Rega Planar 3 RS Edition Replacement Needle
Belt drive · Manual · 33 and 45 rpm · Needs a phono preamp
Replacement needle
Not replaceable on its own
The needle on the Nd5 cartridge of the Planar 3 RS Edition cannot be replaced on its own.
What to do instead on the Planar 3 RS Edition
Rega does not sell a separate needle for the Nd5. When it wears out, take the cartridge to a Rega dealer: they swap it for a rebuilt one with a new cantilever, stylus and pivot pad, at a reduced trade-in price.
The other choice is a new cartridge.
Every cartridge with no replacement needle, and what its maker offers
The Planar 3 RS Edition 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 3 RS Edition 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 3 RS Edition
Each of these has its own phono input, so the Planar 3 RS Edition 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.
Spare parts for the Planar 3 RS Edition
Reference EBLT Upgrade Drive Belt
Key facts: Rega Planar 3 RS Edition
- DriveBelt drive
- OperationManual
- Speeds33 and 45 rpm
- CartridgeNd5
- Cartridge mountHalf-inch
- Removable headshellNo
- Tracking force1.75 g
- Built-in phono preampNo
- BluetoothNo
- USBNo
- Dust coverYes
- PlatterGlass
- Power supplyExternal Neo PSU MK2 (supplied)
- Size (W × D × H)447 × 360 × 117 mm
- Weight6 kg
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 3 RS Edition
Does the Planar 3 RS Edition need a separate phono preamp?
Yes. The Planar 3 RS Edition has no phono preamp built in, so it needs one for its Nd5 cartridge, a moving magnet type. Use an amplifier with a phono input, powered speakers with a phono input, or a separate phono preamp.
Can I fit a different cartridge to the Planar 3 RS Edition?
Yes. The Planar 3 RS Edition has a standard half-inch mount, so you can swap the Nd5 cartridge for another of the same mount.
Can the Planar 3 RS Edition play 78 rpm records?
No. The Planar 3 RS Edition plays at 33 and 45 rpm only.
Which cartridge is on the Planar 3 RS Edition?
The Nd5, a moving magnet cartridge with a standard half-inch mount.