Rega Planar 3 Turntable (Nd5 Cartridge): Is This The Right Entry Point Into Rega's Range?
The Rega Planar 3 is a standalone turntable in Rega's range, sitting below the Planar 3 RS Edition and above the Planar 2, and it's aimed at buyers who want the RB330 tonearm and the Nd5 moving magnet cartridge factory-fitted without the RS Edition's HPL plinth or bundled power supply. The Planar 3 is a complete redesign rather than a revision of the previous RP3, carrying over only two components from that earlier model. Buyers choosing between Rega's Planar models use this Nd5-equipped version as the higher-specification cartridge option on the standard Planar 3 platform, with the option to add Rega's Neo power supply later rather than at the point of purchase.
What makes the Planar 3's plinth different from earlier Rega turntables?
The Planar 3 is built around a lightweight acrylic laminated plinth, strengthened with a double brace system positioned between the tonearm mounting and the main hub bearing to form what Rega calls a stressed beam assembly. This bracing replaces a full-thickness skin with double-thickness phenolic resin only in the areas under the most mechanical load, which keeps the plinth lighter while still resisting energy absorption and unwanted resonance. A rigid plinth matters because heavier, less controlled mass can transfer motor or bearing noise directly into the rotating record, so the brace placement is specifically there to interrupt that noise path rather than to add bulk. The plinth also houses an ergonomically positioned power switch and is available in high gloss black, white and red finishes, plus a light oak effect option.
What does the Nd5 cartridge bring to this turntable?
The Rega Planar 3 is supplied with the Nd5 moving magnet cartridge factory-fitted to its RB330 tonearm. The Nd5 uses a perfect elliptical nude diamond stylus profile rather than a bonded stylus, paired with a neodymium magnet and Rega's unique generator design. It mounts via Rega's three-point cartridge mounting system into a glass-filled PPS body with an aluminium cantilever, and it tracks at 1.75g. Because the cartridge arrives factory-fitted and aligned to the RB330, buyers don't need to source or align a separate MM cartridge before first use, which removes one of the more technical steps in setting up a new turntable.
Which tonearm is fitted to the Planar 3?
The Rega Planar 3 is fitted with the hand-assembled RB330 tonearm, designed using 3D CAD and CAM modelling and built on a bearing housing and tonearm tube that redistribute mass to reduce points of resonance. Its bearing assemblies are built for extreme stability and near friction-free movement, which keeps the arm tracking consistently across a record surface and supports the Nd5's nude diamond stylus in maintaining accurate groove contact.
Can the Planar 3 be upgraded with a power supply after purchase?
The Planar 3 ships with a 24V low noise motor and a motor control PCB built with integration for Rega's Neo PSU, which is sold separately rather than included. Buyers who add the Neo PSU later gain electronic speed change and an advanced anti-vibration motor circuit without needing to replace the motor or PCB, because the compatibility is built into the turntable from the factory. Without the Neo PSU fitted, speed change is handled manually rather than electronically. This makes the Planar 3 a turntable buyers can run on its base specification and upgrade incrementally, rather than committing to the power supply cost at the point of purchase, which is the main practical difference from the Planar 3 RS Edition's bundled Neo MK2 PSU.
Which phono stage and amplifier does the Planar 3 connect to?
The Planar 3 connects via RCA phono outputs, and because the Nd5 is a moving magnet cartridge, it requires an MM-compatible phono stage rather than a moving coil input. Rega's FONO MINI A2D and FONO MM phono stages are both built for MM cartridges, and the ELEX and ELICIT integrated amplifiers each include a built-in MM phono stage, so buyers without a separate phono stage can connect the Planar 3 directly to either amplifier's phono input. If the Neo PSU is added, power passes to the turntable via a mini DIN connection rather than through the standard mains lead alone.
What's included for setup and protecting the turntable?
The Planar 3 comes with a multilingual quick start guide for initial setup, alongside a clear dust cover supplied as standard to protect the plinth and platter when not in use. The platter itself is a 12mm float glass Optiwhite design with a polished edge, manufactured for consistent accuracy. The sub-platter has been redesigned for improved stiffness and accuracy, and the turntable's feet have been updated to increase stability and reduce vibration transfer into the plinth. From March 2021 onward, Rega fits its Advanced EBLT drive belt as standard, which connects to the redesigned brass main hub central bearing for reduced bearing stress during rotation.
Who should choose the Planar 3 with Nd5 over the Planar 3 RS Edition?
Buyers who want the RB330 tonearm and the Nd5 cartridge without paying for a bundled power supply or the RS Edition's HPL aluminium-skinned plinth should choose this Planar 3 configuration, since it allows the Neo PSU to be added separately when budget allows. Buyers who want the stiffer HPL plinth and a power supply matched and hand-tuned to that specific unit's motor from the outset are better served by the Planar 3 RS Edition, which also includes the Nd5 cartridge as standard. The standard Planar 3 offers finish choices not available on the RS Edition, with gloss black, white, red and light oak effect options against the RS Edition's single brushed aluminium finish, which matters for buyers prioritising plinth colour alongside cartridge specification.
