Rega Planar 3 Turntable
Best audiophile upgrade for discerning music enthusiasts.
Experience superior vinyl playback with the Rega Planar 3, a meticulously engineered turntable for audiophiles. This award-winning design features a super-lightweight plinth, a dual-layer float glass platter, and a precision drive system for exceptional detail retrieval. The handmade RB330 tonearm, crafted with advanced CAD/CAM technology, ensures stability and accuracy. Its DSP-based Neo TT-PSU offers excellent speed stability, making it a significant upgrade for any vinyl collection. Available in multiple finishes, it provides a refined and accurate listening experience.
$1125.00
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Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
102
/ 690
#102 in Turntables & Record Players
Price vs Category Average
-74%
Below average
Tonearm
330
/ RB
Who it's for
- Discerning listeners prioritizing exceptional audio fidelity and musical engagement.
- Consumers valuing robust construction and a long-lasting, dependable audio component.
- Enthusiasts eager to customize and incrementally improve their vinyl playback system.
Who should skip it
- Listeners desiring push-button convenience for quick and easy speed changes.
- Users accustomed to automated turntable functions for convenience and record safety.
- Beginners seeking a plug-and-play setup without additional required components.
Performance breakdown
Tonearm Precision
The RB330 tonearm delivers exceptional tracking accuracy for nuanced vinyl playback.
Speed Stability
Neo TT-PSU integration ensures rock-solid rotational consistency for pitch-perfect listening.
Build Rigidity
Dual-brace design minimizes resonance to keep the signal clean and focused.
Vibration Damping
Lightweight plinth construction effectively isolates the stylus from external mechanical interference.
Setup Complexity
Manual operation and lack of built-in features require a dedicated enthusiast approach.
Upgrade Potential
Highly modular architecture allows for significant performance gains through component swapping.
Key Specs
Tonearm
RB330
Plinth
High gloss acrylic laminated
Bracing
3mm phenolic bottom brace, Phenolic top brace with metalized skin
Bearing
Re-designed brass main hub central bearing
Platter Material
12mm Float glass Optiwhite
Motor
24V with improved control PCB
Power Supply
DSP-based Neo TT-PSU
Drive Type
Belt Drive
Features
- Precision RB330 tonearm with advanced CAD design
- Rigid acrylic laminated plinth for enhanced stability
- Double brace system for superior rigidity
- High-accuracy brass main hub bearing
- Optiwhite float glass platter for clarity
- Upgraded 24V motor with advanced speed control
- DSP-based Neo TT-PSU for stellar speed control
- Manual operation for precise control
What customers say
Customers consistently laud the Rega Planar 3 for its outstanding audio quality and sophisticated, minimalist design. Reviewers frequently highlight its ability to produce a rich, detailed, and immersive soundstage, often describing it as a significant upgrade for serious listeners. The turntable's robust build and elegant aesthetics are also highly praised, contributing to a sense of lasting value and reliable performance. Many consider it a benchmark product, offering exceptional sonic performance that belies its price point, making it a beloved choice for audiophiles seeking purity and precision.
Know before you buy
The Planar 3 is often sold as a turntable-only unit, though many retailers offer bundles with Rega's ND3 or ND5 cartridges. It is best to check your specific listing to see if a cartridge is included or if you need to purchase one separately.
While it is a manual turntable, the setup is straightforward. You will need to balance the tonearm and set the tracking force, but Rega provides clear instructions that make the process manageable even if you are new to high-fidelity audio.
The Neo TT-PSU provides a stable power supply that ensures consistent motor speed, which reduces wow and flutter. It also allows you to switch between 33 and 45 RPM electronically, so you do not have to manually move the belt on the pulley.
Yes, the Planar 3 is highly modular. You can easily upgrade the cartridge, add an external power supply, or even swap out the drive belt for a performance version as your system evolves.
No, the Planar 3 does not include a built-in phono stage. You will need to connect it to an external phono preamp or an amplifier that features a dedicated 'Phono' input to achieve the correct volume and equalization.
The phenolic braces increase the rigidity of the plinth between the tonearm mounting and the main bearing. This stiffness prevents energy absorption and unwanted resonances, resulting in a cleaner, more detailed sound from your records.
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