Проигрыватели виниловых дисков — Rega PLANAR 78

The Planar 78 is a turntable from Rega designed to play only 78 rpm records, launched on 19 April 2019 at GBP 299. It is based on the Planar range but runs at a single speed, and since January 2023 it has been supplied with a matt black plinth. It is intended for collectors of shellac records who want a dedicated deck for them alongside a standard turntable.

Key specs that matter

A 24 V low-noise synchronous motor turns a phenolic resin flywheel platter through an EBLT belt at 78 rpm. The tonearm is the hand-assembled RB220, an evolution of the RB250, with a die-cast arm tube, a polymer bearing and three-point mounting. A dedicated Rega RB78 moving magnet cartridge for 78 rpm records is sold separately. A clear dust cover is supplied with the deck. The turntable measures 447 x 117 x 360 mm with the lid closed and weighs 4.2 kg.

Engineering and use context

Records made at 78 rpm have wider grooves than microgroove LPs and singles, and they need a stylus of a larger radius, which is why Rega offers a matching cartridge for this deck. Running only at one speed simplifies the drive and removes the need to change belt positions or electronics. Rega describes the phenolic resin platter as having a flywheel effect, which helps keep the speed steady. The RB220 arm uses a die-cast tube for rigidity and a three-point mounting that fixes the arm to the plinth at three points. The arm uses lightweight polymer bearings. The EBLT belt is Rega's own belt type. Because the RB78 cartridge is a moving magnet design, the deck works with a standard MM phono stage. A turntable dedicated to 78 rpm also avoids repeated cartridge changes on a main deck. Rega describes the design as minimalist and covers the Planar 78 against manufacturing defects for life. Because it does not play 33 or 45 rpm records, the Planar 78 cannot replace a standard turntable, and it is meant to be used as a second deck.

Pairing

The Planar 78 connects to any MM phono stage, such as Rega's Fono MM MK5 or the phono input of the Elex MK4 amplifier. Owners of large 78 rpm collections can keep it next to a standard Planar deck for 33 and 45 rpm records, each with its own cartridge. The RB78 cartridge is the matching choice, and the dust cover protects the arm when the deck is not in use.

Alternatives

The Rega Planar 1 is the entry turntable of the standard range, playing 33 and 45 rpm records with an RB110 arm.