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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
| 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 |
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.
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.
Yes. On this version of the Rega Planar 2, the Nd3 is fitted and aligned at the factory.
Rega specifies a tracking force of 1.75 grams for the Nd3 moving magnet cartridge.
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.
Learn more about turntables and phono cartridges and enhance your vinyl listening experience
Learn more about the various types of turntable cartridges and their unique features.
Explore the key differences between direct drive and belt drive turntables to find out which suits your listening style.
New to vinyl and turntables? Learn the basics about the different parts of a turntable.
For more expert advice and product recommendations, visit our Audio Exchange Blog.
Enjoy free shipping on orders over $99 within the continental US. For orders under $99, a $4.95 flat rate applies. Orders are processed promptly, with most orders placed by 2pm EST shipped the same day. We ship only within the continental US and cannot change shipping addresses post-purchase.
At Audio Exchange, your satisfaction is our priority. If you're not completely satisfied with your purchase, you can return most items within 30 days for a full refund. Returns must be in ‘like new’ condition. Initiate your return on our website and send items back to: 6007 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23220.
Exceptions: Open box headphones, cartridges, and stylus’ are subject to a 15% restocking fee. Opened in-ear headphones and turntables cartridges or stylus’ with a broken needle are non-returnable.
Questions? Email us at audioexchangervb@gmail.com.
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