How to Set Up a Rega Planar 1 Turntable for First Use

By ShutterGroove | Published: 2026-10-21

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to set up your Rega Planar 1 turntable step by step, from unboxing to first spin, with common mistakes and checkpoints to avoid.

Quick Answer

Setting up your Rega Planar 1 is straightforward: install the platter, fit the belt, place the cartridge (already pre-fitted), set the tracking force, and balance the tonearm. Follow the steps below to get your turntable ready for its first spin.

Why the Rega Planar 1 Is a Great First Turntable

The Rega Planar 1 is designed to be as simple as possible for newcomers to vinyl. It comes with the Rega Carbon cartridge already fitted and aligned, so you don't need to worry about cartridge setup out of the box. This reduces the risk of damaging your records or stylus during installation.

Its precision RB110 tonearm and ultra-low friction bearings ensure smooth tracking, so you can focus on enjoying your records rather than fiddling with adjustments.

What You'll Need Before You Start

Before you begin, make sure you have a stable, level surface for your turntable. You'll also need the included tools: the platter, drive belt, and counterweight. Keep the dust cover off until you've completed the setup to avoid scratching the platter or tonearm.

Step-by-Step Setup for Your Rega Planar 1

Unbox and Place the Turntable: Carefully remove the turntable from its packaging and place it on a stable, level surface. Remove the dust cover and any protective foam or ties. Ensure the tonearm is secured with its tie-wrap until you're ready to use it. Check that the surface is level; an uneven base can cause tracking issues.
Install the Platter: Slide the platter onto the spindle, aligning it gently. Do not force it—if it doesn't seat easily, check for any packaging material underneath. Make sure the platter sits flat and spins freely without rubbing.
Fit the Drive Belt: Loop the drive belt around the inner rim of the platter and then over the motor pulley. Gently rotate the platter to help the belt settle evenly. Ensure the belt is not twisted and sits in the middle of the pulley.
Set the Tracking Force: The Rega Planar 1 uses a pre-set counterweight that you simply push onto the rear of the tonearm. There's no need to adjust the tracking force—it's fixed at the factory. Just ensure the counterweight is pushed fully on. Do not try to adjust the counterweight; it's designed to be fixed.
Connect the Turntable to Your System: Connect the RCA cables from the turntable to your amplifier or powered speakers. If your amp doesn't have a phono input, you'll need a separate phono preamp. Check that your amp or speakers have a phono input; otherwise, add a phono preamp.
Balance the Tonearm (Optional but Recommended): Even though the tracking force is fixed, you should still set the anti-skate if your unit has one (the Planar 1 does not have adjustable anti-skate). Simply ensure the tonearm is free to move without dragging. If you encounter skipping, double-check the platter level. If records skip, revisit the leveling and belt installation.
Play Your First Record: Place a record on the platter, remove the tonearm tie-wrap, and gently lower the stylus onto the lead-in groove. Adjust the volume to a moderate level and enjoy. If the sound is distorted, check that the stylus is clean and the tracking force is correct.

Product Spotlight

Rega Planar 1 Turntable With Rega Carbon Cartridge: The Rega Planar 1 comes with the Rega Carbon cartridge pre-fitted and aligned on the RB110 tonearm. You can skip cartridge alignment for now—just focus on the mechanical setup steps below.
Rega Planar 1 Turntable With Rega Carbon Cartridge