A More Revealing Way Into Rega Vinyl Playback The Rega Planar 2 turntable with factory-fitted Nd3 cartridge combines Rega’s elegant, low-mass turntable design with a major upgrade at the point where the record is actually read. The result is a refined belt-drive turntable built to deliver greater clarity, stronger dynamics and a more engaging connection to your vinyl collection. Positioned between the entry-level Planar 1 and the celebrated Planar 3, the Rega Planar 2 offers a meaningful step forward in tonearm quality, platter construction, bearing design and overall musical performance. Adding the Nd3 moving magnet cartridge makes the Planar 2 an especially compelling choice for listeners who want more from their records without moving into a significantly more expensive turntable. Factory-fitted Rega Nd3 moving magnet cartridge Bonded elliptical diamond stylus with aluminum cantilever Hand-assembled Rega RB220 tonearm with adjustable bias 24V low-noise, low-vibration motor 10mm Optiwhite float-glass platter Advanced Rega EBLT drive belt Plays 33⅓ and 45 RPM records Available in high-gloss black, high-gloss white and walnut-effect finishes The Nd3 Cartridge Transforms the Planar 2 Developed over more than a decade, the Rega Nd3 cartridge introduces a new moving magnet generator built around a high-powered neodymium magnet. The more powerful magnetic system allows Rega to use smaller, lighter coils, helping the stylus respond more quickly and accurately to the information contained in the record groove. The Nd3 uses miniaturized parallel coils wound in-house with fine wire, an optimized pole gap and a low-mass glass-filled PPS body. These design choices are intended to improve channel balance, high-frequency response, tracking ability and stereo separation while placing less mechanical stress on the tonearm bearings. Its bonded elliptical diamond stylus provides a strong balance of detail retrieval, tracking performance and everyday usability. Compared with the standard Rega Carbon cartridge, the Nd3 gives the Planar 2 a more authoritative, articulate and dynamically expressive presentation. Factory-Fitted for Correct Alignment Rega’s three-point cartridge mounting system allows the Nd3 to be installed in the correct position on the RB220 tonearm without the uncertainty associated with manually aligning a conventional two-bolt cartridge. Because the cartridge is fitted at the factory, the Planar 2 arrives ready for straightforward setup. Install the counterweight, set the recommended 1.75-gram tracking force and matching bias, place the turntable on a stable and level surface, and connect it to a compatible moving magnet phono input. Precision RB220 Tonearm The hand-assembled RB220 tonearm uses Rega-designed ultra-low-friction bearings housed in a stiff, lightweight bearing assembly. Its one-piece aluminum arm tube minimizes mechanical joints while maintaining the low moving mass needed for accurate tracking. Adjustable bias provides greater flexibility than earlier versions of the RB220 and allows the tonearm to be properly configured for the Nd3 cartridge. The integrated arm clip and smooth cueing mechanism help make the Planar 2 easy to operate without adding unnecessary mechanical complexity. Low Noise, Stable Rotation and a Glass Platter A 24V low-noise motor drives the platter through Rega’s Advanced EBLT belt. The motor and drive system are designed to reduce vibration while maintaining stable rotational speed, allowing quieter musical details to emerge more clearly. The 10mm Optiwhite float-glass platter provides an accurately manufactured and stable playing surface. Beneath it, an 11mm self-securing brass central bearing is designed to reduce stress within the bearing assembly and limit the transfer of unwanted mechanical energy. Redesigned feet further isolate the turntable from vibration traveling through furniture and flooring. For best performance, the Planar 2 should be placed on a rigid, level stand or dedicated turntable wall shelf away from speakers and foot traffic. Purposefully Manual Operation The Rega Planar 2 is a fully manual belt-drive record player. It plays both 33⅓ and 45 RPM records, with speed selected by removing the glass platter and moving the belt between the two steps of the motor pulley. There is no automatic start, automatic return, Bluetooth output or USB connection. Rega instead concentrates the design around the mechanical components that directly influence vinyl playback. Please note: The Rega Planar 2 does not contain a built-in phono preamp. It must be connected to an amplifier or receiver with a moving magnet phono input, or to a separate MM phono preamplifier. Who Is the Rega Planar 2 with Nd3 For? The Planar 2 with Nd3 is an excellent fit for listeners moving beyond an entry-level turntable, assembling a high-quality first stereo system or seeking a simple analog source that prioritizes sound quality over convenience features. It is particularly attractive for buyers considering the Rega P2 but already expecting to upgrade the standard cartridge. Purchasing the factory-fitted Nd3 package provides a properly matched and aligned cartridge without the additional cost and setup involved in replacing the cartridge later. Rega Planar 2 with Nd3 Specifications Drive System Belt drive Operation Manual Speeds 33⅓ and 45 RPM Speed Change Manual belt repositioning Tonearm Hand-assembled Rega RB220 Bias Adjustment Adjustable Cartridge Factory-fitted Rega Nd3 moving magnet Stylus Profile Bonded elliptical diamond Cantilever Aluminum Recommended Tracking Force 1.75g Nominal Cartridge Output 5–6mV Motor 24V low-noise, low-vibration motor Drive Belt Advanced Rega EBLT Platter 10mm Optiwhite float glass Central Bearing 11mm self-securing brass bearing Built-In Phono Stage No Bluetooth No USB Output No Dust Cover Included Dimensions 17.6 × 4.6 × 14.2 inches / 447 × 117 × 360mm Weight 12.1 lbs / 5.5kg Available Finishes High-gloss black, high-gloss white and walnut effect Frequently Asked Questions Does the Rega Planar 2 need a preamp? Yes. The Planar 2 does not have a built-in phono preamp. You will need an amplifier or receiver with a moving magnet phono input, or a separate MM phono preamplifier. What is the difference between the Rega Carbon and Nd3 cartridges? The Nd3 is a more advanced moving magnet cartridge with a bonded elliptical stylus, neodymium magnet generator, lower-mass coil assembly and Rega three-point mounting system. It is designed to provide greater detail, improved tracking, stronger dynamics and better stereo separation than the standard Carbon cartridge. Is the Nd3 cartridge already installed? Yes. On this version of the Rega Planar 2, the Nd3 is fitted and aligned at the factory. What tracking force should be used with the Rega Nd3? Rega specifies a tracking force of 1.75 grams for the Nd3 moving magnet cartridge. Does the Rega Planar 2 play 45 RPM records? Yes. The Planar 2 plays both 33⅓ and 45 RPM records. Speed is changed manually by moving the drive belt to the appropriate step on the motor pulley.
