The Rega Planar 3 Nd5 MM combines Rega's acclaimed Planar 3 turntable platform with the precision RB330 tonearm and factory-fitted Nd5 moving magnet cartridge. Its lightweight rigid plinth, double-brace construction, 24 V low-noise motor, Advanced EBLT drive belt and 12 mm Optiwhite polished glass platter are designed to provide a stable and controlled foundation for analogue playback. 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 very low friction. Its rigid construction and carefully distributed mass complement the lightweight Planar 3 plinth.
| Tonearm | Rega RB330 |
|---|---|
| Assembly | Hand Assembled |
| Type | Precision Tonearm |
The Rega Nd5 is a moving magnet cartridge supplied factory fitted to the Planar 3 in this configuration. It uses a low-mass body, aluminium cantilever and a perfect elliptical nude diamond stylus. Its three-point mounting system is designed specifically around Rega tonearms and simplifies accurate installation.
| Cartridge | Rega Nd5 |
|---|---|
| Type | Moving Magnet (MM) |
| Stylus | Perfect Elliptical Nude Diamond |
| Cantilever | Aluminium |
| Fixing | 3-Point Mounting |
| Nominal Output | 5–6 mV |
| Tracking Pressure | 1.75 g |
The Planar 3 uses a 24 V low-noise motor designed to minimise unwanted vibration and maintain stable platter rotation. The motor control electronics also allow the turntable to be upgraded with the optional Rega Neo power supply.
| Motor | 24 V Low-Noise Motor |
|---|---|
| Drive Method | Belt Drive |
| Playback Speeds | 33⅓ RPM / 45 RPM |
| Upgrade | Compatible with Rega Neo Power Supply |
The Advanced EBLT drive belt is fitted as standard. It works with the motor pulley and sub-platter to provide accurate and stable rotational drive.
A 12 mm Optiwhite polished glass platter provides the record-supporting surface. Its rigid construction and polished edge contribute to the Planar 3's mechanical stability and distinctive appearance.
| Material | Optiwhite Glass |
|---|---|
| Thickness | 12 mm |
| Finish | Polished Edge |
Rega's double-brace technology reinforces the critical area between the tonearm mounting point and the main hub bearing. Instead of adding unnecessary mass to the complete plinth, the reinforcement is concentrated where structural rigidity is most important.
The Planar 3 incorporates Rega's precision main bearing assembly with a brass housing. The bearing is designed to maintain accurate platter rotation while controlling unwanted mechanical energy within the turntable.
The Planar 3 Nd5 MM does not include a built-in phono stage. Because the supplied Nd5 is an MM cartridge, the turntable must be connected to a compatible MM phono pre-amplifier or an amplifier/receiver with a dedicated MM phono input. It should not be connected directly to a standard 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 standard Planar 3 is available in High-Gloss White, High-Gloss Black, High-Gloss Red and Light Oak Effect finishes, subject to market availability. All versions use the same Planar 3 engineering platform.
| 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 from the Nd5 cartridge. The signal must pass through an MM phono stage before being connected to a standard line-level amplifier input.
| Audio Output | RCA / Phono |
|---|---|
| Cartridge | Rega Nd5 MM |
| Phono Stage | External MM Phono Stage Required |
| Power Upgrade Connection | Mini-DIN for Optional Neo PSU |
| Width | 447 mm / 44.7 cm |
|---|---|
| Height | 117 mm / 11.7 cm |
| Depth | 360 mm / 36 cm |
| Turntable Weight | 6.0 kg |