Whether you’re brand new to vinyl or a seasoned audiophile refining a high-end hi-fi setup, Rega Research has built one of the most respected turntable ranges in the world. From the accessible Planar 1 to the reference-level Naia, every Rega deck is built around a simple philosophy: low mass, high rigidity, and precision engineering for maximum musical performance.
But with multiple models in the lineup, choosing the right Rega record player can feel overwhelming. What’s the difference between a Planar 1 and Planar 3? Is the jump to a Planar 6 worth it? Who is the Planar 10 really for? And when does the flagship Naia make sense?
This Rega turntable buyer’s guide breaks down the entire range We’ll explain where each model sits in the hierarchy, who it’s designed for, and how it performs within a real-world hi-fi system. Whether you’re building your first vinyl setup or assembling a reference-level system, this guide will help you understand which Rega turntable best suits your budget, listening habits, and long-term goals.
Rega’s lineup is structured logically: entry-level models prioritise simplicity and value, mid-range decks focus on refinement and upgrade potential, and the upper models push the boundaries of what’s possible from a belt-drive turntable. As you move up the range, you’ll see improvements in tonearm engineering, plinth construction, platter materials, motor control, and power supply regulation — all of which contribute to lower noise, greater speed accuracy, and more musical detail.
Rega Planar 1 — Beginner Turntable with Pure Analog Focus
The Rega Planar 1 is the entry-level turntable in Rega’s lineup, designed for people who want to get into vinyl listening with an uncomplicated setup and great core performance — without the extras that may be unnecessary for first-time buyers.
Unlike the Planar 1 Plus (which includes a built-in phono stage), the original Planar 1 is a pure analog deck. That means it doesn’t include a built-in phono preamp, so you’ll need either an integrated amplifier or receiver with a phono input, or an external phono stage. For many new vinyl enthusiasts this is a positive: it introduces them to the essential components of a traditional hi-fi setup while keeping the cost down.
The Planar 1 features Rega’s lightweight yet rigid plinth, a precision-engineered resin platter, and a Rega RB110 tonearm — a performance-focused arm that’s simple to balance and track accurately. The belt-drive system and low-noise motor provide stable rotation speed and reliable playback across your record collection.
Sonically, the Planar 1 delivers a clear, uncoloured sound with impressive detail for the price. It doesn’t have some of the refinement you’ll find in higher-end Rega tables like the Planar 2 or Planar 3, but it’s a substantial step up from most budget turntables that sacrifice quality for price. For many listeners, it’s the perfect introduction to analog sound: engaging, easy to use, and built with a quality that makes it worth keeping even as you upgrade other system components later.
The Planar 1 is often recommended as a starter turntable in “best vinyl turntables for beginners” lists because it combines Rega’s engineering heritage with simplicity and affordability — making it a natural entry point in the overall Rega range.
Best for:
- First-time vinyl buyers
- Those building a hi-fi system with a separate phono stage
- Listeners who want straightforward, pure analog performance
Rega Planar 1 Plus — Ideal Entry-Level with Built-In Phono Stage
The Planar 1 Plus is Rega’s another easy entry point for anyone getting into vinyl, combining Rega’s renowned engineering with easy setup and use. Unlike many beginner tables, it includes a built-in phono preamp, so you can hook it up directly to an amplifier without needing a standalone phono stage — a huge convenience for new buyers. Its redesigned brass bearing and high-mass phenolic platter enhance speed stability and tracking, giving a solid foundation for enjoyable listening.
Sonically, the Planar 1 Plus punches well above typical budget models, delivering clear detail and solid rhythm without fuss. Its manual belt-drive design teaches vinyl basics while offering room to grow if you upgrade cartridges later. Rega’s reputation for durability means this table won’t feel “cheap” — it’s genuinely capable for its price bracket and perfect for bedrooms, offices or starter systems.
Best for:
- First-turntable buyers
- Casual listeners
- Small systems
Rega Planar 2 — Balanced Sound on a Budget
Stepping up from the Planar 1 Plus, the Rega Planar 2 trades the integrated preamp for a more refined mechanical design tailored to enthusiasts who already have or plan to add a dedicated phono stage/preamp. It features a solid RB220 tonearm, float glass platter, and Rega’s reliable 24 V low-noise motor, resulting in smoother playback and a wider soundstage than cheaper alternatives.
The Planar 2 is an excellent “next step” for users who want better dynamics and detail without committing to higher-end audiophile prices. It pairs easily with modest phono stages and amplifiers, giving you flexibility in how you build your system.
The Rega Planar 2 also comes standard with the Advanced EBLT drive belt which promotes accurate speed and stability.
Best for:
- Vinyl fans upgrading from grab-and-go players
- Systems with external phono stages
Rega Planar 3 — Classic Mid-Range Performer
The Rega Planar 3 sits at the heart of Rega’s popular mid-range lineup and is widely regarded as the benchmark for turntables in its class. Over decades, the model has evolved with improvements to the RB330 tonearm, enhanced plinth rigidity and a polished, opti-white glass platter that extracts more musicality from records.
This table offers a notable jump in clarity, transient response and imaging compared to the Planar 2, with resolving power that rewards attentive listeners. Its manual nature and optional external PSU (power supply) switches make it flexible for upgrades. Many users regard the Planar 3 as a “forever” table that stays relevant even as other components improve.
Best for:
- Enthusiasts building a serious hi-fi system
- Those balancing cost and performance.
