Rega Planar 78 Turntable - Black, RB78 Mono Cartridge

Rediscover Your 78 rpm Record Collection

The Rega Planar 78 is a single-speed turntable made only for 78 rpm records. This package includes Rega’s RB78 mono moving-magnet cartridge, giving you a complete pickup system designed for the wider grooves found on vintage 78s.

The Planar 78 combines a hand-assembled RB220 tonearm, phenolic-resin platter, Advanced EBLT drive belt, and low-noise 24-volt motor. Its simple, purpose-built design is a fine choice for collectors of early jazz, blues, classical, popular, and vocal recordings.

Play 78s with a Purpose-Built Mono Cartridge

The included Rega RB78 is a mono moving-magnet cartridge made for 78 rpm records. Unlike a standard stereo cartridge made for modern LPs, it is designed to follow the wider grooves used on older recordings.

Its mono generator helps create a firm center image while reducing noise caused by unwanted vertical groove movement. The RB78 is internally wired for mono playback and sends the recording through your audio system without requiring a dedicated mono amplifier.

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 cartridge follow the groove while its stiff bearing housing keeps the stylus steady.

Rega’s three-point tonearm mounting system improves stability without placing extra stress on the lightweight plinth. The tonearm has automatic bias, so you only need to balance the arm and set the RB78 tracking force to the recommended 1.75g.

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 gradual start is part of a design focused on steady playback rather than instant startup. A lightweight plinth and precision main bearing complete the simple, durable design.

Is the Rega Planar 78 with RB78 Right for You?

• Made for dedicated 78 collectors: It provides a complete playback system for shellac and other 78 rpm records.
• Correct cartridge included: The RB78 mono moving-magnet cartridge is designed for the wider grooves used on 78s.
• Single-speed design: The Planar 78 plays only 78 rpm records. It does not play 33⅓ or 45 rpm records.
• MM phono stage required: Connect it to a moving-magnet phono input or add a separate MM phono preamp.
• 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 RB78 cartridge must be mounted correctly on the RB220 tonearm. Balance the tonearm and set the tracking force to 1.75g before playing a record. The tonearm’s bias is automatic and does not require a separate adjustment.

Connect the attached RCA phono cable to a moving-magnet phono input. If your amplifier only has a standard AUX or line-level input, add an MM phono preamp between the turntable and amplifier.

Some early 78 rpm records were made before the modern RIAA equalization standard. A standard MM phono input will play them, but serious collectors may want a phono preamp with selectable historic equalization curves.

The package includes the Matt Black Planar 78 turntable, Rega RB78 mono cartridge, RB220 tonearm, phenolic-resin platter, Advanced EBLT drive belt, record mat, balance weight, alignment protractor, and clear dustcover. A 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.

Rega RB78 mono cartridge included
The moving-magnet cartridge is designed for the wider grooves found on vintage 78s.

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

Automatic tonearm bias
Setup is simpler because no separate anti-skate adjustment is required.

Phenolic-resin flywheel platter
The lightweight platter helps maintain steady rotation after reaching full speed.

24-volt motor and Advanced EBLT belt
The dedicated drive system supports stable and reliable 78 rpm playback.

Specifications

• Drive system: Belt drive
• Operation: Manual
• Speed: 78 rpm only
• Supported record speed: 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
• Tonearm bias: Automatic
• Included cartridge: Rega RB78 mono moving magnet
• Cartridge use: Designed for 78 rpm records
• Recommended tracking force: 1.75g
• Built-in phono preamp: No
• Required phono input: Moving magnet
• Audio connection: Attached 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

Is the Rega RB78 cartridge included?

Yes. This package includes the Rega RB78 mono moving-magnet cartridge designed for 78 rpm records.

Can the Planar 78 play regular 33⅓ or 45 rpm records?

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

Do I need a special phono preamp?

The RB78 works with a standard moving-magnet phono input. A phono preamp with selectable historic equalization curves is optional and may improve playback of some early recordings.

Does the Planar 78 have a built-in phono preamp?

No. Connect it to an MM phono input or use a separate moving-magnet phono preamp.

Why does it 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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