The Rega Planar 3 Nd3 MM combines Rega's established Planar 3 platform with the hand-assembled RB330 precision tonearm and factory-fitted Nd3 moving magnet cartridge. The turntable features Rega's lightweight rigid plinth, double-brace construction, 24 V low-noise motor, Advanced EBLT drive belt and 12 mm Optiwhite polished glass platter. This configuration does not include a built-in phono stage, so an external MM phono pre-amplifier or an amplifier with a dedicated MM phono input is required.
The RB330 is Rega's hand-assembled precision tonearm, designed to provide accurate cartridge tracking with low-friction bearing movement. Its rigid construction and carefully controlled mass distribution complement the Planar 3's lightweight plinth design.
| Tonearm | Rega RB330 |
|---|---|
| Type | Precision Tonearm |
| Assembly | Hand Assembled |
| Bearing System | High-Precision Low-Friction Bearings |
The Rega Nd3 is a handmade moving magnet cartridge developed around Rega's new Nd-series generator technology. It uses a powerful neodymium magnet, miniaturised parallel coils and a lightweight rigid glass-filled PPS body. The cartridge is fitted with an aluminium cantilever and bonded elliptical stylus, and uses Rega's three-point mounting system.
| Cartridge | Rega Nd3 |
|---|---|
| Type | Moving Magnet (MM) |
| Magnet | Neodymium |
| Stylus Profile | Bonded Elliptical |
| Cantilever | Aluminium |
| Body | Glass-Filled PPS |
| Mounting | Rega 3-Point Mounting System |
| Recommended Tracking Pressure | 1.75 g |
| Installation | Factory Fitted |
The Planar 3 uses a 24 V low-noise, low-vibration motor designed to provide stable platter rotation while minimising unwanted mechanical vibration. The motor control PCB also allows connection to the optional Rega Neo power supply for electronic speed control and enhanced anti-vibration motor control.
| Motor | 24 V Low-Noise Motor |
|---|---|
| Drive Method | Belt Drive |
| Playback Speeds | 33⅓ RPM / 45 RPM |
| Optional Upgrade | Rega Neo Power Supply |
The Advanced EBLT drive belt is supplied as standard. It transfers drive from the motor pulley to the sub-platter and is designed to provide accurate and stable rotational performance.
The Planar 3 uses a 12 mm float-glass Optiwhite platter with a polished edge. Its rigid construction provides a stable record-supporting surface while complementing the Planar 3's lightweight design philosophy.
| Material | Optiwhite Float Glass |
|---|---|
| Thickness | 12 mm |
| Edge | Polished |
Rega's double-brace technology reinforces the critical area between the tonearm mounting point and the main hub bearing. By concentrating structural reinforcement where it is most effective, the design maintains a lightweight plinth while increasing rigidity and reducing unwanted resonance.
The Planar 3 incorporates a precision main bearing assembly designed to maintain accurate platter rotation and minimise unwanted mechanical energy transfer through the bearing system.
The Planar 3 Nd3 MM does not have a built-in phono stage. Since the supplied Nd3 is a moving magnet cartridge, the turntable requires an external MM phono pre-amplifier or an amplifier/receiver equipped with a dedicated MM phono input. It should not be connected directly to a normal line-level input without appropriate phono amplification.
| Cartridge Type | Moving Magnet (MM) |
|---|---|
| Built-In Phono Stage | No |
| Required | MM Phono Pre-Amplifier |
| Alternative | Amplifier with Dedicated MM Phono Input |
The Planar 3 is available in High-Gloss White, High-Gloss Black, High-Gloss Red and Light Oak Effect finishes, subject to market availability. The Nd3 factory-fitted configuration uses the same Planar 3 platform and engineering across the available finishes.
| Finish | High-Gloss White |
|---|---|
| Finish | High-Gloss Black |
| Finish | High-Gloss Red |
| Finish | Light Oak Effect |
| Dust Cover | Clear |
The Planar 3 provides a standard RCA / phono output. The Nd3 cartridge signal must be connected to an appropriate MM phono stage before entering a standard line-level input on an amplifier or active audio system.
| Audio Output | RCA / Phono |
|---|---|
| Cartridge | Rega Nd3 MM |
| Phono Stage | External MM Phono Stage Required |
| Optional Power Connection | Mini-DIN for Rega Neo PSU |
| Width | 447 mm / 44.7 cm |
|---|---|
| Height | 117 mm / 11.7 cm |
| Depth | 360 mm / 36 cm |
| Turntable Weight | 6.0 kg |
Dimensions are specified with the dust cover closed. The official Rega specification lists the Planar 3 at 447 × 117 × 360 mm and 6.0 kg.