The Rega Planar 3 is a precision belt-drive turntable supplied in this configuration without a cartridge, allowing the user to select a cartridge according to their preferred system and listening requirements. It features Rega's hand-assembled RB330 precision tonearm, lightweight high-rigidity plinth with double-brace technology, 24 V low-noise motor, Advanced EBLT drive belt and 12 mm Optiwhite polished glass platter.
The RB330 is a hand-assembled precision tonearm developed using 3D CAD and CAM design techniques. Its redesigned bearing housing and carefully distributed tonearm mass are designed to minimise resonance while the high-precision bearings provide stable, low-friction movement.
| Tonearm | Rega RB330 |
|---|---|
| Type | Precision Tonearm |
| Assembly | Hand Assembled |
| Bearing System | High-Precision Low-Friction Bearings |
This version of the Planar 3 is supplied without a cartridge. This allows the turntable to be paired with a compatible moving magnet or moving coil cartridge according to the rest of the audio system. The RB330 tonearm supports cartridge installation and adjustment using the appropriate cartridge manufacturer's specifications.
Because the cartridge is not included, the final cartridge choice determines whether the system requires an MM or MC phono stage. Rega's documentation confirms that the tonearm's external phono leads must be connected to a suitable phono stage, with the required stage depending on the cartridge type selected.
| Cartridge | Not Included |
|---|---|
| Cartridge Type | Selected Separately |
| Cartridge Mounting | Rega Tonearm Compatible |
| Phono Stage | Required |
The Planar 3 uses a 24 V low-noise motor designed to provide stable platter rotation while limiting unwanted motor vibration. The turntable can also be upgraded with the optional Rega Neo power supply, which adds electronic speed control and an advanced anti-vibration motor circuit.
| Motor | 24 V Low-Noise Motor |
|---|---|
| Drive System | Belt Drive |
| Playback Speeds | 33⅓ RPM / 45 RPM |
| Optional Upgrade | Rega Neo Power Supply |
The Advanced EBLT drive belt is fitted as standard and transfers drive from the motor pulley to the sub-platter. It is designed to provide accurate and stable rotational performance.
The Planar 3 uses a 12 mm Optiwhite polished glass platter. The rigid glass construction provides a stable record-supporting surface while maintaining Rega's lightweight, high-rigidity design approach.
| Material | Optiwhite 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. This creates a rigid structural assembly while avoiding unnecessary mass across the entire plinth.
The redesigned brass main hub central bearing is engineered for improved fit and construction, helping reduce stress within the bearing while maintaining accurate platter rotation.
The Planar 3 does not include a built-in phono stage. Since this configuration is supplied without a cartridge, the required phono stage depends on the cartridge selected. An MM phono stage is required for an MM cartridge, while an appropriate MC phono stage is required for a compatible moving coil cartridge.
| Built-In Phono Stage | No |
|---|---|
| Cartridge | Not Included |
| MM Cartridge | Use an MM Phono Stage |
| MC Cartridge | Use a Compatible MC Phono Stage |
| Connection | RCA / Phono |
The Planar 3 provides a standard RCA / phono connection from the tonearm. The signal must be connected to an appropriate external phono stage before being sent to a standard line-level input on an amplifier or active audio system.
| Audio Output | RCA / Phono |
|---|---|
| Cartridge | Not Included |
| Phono Stage | External Phono Stage Required |
| Power Upgrade | Mini-DIN for Optional 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 |
The official Rega specification lists the Planar 3 dimensions as 447 × 117 × 360 mm with the lid closed and a weight of 6.0 kg.