Rega Planar 78 Turntable - No Cartridge

A Turntable Built Only for 78 rpm Records

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. Focusing on one speed lets Rega tune the motor, platter, and tonearm purely for stable, accurate 78 playback.

This version ships without a cartridge, so you fit a model made for the wider grooves and larger stylus that 78s actually need. A standard LP cartridge is not a safe substitute here.

The RB220 tonearm, phenolic-resin platter, and 24-volt motor carry over from Rega's proven 2-speed designs. It's fully manual, with no built-in phono preamp, and connects to a phono input that matches whatever cartridge you install.

Where a Dedicated Single Speed Earns Its Keep

Built for the Groove a 78 Actually Cuts

78 rpm shellac records use wider, coarser grooves than a modern LP, and most were pressed before the industry-standard RIAA equalization curve existed — serious collectors often want a phono preamp with selectable historical EQ curves to hear these records as they were mastered.

Because no cartridge ships in the box, you can choose a dedicated 78 stylus profile, including a mono cartridge, which can meaningfully quiet surface noise and tighten the center image on these older mono pressings.

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 you dial it in correctly for whatever 78-specific cartridge you choose, since no two 78 cartridges track quite the same way.

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 to choose your own 78-specific cartridge: shipping without one means you pick the stylus profile, output, and mono/stereo type that fits your collection
• You care about correct historical playback: pairing a mono cartridge with a phono preamp that offers historical EQ curves gets closer to how these records were actually mastered
• You already have (or plan to add) a phono stage: the Planar 78 has no built-in phono preamp, so it needs a phono input that matches your chosen cartridge, 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 to a phono input or separate phono preamp that matches your chosen cartridge's type and output — moving-magnet for Rega's own recommended RB78, or whatever your selected 78-specific cartridge requires.

Before playing records, mount and align your chosen cartridge, balance the tonearm, and set tracking force and bias to that cartridge maker's own instructions. Professional installation is worth considering if you're new to cartridge setup.

Pairs Well With

What finishes the system around a Rega Planar 78:

• Phono cartridges — choose a 78-specific stylus profile, including mono options
• 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
• Audio racks — a firm, level, vibration-free shelf a turntable actually needs

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Planar 78 include a cartridge?

It doesn't. You install a compatible 78 rpm cartridge before playing records, choosing the stylus profile and output that fits your collection and system.

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.

Can I use a standard stereo LP cartridge?

It isn't recommended. Most 78s have wider grooves that need a stylus made for 78 playback, and a mono cartridge can meaningfully reduce surface noise on these older pressings.

Does it have a built-in phono preamp?

It doesn't. You need a phono input or separate phono preamp that matches whichever cartridge you install.

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.