Rega Planar Turntables Compared: Planar 1 to Planar 10

For most people, the Rega Planar 3 is the one to buy. It is the point in the range where the tonearm, platter and plinth all step up together, and it stays upgradeable for years. If you are starting from nothing and don't own a phono stage, the Planar 1 Plus is the easiest way in, because it has one built in. Above the Planar 3, each model is a genuine step toward Rega's reference designs. Here is how the whole Planar range compares, and what you get for the money at each level.

Rega Planar turntables compared

Model	Tonearm	What it adds	From
Planar 1 Plus	RB110	Built-in MM phono stage, Carbon cartridge fitted	$945
Planar 2	RB220	Glass platter, adjustable bias	$999
Planar 3	RB330	Double-braced plinth, 12 mm glass platter, Neo PSU compatible	$1,499
Planar 6	RB330	Tancast 8 foam core plinth, Neo PSU MK2 included	$2,599
Planar 8	RB880	Lighter plinth, Neo PSU standard	$4,699
Planar 10	RB3000	Ceramic bracing and platter, dedicated P10 PSU	$8,999
NAIA	RB Titanium	Graphene carbon fibre plinth, Rega's reference	$19,999

You can see every model, along with Rega's cartridges, tonearms and phono stages, in our Rega collection.

Rega Planar 1 Plus: the easiest way in

The Planar 1 Plus is the Planar 1 with a moving magnet phono stage built in. That means it connects straight to any line input: an integrated amplifier without a phono input, powered speakers or a streamer with an analogue input. Rega designed it to be plug and play. The bias is pre-set, the Carbon moving magnet cartridge comes fitted, and the RB110 tonearm uses Rega's low-friction bearings. The 23 mm phenolic platter and 24 V motor are carried over from the standard Planar 1. It comes in black or white. If you already own an amplifier with a good phono input, or plan to buy a separate phono stage, look at the Planar 2 or Planar 3 instead, because you would be paying for a built-in stage you don't need.

Rega Planar 2 vs Planar 3: is the Planar 3 worth it?

This is where most buyers get stuck, and for most of them the answer is yes. The Planar 2 is a real step up from the Planar 1. It has the RB220 tonearm with adjustable bias, a 10 mm float glass platter, and we sell it with the ND3 cartridge fitted, from $999.

The Rega Planar 3 changes three things at once. The tonearm moves to the hand-assembled RB330. The platter goes to 12 mm polished glass. And the plinth gains Rega's double brace, which stiffens the path between the tonearm mount and the main bearing, where rigidity matters most. The Planar 3 is also compatible with Rega's Neo PSU, an external power supply that you can add now or later.

We sell the Planar 3 in several configurations: without a cartridge from $1,499, with the ND3 or ND5 fitted, with the Neo PSU MK2, and as the RS Edition in brushed aluminium with the ND5. Because the Planar 3 accepts both a cartridge upgrade and the Neo PSU, it is the model that keeps growing with you. That is the main reason we recommend it over the Planar 2.

Rega Planar 6 and Planar 8: when to step up

The Planar 6 keeps the RB330 tonearm but changes almost everything around it. It was Rega's first turntable built on a Tancast 8 polyurethane foam core plinth, a very light and rigid material, and it adds a dual layer glass platter, a machined aluminium sub-platter and a Neo PSU MK2 matched to its motor as standard. It starts at $2,599 without a cartridge. With the Ania Pro moving coil fitted it is $4,199, and the Planar 6 RS with the ND9 is $3,999.

The Planar 8 is where the tonearm changes again, to the RB880. Rega developed it to bring the thinking behind its Naiad research turntable down to a more attainable price. The plinth is lighter still, the Neo PSU is standard, and speed changes and fine speed adjustment are electronic. It starts at $4,699 table-only, and we offer it with the ND7, ND9, Ania Pro or Apheta 3.

Step up to either one when your system can show the difference. Both reward a good phono stage and speakers with the resolution to reveal it.

Rega Planar 10 and the NAIA

The Planar 10 is built around a skeletal Tancast 8 plinth with ceramic bracing, a first for a production turntable. The tonearm is the RB3000, the platter is ceramic, and power comes from a dedicated P10 supply. It starts at $8,999, or $10,999 with the Apheta 3 and $14,999 with the Aphelion 2.

The NAIA is Rega's reference turntable system. It uses a graphene-impregnated carbon fibre skeletal plinth, two ceramic braces, a redesigned ceramic platter and the RB Titanium tonearm, Rega's most advanced to date. It is $19,999 without a cartridge, or $25,999 with the Aphelion fitted.

Which cartridge should come with your Rega?

Rega fits its own cartridges at the factory, so the configuration you choose matters. At the Planar 2 and Planar 3 level, the ND3 is the sensible starting point and the ND5 is a worthwhile step up. From the Planar 6 upward, the ND7 and ND9 moving magnets and the Ania Pro moving coil come into play. The Planar 8 and Planar 10 can be ordered with the Apheta 3, the Planar 10 with the Aphelion 2, and the NAIA with the Aphelion. Moving coil cartridges need a phono stage with MC support, so plan the two together. Browse our phono cartridges if you are replacing or upgrading one.

Do Rega turntables need a phono preamp?

All of them except the Planar 1 Plus do. A turntable's output is far quieter than a CD player or streamer and needs a phono stage to bring it up to line level. Many integrated amplifiers include one. If yours doesn't, or if you are moving to a moving coil cartridge, you will need a separate phono stage. Rega makes its own, and we carry a wide range from other makers too.

Rega turntable FAQ

Can I upgrade a Rega turntable later?

Yes. The most common upgrades are a better cartridge and, on the Planar 3, adding the Neo PSU. The Planar 6 and Planar 8 include it as standard, and the Planar 10 has its own dedicated supply.

Is the Neo PSU worth adding to a Planar 3?

It powers the motor from a dedicated external supply rather than the standard one, and the Planar 3 is designed to accept it. You can buy the Planar 3 with it, or add it later.

Can a Rega turntable be wall-mounted?

Yes. A Rega wall bracket is available for $325 on most models, and it is a practical fix for floors that transmit footfall.

What colours do Rega turntables come in?

It varies by model. The Planar 3 is offered in high gloss black, white, red, light oak and brushed aluminium. The Planar 1 Plus, Planar 6, Planar 8 and Planar 10 are offered in black or white.

Do Rega turntables have a warranty?

Yes. The Planar 2, Planar 3, Planar 6 and Planar 10 carry a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects.

The Planar range is easiest to understand by ear. Come to our listening room in King City, by appointment, and we will play the models you are deciding between on the same system, so the only thing that changes is the turntable. Pair it with speakers from our guide to the best bookshelf speakers in Canada or browse every turntable we carry.