Rega Planar 10 Turntable, Black

The Rega Planar 10 is a high-end turntable that combines Rega's skeletal construction with an external DSP power supply and the reference RB3000 tonearm in an extremely light, ultra-rigid plinth. It's supplied without a cartridge – deliberately, so you can tune the system freely to your sonic taste.

Why the Planar 10?

Rega's philosophy has always been the counter-model to the mass-loading school: instead of piling on weight, Rega builds as light and as rigid as possible – energy that isn't absorbed can't be released again as coloration. In the Planar 10, a Tancast 8 core sits between two HPL skins, reinforced by a ceramic upper brace and a phenolic resin lower brace exactly where it matters: between the tonearm base and the main bearing. The external P10 power supply regulates the 24V motor via DSP and allows electronic speed switching. In short: plenty of technology, no drama.

What you hear

Calm. The Planar 10 pulls a surprising amount of information out of the groove without ever sounding nervous – timing and dynamics are its signature strengths, and the bass is dry and precise rather than inflated. The diamond-turned ceramic-oxide platter provides the necessary speed stability, and the RB3000 holds the cartridge rock-solid in the groove. The result is a sound that seems bigger than the delicate-looking plinth would suggest.

Who is the Planar 10 for?

For anyone who listens to vinyl seriously and wants a turntable for many years to come – ideally paired with an MC cartridge in the Apheta/Aphelion class. Straight talk: if you only occasionally play a record and value ease of use above everything, a class below will serve you better (and more affordably). And don't underestimate the "nothing" that comes as a cartridge: the choice of cartridge audibly shapes the result here – we're happy to advise you on it.

Our verdict

The Planar 10 is Rega's flagship turntable, bringing the house's reference-level genes at a sensible price. A turntable for people who know what they want. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil we'll put together the right system around it, so the potential isn't wasted on the wrong combination.

Technical specifications

• Drive: belt drive, 24V synchronous motor, EBLT Reference belt
• Tonearm: Rega RB3000 (no cartridge fitted from the factory)
• Platter: ceramic oxide, diamond-turned
• Plinth: Tancast 8 skeletal plinth with HPL skin, ceramic upper and phenolic resin lower brace (double brace)
• Power supply: external P10 PSU, DSP-regulated, electronic speed switching 33⅓/45
• Turntable dimensions (W×H×D): 420 × 125 × 315 mm (with dust cover)
• Power supply dimensions (W×H×D): 218 × 80 × 320 mm
• Weight: 4.7 kg (turntable) + 3 kg (power supply)
• Warranty: 2 years
• Included: Planar 10, P10 power supply with connecting cable, removable dust cover, EBLT belt (no cartridge)

Frequently asked questions

Does the Planar 10 come with a cartridge?

No. The Planar 10 ships without a cartridge, so you can choose it freely. MC cartridges in the Rega Apheta 3 or Aphelion 2 class are recommended. On request, we'll fit and align the cartridge for you, ready to go.

Do I need a separate phono preamplifier for the Planar 10?

Yes. The Planar 10 has no built-in phono stage. You'll need a matching phono preamplifier – for MC cartridges, an MC-capable stage such as the Rega Aura or Aos. We'll help you match turntable, cartridge and phono stage cleanly together.

Why is the Planar 10 built so light?

Rega follows the principle "mass absorbs energy." An ultra-lightweight, highly rigid skeletal plinth absorbs less unwanted energy and doesn't release it back as coloration. The result is more precision in timing and bass control than many heavier turntables achieve.

Can I switch electronically between 33 and 45 rpm?

Yes. The external P10 power supply switches speed electronically between 33⅓ and 45 rpm – you don't need to move the belt by hand. It also allows fine electronic speed adjustment for maximum running stability.

Why buy the Rega Planar 10 at HD Zürisee?

Because we don't just sell turntables, we set them up. As an authorised Rega dealer, we put together a matching cartridge, phono stage and cabling, fit the cartridge properly, and align it on site. Our technician Mauri handles service and fine-tuning – in person, in Wädenswil on Lake Zurich.

Goes well with

Matching the Planar 10: a high-quality cartridge (Apheta or Aphelion class), an MC-capable phono preamplifier, plus the right integrated amplifier and of course the other Rega components in our range. Unsure about the combination? Ask us – it's what we do every day.