Rega Planar 3 Turntable

The Planar 3 is the most decorated turntable in the Rega range — What Hi-Fi? Product of the Year in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and again in 2024. Those awards reflect something real: at its price, the Planar 3 has no serious rival for what it does. The combination of the RB330 tonearm, the 12mm opti-white float glass platter, and the double-brace plinth system produces a turntable that regularly outperforms decks costing considerably more.

The Planar 3 is the point at which the Rega design philosophy fully asserts itself — minimal mass, maximum rigidity, every component chosen to reduce interference with the signal rather than add to it.

Where the Planar 3 Sits in the Rega Range

The Planar 3 sits above the Planar 2 and below the Planar 6 in the Rega range.

The step up from the Planar 2 is substantial: the RB330 tonearm replaces the RB220, the platter is heavier and larger, and the double-brace plinth system addresses resonance management in a more sophisticated way. The Planar 3 is also Neo PSU-compatible via its Mini DIN connection, meaning it can be upgraded at a later date without replacing the deck.

The Planar 3 RS Edition is the factory-upgraded variant — with the Nd5 cartridge and a custom-matched Neo Mk2 PSU included as standard. It is worth hearing both; the RS Edition with the Neo PSU is audibly more capable in speed stability and timing.

Above the Planar 3, the Planar 6 introduces the Tancast 8 plinth and includes the Neo PSU as standard. It is a different character of turntable entirely.

Sound and Performance

The RB330 tonearm is the defining upgrade over the Planar 2. It uses a precision-adjusted bearing assembly that moves with less friction and greater sensitivity than the RB220, holding the cartridge more consistently in three dimensions as it tracks the groove. The stainless steel balance weight provides precise tracking force adjustment; the aluminium arm tube is stiff enough to resist flexing under the dynamic forces of groove tracing.

The 12mm opti-white float glass platter has a polished edge and is heavier than the Planar 2's 10mm version. The additional rotational mass strengthens the flywheel effect — resisting speed variations as the stylus encounters groove modulations of differing amplitude. Combined with the redesigned sub-platter and improved motor PCB (which includes anti-vibration circuitry and Neo PSU integration capability), the Planar 3 maintains speed accuracy with a consistency that the Planar 2 does not match.

The double-brace plinth system uses a 3mm phenolic bottom brace and a metalised skin phenolic top brace. Together, they stiffen the plinth structure without adding appreciable mass — reducing the energy that the plinth stores and re-releases into the signal. The improvement in background quietness and low-level detail retrieval over an unbraced plinth is not subtle.

The Planar 3 is available with or without a factory-fitted cartridge. The Nd3 is the practical choice for most listeners; the Nd5 adds a nude elliptical diamond and improved tracking geometry for those who want to hear what the RB330 is fully capable of.

Build Quality and Design

The Planar 3 is hand-assembled in Southend-on-Sea and weighs 6.0 kg. The acrylic laminated plinth is available in High-Gloss Black, High-Gloss White, High-Gloss Red, and Light Oak Effect. The clear dust cover is included as standard, along with plinth protectors.

Dimensions with the dust cover closed are 447 × 117 × 360 mm. The Mini DIN connection for an optional Neo PSU is fitted as standard. Lifetime limited warranty against manufacturing defects.

Connectivity and System Matching

The Planar 3 outputs a standard stereo RCA signal. A phono stage is required; it is not included. Cartridge type determines phono stage requirements — the Nd3 and Nd5 are both moving magnet cartridges, compatible with any MM phono input.

At Planar 3 level, a dedicated external phono stage makes a real difference. The Rega Fono MM MK5 is the recommended MM partner. Those planning an MC upgrade in the future should consider the Rega AOS MC Phono Stage — a dedicated MC-only phono stage and the natural pairing when you move to the Ania or above.

Adding a Neo PSU at any stage is worthwhile — it is an audible improvement in speed stability and timing. We are happy to advise on the best order of upgrades for your system and budget.

Technical Specifications

Who Is It For?

The Planar 3 is for the serious vinyl listener who wants the most capable turntable available at its price — and who has a system that can resolve what it reveals. It is the right choice for those who have outgrown the Planar 2 or who are starting with a more ambitious system from the outset. It also suits those who want a deck that can grow with a Neo PSU upgrade without requiring a full replacement.

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 3 is available to hear in our Norwich showroom; call ahead and we will have it set up with a system that makes sense for your budget. When you get in touch, you will be speaking to Dave or Chris — both experienced hi-fi specialists who can talk you through whether the standard Planar 3 or the RS Edition is the right choice, and what phono stage will get the most from it.

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