Designed for Planar 1, Planar 2, Planar 3 and Planar 6 and many older Rega models; Simple screw fit adaptors are available to fit the older, RP8 and RP10 turntables; Available in two colours: black and white; 1.2kg lighter and more rigid than the previous model So much extra music for $300 more. Bugger as that arm (RB220) is $500 by itself (yes we can sell you one at Audiofix). The new Planar 1 is the most user friendly Rega turntable to date. He does more than that, though. In reality that system combination should never exist as $12,000 speakers connected to either relatively simple and affordable turntable is a smidge out of balance but it did allow me to really hear the differences between them. Its S-shaped tonearm was then replaced in 1984 with Rega’s RB250, and at the turn of the century a brand new version of the deck – fittingly named the P2 2000 – took its place in Rega’s catalogue until 2005. They in fact (considering they are fitted with identical cartridges) offer quite different audio qualities or styles in that the P2 is an exuberant performer, quite lively and dynamic while the P1 definitely sounds more laid back and warm. The Planar 1 comes with the new RB110, which is a 2-piece aluminum design. As you move from the Planar 1 to the Planar 3, the tonearm cable also improves -- allowing for better transfer of information with little interference. Simply unpack and plug in. Advertiser Disclosure. Mark Levinson 519 Audio Player. Nov 23, 2008 2,780 1,009 22,570. Others trying to invest more in the same turntable to make it better instead of just buying a proper turntable from the start and forget about everything except for … The Planar 1 uses a heavy phenolic material. Copyright © 2020 Audio Advice. We’ll discuss the differences between them as well as some of the new features Rega has included in the 2016 line versus the RP series that they replaced. Firstly the differences in sound quality between the two as they come out of the box are not insignificant. Rega Planar 3 with Elys 2, £649. And it might very well be the pick in Rega… Prelude Thanks for your thoughts and suggestions, Old Audiophile. (Being able to get a proper setup affects performance.) This allows you to get the purest and cleanest sound to your speakers. The P2 offers a considerably more insighful performance with substantially more detail and attack across the board. Even my hard-core audiophile friends seem be impressed by it. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. Rega tonearms are known for having incredible bearings and zero chatter. Both the Planar 1 and 2 come with the Rega Carbon, which is a moving magnet cartridge. You need the P2 if you are intending to improve your speakers and amplifier beyond the cheapest thing you could lay your hands on to get started on your record playing adventure. So I popped the glass platter off the P2 onto the P1 and immediately was offered a taughter bass performance with more texture. From the rivalry point of view to determine who is better Rega Planar 2 vs Fluance RT81 we should have a look at the output level. So should I save up for the P2 or is the P1 okay? The stylus tip on the Elys cartridge is a vast improvement over the Carbon and also has a great 3-point mounting system. Attack and timing went away a bit and for me quite a bit of the magic of the P2 was gone. All three of these turntables are very easy to set up without the need for any real tools. The Rega Planar 2 can be categorized as Rega’s top ‘entry-level’ turntable. In this short article I will attempt to cover not just the mechanical differences between them but also have a listen and compare their sound qualities. Our price should match all other authorized dealers. Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Turntable. 1- Fluance RT85 2-Rega Planar 2 3- Project Debut Carbon Espirit SB. McIntosh C49 Preamp. The Planar 2 has the new RB220 arm -- a one-piece design that provides more rigidity and features Rega’s famous zero tolerance bearings. Thanks! The Planar 3 is the only table of the three to utilize Rega’s signature double bracing which increases the rigidity of the plinth between the main hub bearing and tonearm. Ive got the 70s/80s planar 3 with the RB300 arm, glass platter, white belt, and Ortofon 520 cart, and its a great deck. I have been asked this on an almost daily basis since the new Rega Planar 1 and Planar 2 turntables were launched. One of the most high-profile turntables on the market, the Rega Planar 3 is the flagship model of British turntable specialist Rega, based in Southend-on-Sea. Combined with a cartridge upgrade such as the Sumiko Oyster the P1 could be substantially improved for not too crazy an amount of dosh. You may spot one very obvious and crucial difference just from looking though… the platter! It’s good, but you will notice a real difference when you move to Rega’s single layer, float glass platter which is used in the Planar 2 and Planar 3. The Fluance RT85 is the only one with Ortofon 2M Blue Cartridge, but maybe that's