Rega Planar 78 Turntable, Black

The Rega Planar 78 is a turntable built exclusively for playing 78rpm shellac records – a single-speed deck with the precision RB220 tonearm and a phenolic resin platter that dispenses with everything unnecessary. It's supplied without a cartridge.

Why the Planar 78?

78rpm records have their own groove geometry and dynamics – a normal 33/45 turntable simply isn't built for them. With the Planar 78, Rega left out all the frills and put the budget into the parts that count: the hand-fitted RB220 tonearm, a low-mass phenolic resin platter with a flywheel effect for stable speed, and the quiet 24V motor. A specialist, not an all-rounder – and that's exactly the point.

What you'll hear

Historical recordings the way they were meant to sound: calm, substantial, with the typical directness of old shellac pressings. The flywheel platter keeps the 78rpm speed cleanly stable, the RB220 guides the stylus precisely. Provided the right 78rpm cartridge is fitted – more on that below.

Who is the Planar 78 for?

For shellac collectors, archivists and lovers of historical recordings who finally want to play their 78s properly. Plain talk: the Planar 78 only plays at 78rpm – no 33s, no 45s. If you have a mixed collection, you'll need a normal deck as well. And: 78s need a dedicated cartridge with a matching stylus profile (Rega RB78), otherwise it won't sound right.

Our verdict

An honest specialist at a fair price – built with the same DNA as Rega's higher-end decks, but consistently focused on a single job. If you take 78s seriously, there's hardly a way around the Planar 78. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil we'll tell you which cartridge and which phono stage belong with it.

Technical data

• Drive: belt drive, 24V synchronous motor, Advanced EBLT belt
• Speed: 78rpm only (single speed)
• Tonearm: Rega RB220, hand-fitted (no cartridge fitted at the factory)
• Platter: phenolic resin with flywheel effect
• Plinth: low-mass, matte black
• Dust cover: clear, removable dust cover
• Dimensions (W×H×D): 447 × 117 × 360 mm (lid closed)
• Weight: approx. 4.2 kg
• Warranty: 2 years
• What's included: Planar 78, removable dust cover, Advanced EBLT belt (no cartridge; matching Rega RB78 available separately)

Frequently asked questions

Can the Planar 78 also play normal 33rpm and 45rpm records?

No. The Planar 78 is a pure 78rpm deck and plays shellac records exclusively. For vinyl at 33⅓ or 45rpm you need a separate deck. This specialization is intentional – it's what makes it so good with 78s.

Does the Planar 78 come with a cartridge?

No. The Planar 78 is supplied without a cartridge. For shellac you need a dedicated 78rpm cartridge with a matching stylus profile – Rega offers the RB78 for this, which we stock separately and fit and align on request.

Why does 78rpm need a special cartridge?

Shellac grooves are wider than vinyl grooves. A normal vinyl stylus sits incorrectly in the groove, sounds distorted and can damage the record. The Rega RB78 has the right profile for 78s and gets noticeably more out of historical recordings.

Do I need a special phono stage for 78s?

A normal MM phono stage works in principle. For authentic playback of historical recordings, though, adapted equalization curves are ideal, since 78s don't consistently follow the RIAA standard. We'll advise you on which solution suits your collection.

Why buy the Rega Planar 78 at HD Zürisee?

Because 78rpm playback takes experience, not just a turntable. We've been listening for decades, know the quirks of old shellac pressings, and help you with cartridge, stylus profile and phono stage. Our technician Mauri handles fitting and alignment – personally, right here in Wädenswil on Lake Zurich.

Goes well with

The Planar 78 absolutely needs a matching cartridge (Rega RB78 for shellac) and a suitable phono stage. If you also listen to normal records, we have the right second deck for you. More from the brand can be found in our Rega components.