Which Rega turntable is right for you?
For over four decades, Rega has been setting the standard for affordable, high-quality turntables made in Britain.
The Rega Planar range has become a household name among vinyl enthusiasts, offering models that cater to everyone from the complete beginner to the seasoned audiophile. But with so many options available at Soundcraft, you may be wondering: “Which Rega turntable is right for me?”
Based in Ashford, Kent, we’ve been selling and setting up Rega decks since they first appeared on the scene. Whether you’re taking your first steps into vinyl or upgrading to a new system, our in-store demonstrations and expert advice will help you choose the perfect model.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the current Rega Planar range and what each one offers.
Rega Planar 1: The Perfect First Turntable
If you’re just starting your vinyl journey, the Rega Planar 1 is the ideal choice. Forgoing additions like automatic arm return and a switch to change speeds (you simply move the belt up or down a rung on the motor instead), the Planar 1 is engineered for sound quality rather than gimmicks.
The Planar 1 comes with Rega’s RB110 tonearm, a factory-fitted Rega Carbon cartridge, and a low-noise 24V motor.
It’s incredibly easy to set up, so perfect for beginners. It also delivers a warm, natural sound that far outperforms competitors on the same budget. Thanks to its minimalist design, it looks good in any room.
It’s not necessarily the cheapest starter turntable on the market, but it’s the best in its class for sheer musical enjoyment. Many customers who start with a Planar 1 stick with Rega for life.
Also available is the Rega Planar 1 Plus. This turntable is the exact same spec and sound quality as the standard Planar 1 but it also includes a built-in phono stage. This means if you have an amplifier without a Phono input, you can still plug your turntable into it without needing a standalone phono stage in the middle. You could also plug it straight into a wireless speaker with line input like those from Sonos!
Lastly, if you are really just starting out, the Rega System One™ may be worth a look. In this package you get a Rega Planar 1, Rega io Amplifier and a pair of Rega Kyte Bookshelf Speakers for just £999.00!
Finishes*: Matt Black | Matt White | Walnut Effect
*Rega System One™ only available in Matt Black
Rega Planar 2: The Step-Up in Detail
Moving up to the Planar 2 brings notable improvements in sound quality. It’s ideal for listeners who want a richer, more detailed presentation and perfect for those upgrading from a budget or entry-level deck.
In our demonstrations, customers often remark on the wider soundstage and improved bass definition compared to the Planar 1. It features a glass platter and the improved RB220 tonearm over the Planar 1 leading to smoother tracking and playback. It’s an excellent choice for serious music lovers on a budget.
Available with a choice between two cartridges, the reliable Rega Carbon from the Planar 1 or the upgraded Rega Nd3.
Finishes: Gloss Black | Gloss White | Gloss Red | Walnut Effect
Rega Planar 3: The Icon
Did you know, the Rega Planar 3 is arguably the most famous turntable in hi-fi history? Introduced in the late 1970s and refined over the decades, it’s been the benchmark for mid-range turntables.
Why it’s a favourite:
- Unmatched musicality at its price point.
- Exceptional build quality that lasts decades.
- Wide upgrade potential.
We offer the latest version of this iconic model, including those with and without cartridges.
Also available is the special Planar 3 RS Edition. This is effectively the best a Planar 3 can sound, full stop. It includes the standalone Neo Mk2 Power Supply for improved speed control and the Nd5 Cartridge for even more detail.
Finishes: Gloss Black | Gloss White | Gloss Red | Light Oak | Brushed Aluminium*
*Planar 3 RS Edition only
Rega Planar 6: The Audiophile’s Choice
The Planar 6 takes things into high-end territory, with a lightweight foam core plinth, a precision-machined sub-platter, and a Neo PSU electronic speed control for rock-solid pitch accuracy. This is a deck that extracts every detail from your records.
It’s best for listeners with a large vinyl collection who want to hear every nuance.
The Planar 6 is a serious investment, but one that will reward you every time you sit down to listen. Available with or without a cartridge.
Finishes: Black | White
Rega Planar 8: Near Reference-Level Listening
The Planar 8 is inspired by Rega’s flagship £30,000 Naiad turntable. It delivers a kind of realism that’s simply breathtaking. It also has an ultra-light, ultra-rigid construction. It’s the perfect partner for high-end systems.
Again, it’s a significant investment, so not a deck for casual listening. It’s for the committed vinyl lover who wants the very best Rega can offer short of their statement models.
Finishes: Black | White
Rega Planar 10 & Rega Naia: The Best of the Best
These are true reference turntables. The best on the market. This is for the true audiophile who spares no expense.
At these higher levels (including the Planar 6 & 8) we really recommend booking a time to come in and have a proper listen yourself to make sure you are making the right decision. Words cannot properly express the improvement you are getting.
They sound incredible and really benefit from the rest of your system being at said similar levels.
Finishes (Planar 10): Black | White
Finishes (Naia): Carbon Fibre
How to Choose the Right Rega Turntable
When customers visit us at Soundcraft HiFi, we usually start with three key questions:
- What’s your budget? This helps us focus on models within your price range.
- What’s the rest of your system like? Your amplifier, speakers and room all influence which turntable will be the best match.
- How deep is your vinyl collection? A larger, more valuable collection can justify a higher-end deck to get the most from it.
Why Buy Your Rega Turntable from Soundcraft?
Buying from a specialist like us isn’t just about the product: it’s about the service, setup, and support that comes with it. Our MD, Geoff Mathews, has decades of turntable experience and can personally set up every deck before it leaves the shop should you wish. We also offer:
- In-store demonstrations so you can hear the differences for yourself.
- Cartridge upgrades and installation.
- Servicing and fine-tuning for all Rega models.
- Advice on system matching to get the best from your new turntable.
Whether you’re a newcomer to vinyl or a seasoned collector, there’s a Rega turntable that will suit your needs and budget. The Planar 1 offers unbeatable value for beginners, while the Planar 8 delivers true near reference performance. And with the right setup and support from Soundcraft HiFi, you can be sure your new deck will perform at its absolute best for years to come.
If you’d like to hear what a Rega Planar can do, book a demonstration at our store in Ashford, Kent. We’ll guide you through the range, answer your questions, and help you choose the perfect turntable for your music.