cut that way

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. Many 78 collectors also look for a preamp with selectable historical EQ curves.

The RB78 arrives already mounted and aligned. Balance the tonearm and set tracking force and bias to Rega's specification for the RB78 during setup, then place the turntable on a firm, level surface.

Pairs Well With

What finishes the system around a Rega Planar 78:

• Phono preamplifiers — look for one with selectable historical EQ curves for pre-RIAA 78s
• Record cleaning machines — older shellac pressings benefit even more from a clean groove
• 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

Is the RB78 cartridge already installed?

Yes. Rega mounts and aligns it at the factory. You still balance the tonearm and set tracking force and bias to Rega's specification during setup.

Can it play regular 33⅓ or 45 rpm records?

It can't. The Planar 78 is a dedicated single-speed turntable built only for 78 rpm playback.

Why a mono cartridge instead of stereo?

A mono cartridge sums both channels together, which can meaningfully reduce surface noise and vertical rumble on older, worn 78 rpm pressings.

Does it have a built-in phono preamp?

It doesn't. Connect it to an MM phono input, or add a separate moving-magnet phono preamp.

Why does it take several seconds to reach full speed?

The motor and flywheel-effect platter favor stable long-term playback over instant startup. Rega states the Planar 78 normally takes 10 to 15 seconds to reach full speed.

See It in Action

A focused look at the Rega Planar 78 turntable:

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Learn More

Want to learn more about turntable setup, phono preamps, or building a system for 78 rpm records? Visit our Learning Center for guides, tips, and expert advice.