Rega Planar 8 Turntable with Neo PSU Power Supply - No Cartridge

A Skeletal Turntable, Ready for the Cartridge You Choose

The Rega Planar 8 draws directly on Rega's ultra-high-end Naiad project, translating that no-compromise engineering into a production turntable. This version ships without a cartridge, so you choose the model that best fits your system and budget.

A triple-layer float-glass platter and Neo MK2 power supply, included as standard equipment, round out the design. The Neo MK2 provides push-button electronic 33⅓/45 rpm switching, fine speed adjustment, and an anti-vibration motor circuit.

The RB880 tonearm uses Rega's standard three-point mounting system, so any properly matched cartridge bolts on the same way Rega's own Nd7, Nd9, Ania Pro, and Apheta 3 do once it's fitted.

Where a Blank Tonearm Earns Its Keep

Choose the Cartridge That Fits Your System

Shipping without a cartridge means you aren't paying for one you don't want, and can start with any moving-magnet or moving-coil cartridge that matches the RB880's mounting system — including a model you already own from a previous turntable.

Your cartridge choice determines which phono preamp you'll actually need: a moving-magnet cartridge needs an MM input, while most moving-coil cartridges need a compatible MC input with the right gain and loading set correctly.

An RB880 Tonearm, With Nearly Zero Play

The RB880 uses preloaded, zero-tolerance bearings adjusted to less than one-thousandth of a millimeter, giving it nearly friction-free movement with essentially no unwanted play at all anywhere in the finished assembly.

A low-capacitance phono cable terminates in locking RCA plugs rather than standard friction-fit ones, for a noticeably more secure connection to whatever phono preamp you eventually decide to pair it with over the long term.

What Reviewers Are Saying

AVForums called the Planar 8 "the current Best in Class," representing "the state of the art for vinyl performance at the price" while remaining "very well made" and "easy to setup and use."

Who Is the Rega Planar 8 Best For?

• You already own a cartridge you want to keep using: mount it straight onto the RB880's standard three-point fitting instead of paying for one you'd have to remove
• You want to choose your own cartridge from the start: from a moving-magnet upgrade to a reference moving-coil model, the choice is yours rather than fixed at the factory
• You want a genuinely top-rated chassis: AVForums named the Planar 8 the current Best in Class for vinyl performance at its price
• You already have (or plan to add) a phono stage: the Planar 8 has no built-in phono preamp, and the preamp you need depends entirely on the cartridge you choose
• You're comfortable mounting and aligning a cartridge yourself, or having a dealer do it: no cartridge is included, so budget time (or professional help) for mounting, alignment, and tracking-force setup. Browse our phono cartridges if you need to choose one

How Does It Connect to Your System?

The attached RCA cable needs a phono preamp that matches your cartridge's type and output. Never connect the Planar 8 straight into a standard line-level input.

After mounting your chosen cartridge, balance the tonearm and set tracking force and bias to that cartridge maker's own instructions. Some cartridges taller than Rega's own may need a tonearm spacer for correct playing height.

Pairs Well With

What finishes the system around a Rega Planar 8:

• Phono cartridges — the RB880 pairs especially well with Rega's own three-point cartridges
• Phono preamplifiers — choose MM or MC gain to match whichever cartridge you mount
• Audio racks — a firm, level, vibration-free shelf a turntable like this actually needs
• Record cleaning machines — a clean groove matters even more once resolution stops being the limiting factor

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Planar 8 have a built-in phono preamp?

It doesn't. The preamp you need depends on your chosen cartridge: an MM input for moving-magnet, or a compatible MC input for moving-coil.

Does this version include a cartridge?

This version ships without one, so you can mount a cartridge you already own or choose a new one to fit your budget and system.

Which cartridge should I choose?

Any properly matched moving-magnet or moving-coil cartridge works on the RB880. Rega's own Nd7, Nd9, Ania Pro, and Apheta 3 are natural starting points, and our phono cartridges collection covers other brands too.

Does the Neo MK2 power supply come standard?

Yes. It ships as standard equipment on every Planar 8, cartridge or no cartridge.

Will every cartridge fit without a spacer?

Not necessarily. Some cartridges sit taller than Rega's own and may need a tonearm spacer for correct playing height — worth checking before you buy.

See It in Action

Audio Advisor takes a closer look at the Rega Planar 8:

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Learn More

Want to learn more about turntable setup, choosing a cartridge, or getting the most from a reference-caliber turntable? Visit our Learning Center for guides, tips, and expert advice.