Searching for the perfect turntable can feel overwhelming. With so many options out there, it’s easy to get lost in specs and features.
The Rega Planar 78 stands out with its sleek design and impressive sound quality. If you're worried about setup or performance, keep reading to see if this could be your ideal vinyl companion.
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Darkside Vinyl's Verdict:
The Rega Planar 78 shines when it comes to spinning your treasured 78 RPM records. The RB220 tonearm and low-noise motor work together to deliver a smooth, enjoyable listening experience. It’s a solid choice for dedicated vinyl enthusiasts, though it’s worth considering if you need more versatility in your collection.
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PROS
- High-quality build
- Precise speed control
- Minimalist design
- Durable components
CONS
- Limited to 78 RPM
- No anti-skating adjustment
- Manual operation
- Separate cartridge purchase required
Get the Full Picture
Rega Planar 78 | Waldo Flynn's Opinion
The Rega Planar 78 beautifully captures the warmth and nuance of vintage records, making each listening session a nostalgic delight that resonates deeply with my love for analog sound.
Rega Planar 78 | Amazon's Opinion
Amazon customers agree that the Rega Planar 78 delivers exceptional sound quality and sleek design, making it a top choice for vinyl enthusiasts.
Rega Planar 78 | Reddit's Opinion
Reddit users generally agree that the Rega Planar 78 offers exceptional sound quality and build, making it a fantastic choice for vinyl enthusiasts.
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Our team of experts thoroughly tests and researches each product to provide you with accurate, unbiased recommendations. Learn more about our review process.
Rega Planar 78 Overview
The Rega Planar 78 is a fantastic choice for 78 RPM enthusiasts. It's built with a dedicated focus on delivering quality sound for vintage records.
During our testing, the RB220 tonearm performed smoothly, and the 24V low-noise motor kept things running quietly. It really shines when it comes to bringing out the warmth of those old tracks.
Design and Build Quality
The Rega Planar 78 is a beautiful piece of engineering that stands out with its sleek design. The minimalist aesthetics are pleasing to the eye and fit well into any home audio setup. It feels sturdy and well-built, thanks to the quality materials used in its construction.
One notable feature is the plinth, which is designed to reduce vibrations and enhance sound quality. This attention to detail means that when you set it up, you can really appreciate the craftsmanship that went into creating this turntable.
Overall, the design not only looks great but also contributes to the performance. It’s a dedicated turntable for 78 RPM records, so you know it’s built for a specific purpose without unnecessary frills.
RB220 Tonearm
The RB220 tonearm is a standout feature of the Rega Planar 78. It's designed with precision in mind, offering a smooth tracking experience that plays your records beautifully. This tonearm is lightweight but rigid, which helps in reducing unwanted resonance.
During testing, we found that the RB220 does an excellent job of keeping the stylus in the groove, ensuring that even the most delicate 78s sound clear and vibrant. Its adjustable features allow you to fine-tune the setup based on your preferences, enhancing your listening experience.
Whether you're a seasoned vinyl collector or just diving into the world of 78 RPM records, the RB220 tonearm delivers a solid performance that elevates your music playback. It's a crucial component that truly complements the turntable's overall design.
24V Low-Noise Motor
The 24V low-noise motor in the Rega Planar 78 plays a vital role in delivering high-fidelity sound. This motor is not only efficient but also minimizes vibrations that could affect playback quality. You’ll appreciate the quiet operation, which allows you to focus solely on the music.
As we tested various 78 records, it was clear that the motor contributes to a stable speed. There’s no noticeable wow and flutter, which can often plague lesser turntables. The consistent performance ensures that your records sound as intended.
Having a motor designed specifically for 78 RPM records is a huge plus. It guarantees that you can enjoy your collection without worrying about speed inconsistencies. This feature alone adds significant value to the listening experience.
User-Friendly Setup
Setting up the Rega Planar 78 is a breeze, even for those who may not be tech-savvy. The straightforward design means you can get it out of the box and up and running in no time. The instructions are clear and concise, which is always a bonus.
Once assembled, you’ll find that adjusting the tonearm and balancing it is simple. This user-friendly approach ensures that you can spend more time enjoying your records rather than wrestling with complicated setups.
This ease of use makes it an appealing option for anyone looking to dive into the world of turntables, especially for 78 RPM records. If you’re considering options, you might want to check out the broader selection of Turntables available.
Sound Performance
When it comes to sound quality, the Rega Planar 78 truly shines. The clarity and warmth of the music coming from this turntable are remarkable. You can hear the nuances in your favorite 78s that you might not notice on lower-quality equipment.
During testing, we played a variety of genres, and each record sounded fantastic. The bass response is tight and controlled, while the highs are crisp without being harsh. This balance contributes to a rich listening experience that keeps you engaged.
For those who appreciate vintage music, the Rega Planar 78 delivers an authentic sound that transports you back in time. It’s a pleasure to hear how it brings out the character in each record, making it a worthy addition to any collection.
Versatility with 78 RPM Records
The Rega Planar 78 is specifically designed for 78 RPM records, making it a rare gem in today’s turntable market. Many turntables cater to 33 and 45 RPM records, but the unique focus on 78s is a significant advantage for collectors. This specialization shows in its performance and playback accuracy.
