Rega Planar 3 Turntable - Black - No Cartridge

A Belt-Drive Turntable, Ready for the Cartridge You Choose

The Rega Planar 3 is a 2-speed belt-drive turntable built around a double-braced acrylic-laminated plinth, a 12mm float-glass platter, and a low-vibration 24-volt motor. This version ships without a cartridge, so you choose and mount one yourself.

The RB330 tonearm uses Rega's standard fixed-headshell fitting and three-point mounting system, so any properly matched moving-magnet cartridge bolts on the same way Rega's own Nd3 and Nd5 cartridges do.

The Planar 3 is fully manual, with no built-in phono preamp, and connects to an MM phono input or a separate moving-magnet phono stage instead. It ships in Black or White.

Where a Blank Tonearm Earns Its Keep

Choose the Cartridge That Fits Your System

Shipping without a cartridge means you aren't paying for one you don't want, and can start with any moving-magnet cartridge that matches the RB330's mounting system — including a model you already own from a previous turntable.

Rega's three-point mounting system holds the cartridge firmly aligned once it's fitted, but getting there is a manual job: mounting, aligning, and setting tracking force and anti-skate to whatever your chosen cartridge's own spec sheet calls for.

An RB330 Tonearm, Built to Hold Still

The hand-assembled RB330 tonearm uses a one-piece aluminum arm tube shaped to control unwanted vibration while keeping moving mass low. A stiff bearing housing keeps whatever cartridge you mount steady as it tracks across the record.

A low-capacitance phono cable runs from the tonearm to a set of RCA plugs. The fixed headshell adds rigidity, but rules out quick cartridge swaps. Rega chose this design on purpose, not as a shortcut.

A Light, Rigid Plinth Instead of a Heavy One

Rega builds the Planar 3 around a double-braced, lightweight laminated plinth rather than a heavy base, joining the tonearm mount to the main bearing hub for stiffness exactly where it matters.

A 12mm Optiwhite float-glass platter sits on a redesigned subplatter and brass main-bearing hub. Rega's Advanced EBLT belt and a 24-volt low-vibration motor turn it smoothly, quietly, and consistently, side after side.

What Reviewers Are Saying

What Hi-Fi? awarded the Planar 3 five stars for sound and build when fitted with Rega's Nd3 cartridge, calling it a turntable that "sets new standards for the price" — this version shares the identical plinth, platter, and tonearm.

Who Is This Turntable Best For?

• You already own a cartridge you want to keep using — mount it straight onto the RB330's standard three-point fitting instead of paying for one you'd have to remove
• You want to choose your own cartridge from the start — from a budget moving-magnet upgrade to a step-up model, the choice is yours rather than fixed at the factory
• You want the same five-star-reviewed foundation as Rega's cartridge-equipped versions — the plinth, platter, and RB330 tonearm are identical to the Nd3/Nd5 models What Hi-Fi? awarded five stars
• You already have (or plan to add) a phono stage — the Planar 3 has no built-in phono preamp, so it needs an MM phono input on your amp or receiver, or a separate phono preamp
• You're comfortable mounting and aligning a cartridge yourself — no cartridge is included, so budget time for mounting, alignment, and tracking-force setup, or have your dealer do it. Browse our phono cartridges if you need to choose one

How Does It Connect to Your System?

The attached RCA cable runs from the tonearm to your amplifier's MM phono input, or to a separate phono preamp if your amp doesn't have one built in. Never connect the Planar 3 straight into a standard line-level or AUX input — a phono preamp has to sit between the two.

During setup, fit the platter and drive belt, balance the tonearm, then mount your chosen cartridge and align it using Rega's three-point system. Set tracking force and anti-skate to the figures your specific cartridge's manufacturer recommends, since these vary by model.

One cartridge, one cable, and you are ready to play records.

Pairs Well With

What finishes the system around a Rega Planar 3:

• Phono cartridges — pick the moving-magnet cartridge that matches your budget and system
• Phono preamplifiers — required if your amplifier has no built-in MM phono input
• Turntable accessories — mats, levels, and clamps for getting the most from this setup
• Audio racks — a firm, level, vibration-free shelf a turntable actually needs

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Planar 3 have a built-in phono preamp?

It needs an MM phono input on your amplifier or receiver, or a separate moving-magnet phono preamp. There is no phono preamp built in, and it cannot connect directly to a standard line-level input on its own.

Does this version include a cartridge?

This version ships without one, so you can mount a cartridge you already own or choose a new one to fit your budget and system.

Which cartridge should I choose?

Any moving-magnet cartridge that fits Rega's standard three-point mounting works on the RB330. Our phono cartridges collection is a good place to compare options by budget and performance tier.

How do I change speed from 33⅓ to 45 rpm?

Lift off the glass platter and move the drive belt to the other step on the motor pulley. The optional Rega Neo MK2 power supply adds push-button electronic speed change.

Is this the Planar 3 RS Edition?

This is the standard Planar 3 plinth and tonearm, just without a cartridge fitted. The Planar 3 RS Edition is a separate model, with a metallic HPL plinth, the Nd5 cartridge, and the Neo MK2 power supply included.

What's included in the box?

The Planar 3 turntable, RB330 tonearm, glass platter, felt mat, drive belt, and a clear dustcover. No cartridge, headshell wiring, or phono preamp is included.

See It in Action

The Apartment Audiophile takes a close look at the Planar 3:

Nick's Listening Space checks back in after living with one:

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Learn More

Want to learn more about turntable setup, choosing a cartridge, or getting the most from a belt-drive turntable? Visit our Learning Center for guides, tips, and expert advice.