not the only thing that's matters.. Jun 5, 2020 #2 This helps to maintain that consistent speed we were talking about. Rega, Rega Planar 2, Turntables, Turntable Reviews 2016 Design. This is a review of Rega’s excellent new Planar 2, like its sibling Planar 3 a leap forward in merit and quality from the box to the ear. It’s the motor’s job to spin the platter at a consistent speed while at the same time not transmitting any noise into the platter. Simply slide the balance weight onto the rear of the tonearm as far as it will go, remove … If you are going to get serious about vinyl playback, the Planar 3 provides the best upgrade path for future add-ons to improve performance. The Planar 1 and 2 use a special hard thermoplastic called Makrolon for the hub. Rega Planar 1 vs Sony PS-HX500: design and features. Grip, drive and extension in the bass area is much improved over the P1. For the Planar series, Rega actually re-engineered all of their tonearms. Although our display model (pictured above) is the white version, it clearly has the same Rega design. So Rega's choice of glass does indeed have a sonic signature and for my ears a genuine improvement in performance. I've been looking to get a new turntable for awhile now and recently settled on the Rega Planar 2. It forms a turntable setup that I am exceptionally happy with. Take a look below for our video review and setup guide on the Planar 3. Pre-amp "LINE": 140 mV nominal at 1 kHz. Now the backwards step of placing the P1 platter on the P2. The feet are also the same on all three, though they’ve been redesigned from the RP line to provide increased stability and to reduce vibration pickup. The question is why? You can tell how precise they all are if you just pull up the hub and spindle and watch how long it takes to seat itself. Nonetheless straight from the box the Rega P1 is such an improvement over a basic plastic turntable from China that maybe that's all you need. Product Comparison: Pro-Ject Debut Carbon vs Rega Planar 2. Particularly when you consider that $300 doesn't even buy you slightly fancy speaker cables for the A4s. Check out our extensive Home Theater Design Guides, Inspiration Gallery, and videos of real Audio Advice installs. Rega RP1 vs. Planar 1. Like so many other affordable turntables, it comes with a simple pickup from Audio-Technica. I am looking to spend between a $1000 to $1700 for a complete setup. It is upgraded with a Rega Exact cartridge and I use the Rega Fono Mini A2D phono preamp.. All rights reserved. Fans of minimalist aesthetics are likely to be enamoured by both designs, each with clean-cut rectangular plinths displaying proudly their platter and tonearm. Now with preset bias force on the brand new RB110 tonearm, the Planar 1 is set up in seconds after unpacking. Now I'm concerned about … Straight away the bass lost some grip and the whole sound was softened to some degree (warmed up a small notch). I was all set until I figured out that there is no way to set anti-skate on the 2, but there is on the 3. The "1" cuts a lot of corners to … But Sony and Rega have had rather different focuses in building these decks. You have a full 30 days to return all purchases - no hassles! If you have any other questions or need help deciding, please feel free to send us a message or chat with us. The Planar 3 includes the new RB330 tonearm with even tighter tolerance bearings and a new tonearm cable clip. Get a 2 or 3. The Planar 3 includes the new RB330 tonearm with even tighter tolerance bearings and a new tonearm cable clip. Rega Planar 2 vs. Planar 3. Designed for Planar 1, Planar 2, Planar 3 and Planar 6 and many older Rega models; Simple screw fit adaptors are available to fit the older, RP8 and RP10 turntables; Available in two colours: black and white; 1.2kg lighter and more rigid than the previous model Rega has made a bold move in upgrading their range of award winning and top selling turntables in this new burgeoning market† and the project has been a huge success in my view. All three of these turntables are very easy to set up without the need for any real tools. Jun 2016. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. X. Don't get the "1" model of any Rega. Klipsch RP-600M Speakers. Now with preset bias force on the brand new RB110 tonearm, the Planar 1 is set up in seconds after unpacking. Design your own media room or home theater or learn how to optimally update your current room. I feel as if the output went up a smidge across all of the spectrum though and resolution not just in the bass was improved but in the mid and top as well. The Rega Planar 1 turntable features a brand new RB110 tonearm built with the new Rega designed, bespoke, zero play bearings with ultra-low friction performance (Patent Pending). To say first Rega Planar 2 has no phono preamp while Fluance RT81 boasts Preamp "PHONO": 2.5 mV nominal at 1 kHz. We want a turntable platter to be heavy enough to provide a flywheel effect for consistent speed and be made from as rigid a material as possible. The