Dual CS 721 vs Rega Planar 3 (original)

Side-by-side specifications and a plain-English account of the recorded differences. Full profiles: Dual CS 721 · Rega Planar 3 (original).

Practical differences

Highlighted cells show a lower reference price, support for more listed speeds, or the presence of a convenience feature. They are not an overall score.

The mechanics differ too: the Dual CS 721 is direct-drive, the Rega Planar 3 (original) is belt-drive. The Dual CS 721 gets instant start-up, rock-steady speed under load, and enough torque to nudge or backspin the record — the reason DJs and scratch decks are built this way.

The Dual CS 721 is fully automatic — press start and the arm cues itself and lifts at the end of the side — where the Rega Planar 3 (original) needs you to cue the arm by hand.

Bottom line: both are £260 at reference price — price doesn't separate them, so the table above is where the real differences show up.

Compare two different decks →