Rega Planar 78 Turntable

The Planar 78 does one thing, and does it properly: it plays 78 RPM shellac records. Not as a mode on a multi-speed deck, not as an afterthought — as the only thing it was designed and built to do.

Playing shellac on a turntable that was designed for vinyl is a compromise. The geometry, the speed, and the motor demands are all different. The Planar 78 is Rega's answer to those who take their shellac collection seriously: a dedicated, purpose-built 78 RPM deck, hand-assembled in Southend-on-Sea, with no concessions to any other format.

Where the Planar 78 Sits in the Rega Range

The Planar 78 is not a step in the standard Planar hierarchy — it is a separate, specialist product. It uses the same fundamental construction as the Planar 1 series (RB220 tonearm, phenolic platter, 24V motor) but is built exclusively for 78 RPM operation. There is no 33⅓ or 45 rpm setting.

For those who also want to play vinyl, a separate turntable is required. The Planar 78 is a companion piece to the Rega Planar range, not a replacement for any of them.

Sound and Performance

Shellac presents different demands to vinyl. The groove geometry is different, the speed is higher, and the surface noise characteristics are distinct. A stylus designed for vinyl will not track a shellac groove correctly — and a turntable running at 78 RPM on a motor calibrated for 33⅓ will not maintain the speed accuracy that the format demands.

The Planar 78 uses a motor specifically calibrated for 78 RPM continuous operation — not a standard motor with a speed change added. The 24V synchronous design maintains stable speed throughout a side, and the phenolic resin platter's flywheel effect provides the rotational consistency that shellac playback needs. The RB220 tonearm — a precision arm with ultra-low-friction bearings — allows a correctly specified 78 stylus to track the groove with the accuracy that brings out the warmth and texture that good shellac recordings genuinely contain.

Used with a proper 78 stylus and an appropriate phono stage, the Planar 78 reveals what is actually on these records — and on well-preserved shellac, that can be considerably more than most listeners expect.

Build Quality and Design

The Planar 78 is hand-assembled in Southend-on-Sea and weighs 4.2 kg. The matt black plinth and clear dust cover give it the same clean, purposeful appearance as the Planar 1. Dimensions with the dust cover closed are 447 × 117 × 360 mm.

Lifetime limited warranty against manufacturing defects.

Connectivity and System Matching

The Planar 78 outputs a standard stereo RCA signal. A cartridge is not included — a dedicated 78 stylus is required. Standard vinyl cartridges will not track shellac correctly; a cartridge with a 78-specific stylus tip (typically 65–70 micron) is essential.

A phono stage is also required. Most standard MM phono stages will work, though some include a 78 RPM equalisation curve — shellac was recorded to a different curve than the RIAA standard used for vinyl. The Rega Fono MM MK5 is a capable companion; the Fono Mini A2D adds USB output for those wishing to archive their shellac collection digitally.

If you are unsure which cartridge or phono stage is right for your collection, call us — 78 playback is a specialist area and the right advice makes a significant difference.

Technical Specifications

Who Is It For?

The Planar 78 is for the collector who takes their shellac seriously — who has records that deserve better than a compromised multi-speed deck and wants to hear them the way they were intended to be heard. It is a specialist purchase, not a general-purpose turntable. Anyone who primarily plays vinyl and occasionally plays 78s should consider a 78-capable cartridge on their existing deck first; the Planar 78 is for those whose shellac collection justifies a dedicated machine.

Buying from Martin's Hi-Fi

Martin's Hi-Fi has been in Norwich since 1968, and the Rega range has been part of what we do for years. We are still family-run — Elizabeth Gould runs the business today — and we stock only brands we have heard properly and stand behind.

The Planar 78 is available to discuss in our Norwich showroom; if you would like to bring shellac to listen, call ahead and we will arrange it. When you get in touch, you will be speaking to Dave or Chris — both experienced hi-fi specialists who can advise on cartridge and phono stage matching for 78 playback and whether the Planar 78 is the right choice for your collection.

Reach them at dave@martinshifi.co.uk, chris@martinshifi.co.uk, info@martinshifi.co.uk, call on 01603 627010, or WhatsApp Dave or Chris directly on 07554 687137 for a quick answer after your purchase. You can read more about who we are and how we work on our Why Martin's page. We are at 85–91 Ber Street, Norwich, NR1 3EY, open six days a week.

Contact: info@martinshifi.co.uk | 01603 627010 | WhatsApp: 07554 687137 | 85–91 Ber Street, Norwich, NR1 3EY