Rega Planar 3 Turntable

The Rega Planar 3 is the third generation of one of hi-fi's most iconic turntables, succeeding the award-winning RP3 after the most comprehensive redesign of the "Three" model ever undertaken. Developed over two years by Rega's team headed by Roy Gandy, the Planar 3 carries over just two components from the previous model. Winner of the What Hi-Fi? Product of the Year award five consecutive years — 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020. Available at Vinyl Sound, an authorized Rega dealer in Toronto, Canada, in three high gloss finishes: Black, White, and Red.

The Iconic Planar 3

Rega has pioneered the use of lightweight rigid plinths for decades. The new Planar 3 takes this design philosophy to its next level with a lightweight high gloss acrylic laminated plinth strengthened by an improved double brace system mounted specifically between the tonearm mounting and the main hub bearing, forming a structurally sound stressed-beam assembly. An improved thicker 3 mm phenolic bottom brace and a new metalised skin phenolic top brace provide double-thickness rigidity exactly where it is needed, while reducing overall mass to minimize energy absorption and unwanted vibration transmission into the record.

RB330 Tonearm

The RB330 tonearm was designed using the latest 3D CAD and CAM technology and is the culmination of more than 35 years of Rega tonearm design experience. A brand new bearing housing and tonearm tube designed with intelligent redistribution of mass ensure the RB330 exhibits fewer points of possible resonance. Near friction-free movement from the new high precision bearing assemblies guarantees more information gathered from the vinyl groove than was possible with its predecessor.

Double Brace Technology

The Planar 3 uses an improved thicker 3 mm phenolic resin bottom brace and a new metalised skin phenolic top brace. Mounted between the tonearm pillar and main hub bearing, this stressed-beam assembly prevents energy absorption, reduces unwanted resonance, and maintains the precise geometric relationship between the tonearm and platter bearing that is fundamental to accurate tracking and low distortion.

24 V Motor and Platter

An improved motor control PCB integrates a Mini DIN connection for the optional Rega Neo PSU upgrade, enabling electronic speed change and advanced anti-vibration control. A new motor cover tray with integrated cooling is fitted as standard. The 12 mm Optiwhite float glass platter with polished edge delivers improved accuracy in manufacture and greater flywheel effect than the previous model's platter. The EBLT advanced drive belt has been fitted as standard from March 2021.

Key Features

• What Hi-Fi? Product of the Year: 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 — five consecutive years
• RB330 precision tonearm: 3D CAD-designed, high precision bearing assemblies, near friction-free movement
• Rega Elys 2 Moving Magnet cartridge factory fitted (optional)
• 12 mm Optiwhite float glass platter with polished edge
• Double Brace Technology: improved 3 mm phenolic bottom brace, metalised skin phenolic top brace
• 24 V low noise, low vibration motor with integrated Neo PSU connection (Neo PSU sold separately)
• EBLT advanced drive belt fitted as standard (from March 2021)
• High gloss acrylic laminated plinth in Black, White, or Red
• Re-designed brass main hub central bearing
• Clear dust cover supplied as standard
• Multi-lingual quick start guide included
• Lifetime warranty against manufacture defects
• Designed and hand-assembled in the UK

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Rega Planar 3 turntable?

The Rega Planar 3 is a mid-level audiophile turntable and the third generation of Rega's iconic "Three" model, originally introduced in the 1970s. The current version, launched in 2016, was completely redesigned from the ground up, carrying over just two components from the previous RP3. It won the What Hi-Fi? Product of the Year award five consecutive times from 2016 to 2020. Built around the RB330 tonearm, a 12 mm Optiwhite float glass platter, and Double Brace Technology, the Planar 3 is available at Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada.

What tonearm does the Rega Planar 3 use?

The Rega Planar 3 is fitted with the RB330 precision tonearm, the same tonearm used in the Planar 6. The RB330 was designed using 3D CAD and CAM technology, features a redesigned bearing housing, and redistributes mass along the tonearm tube to minimize resonance. Near friction-free movement from the high precision bearing assemblies extracts more detail from the vinyl groove than the previous RB301 used on the RP3.

Does the Rega Planar 3 come with a cartridge?

The Rega Planar 3 can be purchased with or without a factory fitted cartridge. The standard option is the Rega Elys 2 Moving Magnet cartridge. The team at Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada can advise on which cartridge configuration suits your system, including whether upgrading to the Exact or a Moving Coil option makes sense for your budget.

Does the Rega Planar 3 need a phono preamp?

Yes, the Rega Planar 3 requires a phono preamp unless your amplifier has a built-in phono input. If fitted with the Elys 2 Moving Magnet cartridge, a standard MM phono stage is sufficient. Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada stocks a full range of compatible phono preamps, from Rega's own Fono Mini A2D to higher-end audiophile stages.

How does the Rega Planar 3 compare to the Rega Planar 1 or Planar 2?

The Planar 1 and Planar 2 are designed for entry-level simplicity, using the RB110 and RB220 tonearms respectively and phenolic or glass platters with less mass. The Planar 3 is a significant step up: the RB330 tonearm delivers substantially more resolution and tracking accuracy, the 12 mm Optiwhite glass platter provides greater flywheel effect, and Double Brace Technology brings a level of structural rigidity not present in the lower models. Five consecutive What Hi-Fi? Product of the Year awards confirm the Planar 3 as the benchmark at its price. Both ranges are available at Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada.

How does the Rega Planar 3 compare to the Rega Planar 6?

Both the Planar 3 and Planar 6 use the RB330 tonearm and Double Brace Technology. The Planar 6 steps up with a Tancast 8 foam core plinth (vs the Planar 3's acrylic laminated plinth), a dual layer float glass platter (vs single 12 mm layer), and a custom matched Neo PSU included as standard (vs an optional upgrade on the Planar 3). For most listeners, the Planar 3 offers exceptional value; the Planar 6 is for those seeking the next level of plinth rigidity and motor control.

What amplifier pairs well with the Rega Planar 3?

The Rega Planar 3 pairs well with integrated amplifiers in the mid-range, including the Rega Brio, NAD C338, Cambridge Audio CXA81, and Hegel H95. The RB330 tonearm and Elys 2 cartridge can resolve the character differences between amplifiers clearly, so matching carefully pays dividends. Browse the full range of integrated amplifiers at Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada.

What are the key differences between the Rega Planar 3 and Planar 1, and which is better for a small listening room?

The Rega Planar 3 and Planar 1 are both entry-to-mid level turntables from Vinyl Sound, an authorized Rega dealer in Toronto, Canada, but they represent meaningfully different performance levels. The Planar 3 uses the RB330 tonearm — a significantly more capable arm than the Planar 1's RB110 — along with a 12mm Optiwhite float glass platter versus the Planar 1's lighter phenolic platter. The Planar 3 is also compatible with the Neo PSU external power supply for speed stability, and accepts higher-quality cartridge upgrades more effectively due to the RB330's greater adjustability. For a small listening room, the Planar 1 is perfectly capable and will drive any phono stage without issue. However, the Planar 3 offers a clearer upgrade path and noticeably better detail retrieval, making it the better long-term investment if budget allows. Both are available at Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada for in-store demonstration.

Where to buy the Rega Planar 3 in Toronto, Canada?

Vinyl Sound is an authorized Rega dealer in Toronto, Canada. We carry the full Rega Planar lineup including the Planar 3 in Gloss Black, Gloss White, and Gloss Red, with or without the Elys 2 cartridge. Our team provides expert advice, cartridge setup, and full after-sales support. Visit us in-store or shop online at vinylsound.ca.