Rega Planar 2 Turntable – Rega Carbon MM Cartridge & RB220 Tonearm
The Rega Planar 2 is a thoughtfully engineered belt-drive turntable designed to extract greater detail, clarity and musical expression from your record collection while keeping setup straightforward. Featuring the hand-assembled RB220 tonearm, a low-noise 24V motor, an advanced EBLT drive belt and a high-precision 10mm float-glass platter, the Planar 2 offers a significant performance upgrade for serious vinyl listening.
Supplied with a factory-fitted Rega Carbon moving-magnet cartridge, the Planar 2 is ready to use with minimal adjustment. Its rigid plinth, precision main bearing and redesigned isolation feet help control unwanted vibration and support stable, accurate playback. Available in Gloss Black, Gloss White, Gloss Red and Walnut Effect finishes, the Planar 2 combines refined engineering with a clean, contemporary appearance.
Key Features
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RB220 Precision Tonearm: Hand-assembled tonearm featuring ultra-low-friction bearings, a rigid one-piece arm tube and adjustable bias for accurate tracking and reliable performance.
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Factory-Fitted Rega Carbon Cartridge: Supplied with a Rega Carbon moving-magnet cartridge for convenient plug-and-play vinyl playback.
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Cartridge Upgrade Potential: The standard Rega Carbon cartridge can be upgraded later to a compatible higher-performance moving-magnet cartridge, including the Rega Nd3.
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24V Low-Noise Motor: Precision synchronous motor designed to reduce vibration and maintain stable platter rotation.
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Advanced EBLT Drive Belt: Improved belt construction supports consistent speed accuracy and dependable performance.
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10mm Float-Glass Platter: High-precision Optiwhite glass platter provides excellent rotational stability and helps reduce unwanted resonance.
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Rigid Plinth Construction: Lightweight and rigid plinth design helps prevent energy absorption and unwanted vibration from affecting playback.
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Precision Brass Main Bearing: Self-securing brass bearing housing supports smooth and stable platter rotation.
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Redesigned Isolation Feet: Improved feet help reduce vibration transfer from furniture, flooring and nearby loudspeakers.
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Simple Setup: Factory-installed cartridge, pre-assembled tonearm and straightforward balance-weight adjustment make installation quick and convenient.
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Protective Dust Cover: Supplied with a hinged dust cover to protect the platter, tonearm and cartridge when not in use.
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Multiple Finish Options: Available in Gloss Black, Gloss White, Gloss Red and Walnut Effect.
Technical Specifications
| Product Type |
Belt-Drive Turntable |
| Tonearm |
Hand-Assembled Rega RB220 |
| Cartridge |
Factory-Fitted Rega Carbon Moving-Magnet Cartridge |
| Cartridge Upgrade Option |
Compatible with suitable MM cartridges, including the Rega Nd3 |
| Motor |
24V Low-Noise Synchronous Motor |
| Drive Principle |
Belt Drive |
| Drive Belt |
Advanced Rega EBLT Belt |
| Platter |
10mm Optiwhite Float-Glass Platter |
| Main Bearing |
11mm Self-Securing Brass Main Bearing Housing |
| Speeds |
33⅓ and 45 RPM |
| Speed Change |
Manual Belt Position Change |
| Phono Stage |
Not Built In |
| Audio Output |
Phono-Level Stereo RCA Output |
| Dimensions with Lid Closed |
447 × 117 × 360mm (W × H × D) |
| Weight |
Approximately 5.5kg |
| Finish Options |
Gloss Black, Gloss White, Gloss Red and Walnut Effect |
System Requirements
The Rega Planar 2 does not include a built-in phono preamplifier. It must be connected to one of the following:
- An amplifier or receiver with a dedicated moving-magnet phono input
- An external MM phono preamplifier connected to a standard AUX or line-level input
- Powered speakers used with a compatible external phono stage
Do not connect the Planar 2 directly to a standard AUX, CD or line-level input unless an external phono stage is placed between the turntable and the amplifier or powered speakers.
What’s Included
- Rega Planar 2 Turntable
- Rega RB220 Tonearm
- Factory-Fitted Rega Carbon MM Cartridge
- 10mm Optiwhite Glass Platter
- Felt Platter Mat
- Advanced EBLT Drive Belt
- Balance Weight
- Protective Dust Cover
- Power Supply
- Quick-Start Guide
- User Documentation
Awards and Reviews
The Rega Planar 2 has received widespread recognition from specialist audio publications for its build quality, musical presentation and overall value. It is frequently praised as an excellent upgrade from basic entry-level turntables and as a strong foundation for a high-quality vinyl playback system.
Perfect For
- Vinyl enthusiasts upgrading from an entry-level turntable
- First-time buyers seeking a high-quality, easy-to-use vinyl system
- Listeners building a dedicated stereo Hi-Fi setup
- Audiophiles seeking detailed and balanced playback without complicated setup
- Users who want the flexibility to upgrade the cartridge later
- Music lovers seeking a stylish turntable in multiple finish options
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Rega Planar 2 have a built-in phono stage?
No. The Planar 2 outputs a phono-level signal and requires an amplifier with a moving-magnet phono input or a separate external MM phono preamplifier.
Can the cartridge be upgraded later?
Yes. The factory-fitted Rega Carbon cartridge can be replaced with a compatible higher-performance moving-magnet cartridge, such as the Rega Nd3. Cartridge alignment and tracking-force adjustment should be completed carefully during installation.
Can it connect directly to powered speakers?
Only when the powered speakers include a compatible moving-magnet phono input. Otherwise, an external MM phono preamplifier is required between the turntable and the powered speakers.
Does it play both 33⅓ and 45 RPM records?
Yes. The Planar 2 supports both 33⅓ and 45 RPM playback. Speed is changed manually by repositioning the drive belt on the motor pulley.
Is the Rega Carbon cartridge already installed?
Yes. The Rega Carbon moving-magnet cartridge is factory fitted, making initial setup easier and reducing the need for cartridge alignment before first use.
Care and Maintenance
- Keep the dust cover closed when the turntable is not in use.
- Clean the stylus gently using a suitable stylus brush.
- Use a record-cleaning brush before playback to remove dust from the record surface.
- Place the turntable on a stable, level and vibration-resistant surface.
- Avoid positioning the turntable directly beside or on the same surface as large loudspeakers.
- Do not move, tilt or lift the turntable while the platter is rotating.
- Replace the stylus or cartridge when excessive wear becomes noticeable.
- Keep the drive belt and platter free from oil, moisture and cleaning chemicals.