Rega Planar 3 RS — Refined Upgrade to a Classic Favourite
The Rega Planar 3 RS takes everything that made the standard Planar 3 such a beloved mid-range turntable and enhances it with thoughtful refinements aimed at serious listeners who want more performance without leaping into flagship territory.
At its core, the Planar 3 RS is built around the same proven foundation as the regular Planar 3 — a rigid, lightweight floating plinth, precision bearing, and the acclaimed RB330 tonearm — but Rega has upgraded several key areas to reduce vibration, improve speed stability, and tease out even finer musical detail.
One of the biggest differences is the enhanced platter and mat design, which better isolates the record from motor and bearing noise, helping the stylus track grooves with greater accuracy. Rega also includes a more advanced power supply option and refined damping materials in the plinth, resulting in quieter background and tighter rhythm.
Sonically, the Planar 3 RS offers a more resolving, vibrant sound than its sibling. Compared to the standard Planar 3, it reveals a clearer detail on complex recordings, stronger sense of pace and timing, and a smoother, more extended top end. The improvements are subtle yet undeniably musical — especially with high-quality cartridges and a complementary phono stage — giving you a listening experience closer to what you’d hear from higher-tier models like the Planar 6.
Like the Planar 3, the RS isn’t plug-and-play in the way the Planar 1 Plus is; it expects you to pair it with a proper phono stage or phono-equipped amp. But for users who are comfortable with that and want to invest in sound quality, the Planar 3 RS presents an excellent balance of performance, upgradeability, and value.
Best for:
- Enthusiasts who want a meaningful step up from mid-range decks
- Systems with good phono stages and cartridges
- Vinyl lovers aiming for long-term upgrade paths
Rega Planar 6 — Refined Mid-High Precision
Above the Planar 3, the Planar 6 introduces materials and engineering usually found in pricier decks. Built around a lightweight Tancast 8 foam core plinth and paired with a regulated Neo power supply, it reduces vibration and enhances speed stability — both key to cleaner, more dynamic playback.
It typically ships with the RB330 tonearm but is compatible with optional moving coil and higher-end cartridges. This model represents a sweet spot for music lovers who want true hi-fi sound without stepping into “ultra-premium” pricing.
Best for:
- Dedicated listeners
- Those pairing with quality phono stages or cartridges
Rega Planar 8 — Performance Inspired by Rega’s Top Shelf
The Planar 8 draws engineering inspiration from Rega’s most advanced designs (notably the Naiad), bringing those innovations into a more accessible package. Its ultra-lightweight plinth, advanced RB880 tonearm and refined Neo MkII PSU provide excellent speed control, low vibration and exceptional tracking — all contributing to heightened detail retrieval and musical transparency.
This model is a clear step up in resolution and nuance compared to the Planar 6, making it a compelling choice for audiophiles who want top-tier performance without stepping into flagship pricing.
Best for:
- Serious audiophiles
- High-end systems
Rega Planar 10 — Reference-Grade Vinyl Playback
The Planar 10 sits at the top of Rega’s mainstream range, incorporating cutting-edge materials and design features developed over years of R&D. With ceramic bracing, a ceramic oxide platter, and the advanced RB3000 tonearm, it pushes rigidity and speed precision to new levels — resulting in exceptional clarity, dynamic range and texture.
It’s a deck for listeners who demand top-end performance without going into bespoke or boutique territory. Pair it with a high-quality cartridge and phono stage, and it competes with much more expensive systems.
Best for:
- High-end dedicated systems
- Reference-class listening
Rega Naia — The Ultimate Rega Turntable
At the very pinnacle of Rega’s lineup is the Naia — a limited-production masterpiece that distills decades of innovation into one platform. Featuring a graphene-infused carbon fibre skeletal plinth, dual ceramic braces and an ultra-stable ceramic platter, the Naia represents the absolute peak of Rega’s performance philosophy.
Its design minimises mass where it’s unnecessary while maximising rigidity where it matters most, resulting in extremely low resonance and remarkable detail. This is a turntable for the most demanding audiophiles and reference studios — and it’s priced accordingly.
Best for:
- Elite systems
- Collectors
- Reference listening
Final Thoughts
If you’re new to vinyl, the Planar 1 or Planar 1 Plus offers a simple, high-quality entry point into analog sound. If you’re building a serious hi-fi system, the Planar 3 or Planar 3 RS delivers a level of refinement that can anchor your setup for years. Moving into Planar 6, Planar 8, and Planar 10 territory brings genuine audiophile performance, where improvements in materials and engineering translate directly into lower noise, better speed accuracy, and greater musical realism. And at the very top, the Naia represents Rega’s most advanced thinking — a reference-level turntable designed for systems where every component is chosen without compromise.
The key is understanding where you are in your vinyl journey. Your amplifier, phono stage, speakers, and cartridge all play a role in determining how much of a turntable’s performance you’ll actually hear. Choosing the right Rega record player isn’t about buying the most expensive model — it’s about matching the turntable to your system and your expectations.
At Soundline, we’ve been helping music lovers build exceptional vinyl systems for decades. We don’t just sell turntables — we match them carefully with the right cartridge, phono stage, amplifier, and speakers to ensure you’re hearing what your records are truly capable of. Whether you’re buying your first turntable or upgrading to a reference-level deck, our team can guide you through the differences between models, explain the upgrade paths, and set everything up correctly for optimal performance.
If you’d like personalised advice on which Rega turntable suits your setup, get in touch with Soundline. Tell us your budget, current equipment, and the kind of music you love — and we’ll help you choose a turntable that delivers years of musical enjoyment.