When we tested various 78s, the turntable handled them effortlessly. The sound quality was consistently impressive, showcasing the true essence of the recordings. It’s clear that Rega put a lot of thought into meeting the needs of 78 RPM enthusiasts.
If you’re serious about enjoying your 78 records, this turntable is a must-have. It’s designed to extract the best sound from your collection, making it a standout option for anyone looking to explore this niche in vinyl.
Best 78rpm Turntable
Rega Planar 78 Turntable
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4.5
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Don't think the Rega Planar 78 is right for you?
Check out these alternatives instead.
Pro-Ject Debut PRO B
Get it from Amazon
4.7
$1,099.00
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04/02/2025 04:55 am GMT
Pro-Ject Debut PRO B
The Pro-Ject Debut PRO B is a solid choice for those who want versatility. With its carbon-aluminum tonearm and balanced connections, it delivers great sound quality. Plus, the Pick-IT PRO Balanced cartridge enhances performance.
On the other hand, the Rega Planar 78 is all about 78 RPM records. Its RB220 tonearm and low-noise motor make it a focused option for vintage enthusiasts. It’s built specifically for that niche, but it doesn't offer the same versatility as the Pro-Ject.
Pro-Ject T1 Evo
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4.2
$599.00
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04/02/2025 04:54 am GMT
Pro-Ject T1 Evo
The Pro-Ject T1 Evo is a solid choice for those who want a versatile turntable with Bluetooth connectivity. It's great for casual listening and connecting to wireless speakers.
On the other hand, the Rega Planar 78 is specifically designed for 78 RPM records. It's a bit more specialized, featuring a high-quality RB220 tonearm and a low-noise motor, making it perfect for vinyl enthusiasts who value precision.
Pro-Ject T2 SuperPhono
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4.5
$729.00
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04/02/2025 04:54 am GMT
Pro-Ject T2
The Pro-Ject T2 is a versatile entry-level turntable that caters to both new and seasoned vinyl enthusiasts. Its built-in phono preamp and Sumiko Rainier MM cartridge make setup a breeze, which we really appreciated during testing.
On the other hand, the Rega Planar 78 is a specialist machine, crafted just for 78 RPM records. The RB220 tonearm and low-noise motor deliver solid performance, but it lacks the flexibility of the T2.
Both turntables have their strengths, but your choice really depends on the type of records you play.
U-Turn Orbit Special
The U-Turn Orbit Special is a versatile turntable that caters to a range of vinyl records, making it a solid choice for many audiophiles. In our tests, it delivered good sound quality and ease of use.
On the other hand, the Rega Planar 78 focuses solely on 78 RPM records, featuring a specialized tonearm and a quiet motor. While it excels in playing 78s, its limited speed options might not appeal to those with diverse collections.
Rega Planar 1
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4.3
$499.99
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04/02/2025 04:54 am GMT
Rega Planar 1
The Rega Planar 1 is a solid entry-level turntable. It delivers impressive sound quality for beginners. We found it easy to set up and enjoy.
On the other hand, the Rega Planar 78 is tailored for 78 RPM records. Its RB220 tonearm and low-noise motor really enhance the listening experience. If you’re into vintage records, it's a great choice.
Rega Planar 1 Plus
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4.5
$775.00
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04/02/2025 04:54 am GMT
Rega Planar 1 Plus
The Rega Planar 1 Plus is a solid choice for those diving into vinyl. It has a built-in phono preamp, making setup a breeze, and its sleek finish looks great in any space.
On the other hand, the Rega Planar 78 is tailored specifically for 78 RPM records. It features a dedicated tonearm and a low-noise motor, ensuring smooth playback for vintage collections.
Both turntables score equally well, but your choice depends on what you plan to play. If you're into modern records, go for the Planar 1 Plus; if you have a stash of 78s, the Planar 78 is your best bet.
Rega Planar 78 Review 2025 | Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Rega Planar 78 is a solid choice for anyone looking to dive into the world of 78 RPM records. Its dedicated design and low-noise motor really stand out during playback. I enjoyed my time with it, and it definitely delivers on performance.
Best 78rpm Turntable
Rega Planar 78 Turntable
Get it from Amazon
4.5
A dedicated single-speed turntable designed exclusively for 78 RPM records, featuring the RB220 tonearm and a 24V low-noise motor.
Pros:
- High-quality build
- Precise speed control
- Minimalist design
- Durable components
Cons:
- Limited to 78 RPM
- No anti-skating adjustment
- Manual operation
- Separate cartridge purchase required
I earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
Rega Planar 78 Review 2025 | FAQs
What type of records does the Rega Planar 78 support?
The Rega Planar 78 is designed exclusively for 78 RPM records.
What tonearm does the Rega Planar 78 use?
It features the RB220 tonearm, optimized for 78 RPM playback.
Is the motor of the Rega Planar 78 quiet?
Yes, it has a 24V low-noise motor for minimal vibration and noise.
Can I use the Rega Planar 78 for other speeds?
No, it is dedicated solely to 78 RPM records and does not support other speeds.
Is the Rega Planar 78 easy to set up?
Yes, it is designed for straightforward setup and operation.
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