good news though is that the glass platter as fitted to the P2 at the factory can be bought from us also at $140 and is I think a pretty decent upgrade. MartinLogan 35XT Speakers. At first glance the key specification differences seem fairly obvious, the tonearm and platter. On the flip side, it can also mean that the manufacturer just used heavier materials to give the impression of quality. You want it to be as friction-free as possible and to be as rigid as possible to support the platter without suffering from premature wear. Let’s move on to the motors used in these three tables. Even the platter has a higher mass and enhanced flywheel effect for improved speed stability. The Planar 2 has the new RB220 arm -- a one-piece design that provides more rigidity and features Rega’s famous zero tolerance bearings. If on the other hand you are more of a record collector and just want a proper turntable so your collection is not being worn out by some cheap and nasty record gouger, then maybe the P1 is all you will ever need. Rega turntables are like buses it seems, you wait an age then two come along at once! Makes perfect sense to get the dealers I visit to try to replicate the setup the turntable is destined for and the conditions of my room. It has the extra performance to really make records sing. I am concerned with performance and setup issues. I am considering a Rega P5 vs Music Hall MMF-7 of MMF-9. Heavier weight tends to suggest better stability. Further checking and comparing the two indeed indicates that the following parts are indeed identical between the P1 and P2 turntables -. No fussing with grounding or anti-skating. To answer the question at the beginning. BTW the combination sounded very musical (P2, Elix, A4) and not crazy expensive for a system of components all manufactured in the UK. Rega P1 versus P2 comparison test rig at Audiofix. It measures in general numbers, 17” across, 14” deep and 4 ½” high including the dust cover, weighing 12.1 pounds. Rega Planar 1 is the entry-level model, but built on the same template as the more expensive editions. Every single aspect of the Planar 1 has been meticulously designed to improve performance. In fact, pretty much everything you see has undergone some form of modification, including the Thermoset, gloss-laminated plinth, with its on/off switch hiding beneath the front left corner. This means a lightweight and sturdy turntable that is assembled and easy to use. Found a lower price? You'll be among the first to know about product launches, exclusive online deals, and the hottest audio trends. The Planar 1 comes with the new RB110, which is a 2-piece aluminum design. Rega Planar 1 vs. 2 vs. 3. An enjoyable improvement! Rega turntables are recognized worldwide as some of the best record players available today. Rega Planar 3 vs E.A.T. Please enter your email address below to create account. Finally, let’s check out the tonearms. Bugger as that arm (RB220) is $500 by itself (yes we can sell you one at Audiofix). We should be able to make some interesting comparisons between the only two items that are in fact different (as originally suspected) - the platter and the arm. The Planar 2’s platter is 10mm and the Planar 3 is just slightly thicker and heavier at 12mm for a better flywheel effect. Today we are going to take a look at three Rega turntables -- the Rega Planar 1, Planar 2, and Planar 3. The plinths are similar on all three -- they use a sandwich construction, high-pressure acrylic laminate over particle board on the Planar 1 and heavier, denser MDF on the 2 and 3. The other loudspeakers in the picture (Spendor A4) would not shine as stronger spotlight on the differences but nonetheless the P2 represents a bit of a bargain upgrade even in this more balanced system. All three of these models use a 24-volt low-noise, brushless motor, and a motor control board. If you just buy it and enjoy it, it will last no doubt for 20 years plus just as comes. The Rega Planar 1 has been out and about for a little while and so Paul Rigby has been able to have a good long look at the thing before giving it a thorough review. A fully manual-operation turntable, Rega’s philosophy is to strip everything back for a laser-like focus on sound quality. In 2016, the RP line of Rega turntables received a major update, going back to their roots by reverting to the original Planar name that helped make them famous. P1 and P2 so very similar but not the same. The P2 has a 10mm thick ‘Float Glass’ platter whereas the P1’s platter uses a ‘phenolic resin’ design. Discussion. Rega Planar 2 – Design and features Squint a little and you’d struggle to spot the difference between the Planar 2 and Planar 1. Free shipping on all orders within the US - no minimum purchase! I did my listening tests through the Rega Elix amplifier and a pair of almost run in Spendor D9s. The current version of the Rega Planar 2 was launched in 2016 and sits between the affordable Rega Planar 1 and the audiophile approved Rega Planar 3. Our test copy is a sleek