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Rega Planar 1
This multi-award winning (What Hi-Fi? Best turntable £200-£500 five years in a row) ‘Plug and Play’ design utilises our handmade RB110 tonearm, with pre-set bias and a factory fitted Carbon cartridge. Set-up is possible in under 30 seconds and delivers incredible performance well beyond its price point.
Performance beyond price
A fresh new look for the multi-award winning Planar 1. We are delighted to introduce the new matt finish Planar 1. Every single aspect of the Planar 1 has been meticulously designed to improve performance. The Planar 1 uses a bespoke 24 V, low noise, synchronous motor to reduce vibration combined with our hand made RB110 tonearm fitted with our unique Rega-designed ultra-low friction bearings. We have added our latest drive belt technology the EBLT belt which delivers greater accuracy and improved speed performance. If you are looking to get back into vinyl and want serious performance that will last you a lifetime, then look no further.
The new special edition Walnut effect finish was introduced in September 2022 and is constructed from the same high rigidity premium laminate used on the standard matt P1. This is an attractive, high quality, realistic finish which is supplied as standard with the premium smoked dustcover to set off the design.
Key Features
- New Walnut effect finish added for 2022
- EBLT Advanced drive belt fitted as standard
- New matt finish for 2021
- RB110 tonearm with ultra-low friction play bearings
- Factory fitted Carbon moving magnet cartridge
- Phenolic resin, flywheel effect platter
- High quality, 24 V low noise synchronous motor
- Lifetime warranty against manufacture defects
- Matt White
- Matt Black
- Walnut Effect
Available in matt black, matt white and Walnut effect limited edition.
Tonearm
Brand new RB110 tonearm built with the new Rega designed, bespoke, ultra-low friction bearings (patent pending). New bias assembly and integrated arm clip. Includes automatic bias adjustment negating the need for the user to set bias, making this the most ‘plug & play’ turntable we have ever manufactured. Ergonomically, designed headshell for improved usability and appearance.
Cartridge
Rega Carbon cartridge supplied fitted as standard.
24 V Synchronous Motor
The first entry-level Rega turntable to use a 24 V, synchronous AC motor with a new motor PCB and aluminium pulley offering low noise and better speed stability.
Plinth
Brand new matt finish and Walnut effect option with vastly improved appearance and ergonomically positioned on/off switch located on the underside. Three stunning plinth finishes available, matt black, matt white and Walnut effect.
Central Bearing Housing
Performance brass main bearing, offering improved fit and removing stress on the bearing itself whilst minimising the transfer of potential energy (patent pending).
Platter
23 mm, higher mass, phenolic platter with improved flywheel effect for improved speed stability.
Isolation
Our latest design foot assembly increases stability and reduce vibration transfer.
Motor Cover Tray
Motor cover tray with integrated cooling.
Balance Weight
111 g ‘plug & play’ balance weight.
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Professional Reviews 90/100
Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
90/100
Build Quality
89/100
Features Usability
88/100
Value for Money
94/100
The Rega Planar 1 brings neutral clarity, sure-footed timing and a lively sense of musical flow to first serious vinyl systems. Its pre-set RB110 arm and Carbon cartridge make setup disarmingly simple, while the 24V motor and phenolic platter underpin tight bass and smooth treble. AudioAdvice and Future Audiophile find it an exceptionally strong value.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Neutral, detailed sound with clear vocals, smooth highs and controlled rhythmic drive.
Factory-set RB110 arm and pre-fitted cartridge make setup exceptionally easy for newcomers.
Strong build, stable speed and high performance-to-price value for an entry-level deck.
&
Cons
Changing from 33⅓ to 45 RPM requires removing the platter and manually moving the belt.
Bass is tight and defined but lacks the deepest weight and authority of stronger alternatives.
Fixed RCA cables and limited upgrade options restrict flexibility for tweakers.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 90/100
Reviews describe a clean, musically engaging presentation with especially strong midrange clarity, controlled timing and a convincingly spacious soundstage. Its bass is generally tight and well defined, though one reviewer wanted more low-end authority and another noted a slightly less traditionally warm character.
Overall Sound
91/100
Reviewers praise the Planar 1's neutral tonal balance, expressive musicality and ability to track tempo changes without losing composure. It is credited with clear, warm vocals, smooth treble, good detail and punchy rhythmic drive, although bass depth and ultimate transparency are not its strongest suits.
Speed Stability
91/100
The 24V synchronous motor, phenolic platter and belt system are consistently associated with stable rotation and confident pacing. AudioAdvice specifically calls the speed stability great and links it to the deck's strong rhythm and timing.
Tonearm Performance
89/100
The factory-fitted RB110 arm's low-friction bearings and pre-set setup make it easy to use while supporting precise tracking. Reviewers consider the supplied arm-and-Carbon-cartridge pairing effective, though the preconfigured arrangement offers less cartridge flexibility for experimenters.
Noise Isolation
88/100
Reviewers point to the low-vibration motor, revised feet and plinth materials as useful measures against external and mechanical noise. One reviewer reports no audible noise in operation, though there is limited detailed discussion of isolation under difficult real-world conditions.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
89/100
The Planar 1 is repeatedly described as exceptionally well made for an entry-level deck, with reviewers highlighting its rigid gloss-laminated plinth, stable platter and thoughtfully executed motor and bearing system. It is also praised for an understated, modern appearance that feels more expensive than its class.
Features Usability
88/100
The pre-mounted Carbon cartridge and RB110 arm with factory-set tracking make this a notably straightforward turntable to get playing. It is a focused manual design rather than a feature-heavy one, but reviewers consistently praise its ease of setup and everyday operation.
Value for Money
94/100
Reviewers are emphatic that the Planar 1 is a strong buy at its asking price, calling it difficult to beat below $500 and praising its performance-to-price ratio. It is regularly recommended as an accessible route into higher-fidelity vinyl playback without compromising the essentials.
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Verified Dealers
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Authorized dealers for Rega Planar 1
- Absoulute Audio plus Video — in-store — Aiken, South Carolina, United States (website)
- In Living Stereo — in-store — New York City, New York, United States (website)
- Resolution A/V — in-store — New York City, New York, United States (website)
- The Music Room — online and in-store — Erie, Colorado, United States (website)
- 3mA Audio — online and in-store — Houston, Texas, United States (website)
- A Tube High Fidelity — online and in-store — Almere, Flevoland, Netherlands (website)
- Accent On Music — in-store — Mount Kisco, New York, United States (website)
- Acoustic Sounds — online and in-store — Salina, Kansas, United States (website)
- Acoustic Streams — in-store — Lower Drift, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Acoustica — online and in-store — Chester, England, United Kingdom (website)
and 342 more verified dealers