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Rega
Rega Planar 3 Turntable with Elys 2 Cartridge

Rega Planar 3 Turntable with Elys 2 Cartridge

4.9· 273 ratings

Last price we saw

$1,119.99at Safe and Sound, last seen Nov 1

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Our take on the Rega Planar 3 Turntable with Elys 2 Cartridge

The Rega Planar 3 is a belt-drive, manual turntable with the RB330 tonearm and an Elys 2 moving-magnet cartridge pre-fitted. It is the long-running British hi-fi reference at this price, built around a phenolic top brace and a brass-hub bearing for speed stability. It has no built-in phono stage, no USB and no Bluetooth, so it needs a phono preamp and a wired system. It is a set-and-forget deck for people who want to play records, not tinker.

Best forVinyl listeners upgrading from an entry-level deck
Owners of a separate phono stage and amplifier
Buyers who want a cartridge and tonearm sorted out of the box
Long-term owners who value upgrade paths
Pros
  • RB330 tonearm tracks well and is easy to set up
  • Elys 2 cartridge included, so it plays out of the box
  • Belt drive with Reference EBLT belt gives stable speed
  • Rigid phenolic brace and brass bearing hub cut resonance
  • Huge aftermarket support and a clear upgrade path (TT-PSU 2, better stylus)
Cons
  • No built-in phono preamp, so budget for one
  • No USB, Bluetooth or recording output
  • Manual speed change between 33 and 45 RPM
  • Lid and plinth are functional rather than luxurious
  • Needs a stable shelf away from speakers

Rega Planar 3 Turntable with Elys 2 Cartridge prices at every store

  • Safe and SoundCheck price at Safe and Sound

Rega Planar 3 Turntable with Elys 2 Cartridge price history

Lowest price we've seen: $1,119.99 on Nov 1 at Safe and Sound. Tracked across 1 store since Nov 1.

What reviewers say

Owners and hi-fi reviewers rate the Planar 3 very highly, with a 4.9 average from 273 ratings. It is consistently described as the deck to beat at its price for timing and detail. Criticism centres on the bare-bones feature set rather than sound.

Pros
  • Rhythm and timing that makes rock and electronic music drive
  • Quiet, stable speed with the EBLT belt
  • Straightforward setup and reliable RB330 arm
  • Strong value against decks costing more
Cons
  • No phono stage included
  • Manual speed change is fiddly
  • Some find the Elys 2 stylus upgrade path costly

Specifications

Drive Type
Belt drive
Turntable Type
Turntable
Portable
No
Built-In Audio System
No
Operation Type
Manual
Ports And Interfaces
RCA, Phono
Bluetooth
No
USB Connection
No
Wireless Connectivity
No
Record Speed
45 RPM
Wow And Flutter
Improved speed accuracy (with Reference EBLT drive belt)
Tonearm Type
RB330 tonearm
Tonearm Style
Straight
Dimensions
447 x 117 x 360 mm (lid closed)
Style
Iconic 'Three' model
Weight
6 kg
Material
Brass (main hub central bearing), Metalised skin phenolic top brace
Recording Capability
No (USB recording)
Phono Preamp
No
Audio Output Type
Phono, RCA
Speaker Type
External (placement away from speakers is recommended)
Signal To Noise Ratio
Lower noise floor (with Rega's TT-PSU 2)
Cartridge Type
Moving Magnet (MM)
Stylus Type
Diamond

Questions and answers

Do I need a phono preamp with the Planar 3?
Yes. The Planar 3 outputs a phono-level signal over RCA and has no built-in preamp. You need a phono stage, either standalone or built into your amplifier, before it reaches powered speakers.
Is the Elys 2 cartridge included?
Yes, this version ships with the Elys 2 moving-magnet cartridge factory-fitted to the RB330 tonearm. That means it is ready to play once you connect a phono stage.
Can I play 45 RPM records?
Yes, but you change speed manually by moving the belt on the pulley. There is no push-button speed switch unless you add Rega's TT-PSU 2, which also lowers the noise floor.
Is it worth it over the Planar 2?
The Planar 3 adds the RB330 tonearm, a stiffer braced plinth and the Elys 2 cartridge. Reviewers treat it as a clear step up in detail and control, and it is the more common long-term buy.
Does it have USB or Bluetooth?
No. There is no USB recording, no Bluetooth and no wireless connectivity. It is a pure analogue deck with RCA phono outputs.
What comes in the box?
The turntable, the RB330 tonearm, the fitted Elys 2 cartridge, a dust cover, the drive belt and a power supply. A phono cable and phono stage are not included.
What do buyers say about the Rega Planar 3 Turntable with Elys 2 Cartridge?
Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 273 ratings.