Rega Planar 1 Replacement Needle
Belt drive · Manual · 33 and 45 rpm · Needs a phono preamp
The needle you need
Carbon Stylus
The Planar 1 takes the Rega Carbon Stylus needle.
- Genuine Rega part
Upgrades that fit the Planar 1
Rega makes the Carbon Pro Upgrade Stylus, with an elliptical tip, which fits the same Carbon cartridge. It pushes into the same body as the standard Carbon Stylus, so you change only the needle.
Carbon Pro Upgrade Stylus
Elliptical tip
New cartridge instead?
The Planar 1 takes cartridges with a standard half-inch mount. We have not found a cartridge weight range for its tonearm, so check the weight of a new cartridge with Rega before you buy.
Do you need a phono preamp?
A phono preamp boosts the very quiet signal from the cartridge.
The Planar 1 has none built in, so it needs an amplifier or speakers with a phono input, or a separate phono preamp.
Speakers that work with the Planar 1
Each of these has its own phono input, so the Planar 1 plugs in without a separate phono preamp.
C20 W
Also has an optical input, for a TV.
R-41PM
Has a subwoofer output, if you want more bass later.
MR1 Mk3
Bass drivers 85 mm across.
Key facts: Rega Planar 1
- DriveBelt drive
- OperationManual
- Speeds33 and 45 rpm
- CartridgeCarbon
- Cartridge mountHalf-inch
- Removable headshellNo
- Tracking force2 g
- Built-in phono preampNo
- BluetoothNo
- USBNo
- Dust coverYes
- PlatterPhenolic resin
- Size (W × D × H)447 × 360 × 117 mm
- Weight4.2 kg
Other record players that take the Carbon Stylus
How to change the needle on the Planar 1
With the arm on its rest, hold the Carbon cartridge still, pull the old needle forward and down by its front lip, then push the Carbon Stylus in from the front until it sits flush.
We take these details from Rega's own website and check them carefully, but makers change parts and part numbers, and we may miss an update. Before you buy, check the part on Rega's official website. If you spot an error, please tell us.
Questions about the Planar 1
Does the Planar 1 need a separate phono preamp?
Yes. The Planar 1 has no phono preamp built in, so it needs one for its Carbon cartridge, a moving magnet type. Use an amplifier with a phono input, powered speakers with a phono input, or a separate phono preamp.
Is there an upgrade needle for the Planar 1?
Yes. Rega makes the Carbon Pro Upgrade Stylus, with an elliptical tip, which fits the same Carbon cartridge.
Can I fit a different cartridge to the Planar 1?
Yes. The Planar 1 has a standard half-inch mount, so you can swap the Carbon cartridge for another of the same mount.
Can the Planar 1 play 78 rpm records?
No. The Planar 1 plays at 33 and 45 rpm only.
Which cartridge is on the Planar 1?
The Carbon, a moving magnet cartridge with a standard half-inch mount. Its replacement needle is the Carbon Stylus.