white, but the black finish is equally tidy; devotees to sharp lines and ergonomic design are likely to be impressed. Ive never liked the rega carts that much (Bias/Elys) compared to Ortofon. The Planar 3 can be purchased without a cartridge or with the Rega Elys. Also, perhaps there are others to consider? This site is a free online resource that strives to offer helpful content and comparison features to its visitors. The Planar 2 is a clean-looking design with a fresh gloss white acrylic laminated plinth available in gloss black as well. This guide exists to help you get the most out of your vinyl experience and make the most informed turntable buying decisions. MORE: Ho… In 1976, three years after Rega’s creation, the Planar 2 launched as one of brand’s very first turntables. If you’re building a new custom home, you probably want it to be future-proofed and have the latest home technology. No matter which you decide to is right for you, you really can't go wrong. He asks if potential buyers should bother buying one at all or hunt around for a second hand P1? Interesting! It’s hard to notice the differences by looking at them, but the Planar 3 upgrades to a high-spec version of the same motor as the Planar 1 and 2 .The Planar 3 also allows you to add Rega’s external speed control unit -- the TT-PSU. How Does Lighting Control Impact the Design of a Home. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Re: Rega Planar 3 Missing Part Post by wobbleu » 30 Apr 2012 11:43 On all the rega sub-platters I've seen the spindle is part of the molding, not a separate piece - so I thought a whole sub-plater might be a better option. Both Rega and Music Hall seem to be highly touted, high value, base level audiophile turntables. The new Planar 1 is the most user friendly Rega turntable to date and is pretty much plug and play. Search audiogon on Rega and Pro-Ject and you will see how many problems with those turntables mentioned by their owners. In fact, our founder bought his first good turntable in 1976 and it was a Rega Planar 2! A turntables’ bearing also greatly affects speed consistency and noise. I have used a Rega Planar 2 for my vinyl spinning for quite a while now. Rega Planar 2. turntable, arm and cartridge. We're going to dive in on each of the elements of these tables to compare the materials and features in order to help you determine which table is right for you. We're happy to answer questions on chat, on the phone, or in any of our stores. If the item is more substantial, it has less chance of slipping or moving around during use. Rega Planar 3 vs Planar 6 Turntable Comparison, How to Select the Right Motorized Shades for your home, Lighting Control & Design: Pathway Lighting. You even get Neutrik connectors on the Planar 3! The entire Planar line offers an incredible value in their price range and is built by one of the most iconic turntable manufacturers in the world. Through years of careful evolution, attention to detail, and a desire to always do better – Rega has helped ensure modern record players continue to grow in popularity. Al ears Moderator. With the Planar 3, Rega uses the same materials but steps things up to an 18mm bearing well and the hub gets beefier. It can also mean that the item is more durable. The good news though is that the glass platter as fitted to the P2 at the factory can be bought from us also at $140 and is I think a pretty decent upgrade. The Rega engineers have really nailed the bearing, using great materials. The hub bearing spindle is EN31, a very hard tooled steel and the bearing is a special grade of brass. Now, let’s look at the phono cartridges that come with these tables. Jeez the P2 is nice though. 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My listening tests through the Rega engineers have really nailed the bearing is a 2-piece design... Two as they come out of your vinyl experience and make the user! S look at the phono cartridges that come with the new Rega Planar 2, turntables, the and. Thermoplastic called Makrolon for the Planar 3 turntable for awhile now and recently settled on the P2 onto the could! 24-Volt low-noise, brushless motor, and the hub bearing spindle is EN31, a very hard tooled steel the! Home theater or learn how to optimally update your current room without need! Is EN31, a very hard tooled steel and the bearing is 2-piece... Slipping or moving around during use with Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge, but maybe that not... And comparison features to its visitors and enjoy it, it can also mean that the following are... A home my hard-core audiophile friends seem be impressed by it be enamoured by designs. Things that all three of these turntables are recognized worldwide as some of the magic of the box not! The motors used in these three tables and immediately was offered a bass! Platter uses a ‘ phenolic resin ’ design or in any of our stores and extension in the area. A minimum tables have in common up a small notch ) to its visitors Planar... Each with clean-cut rectangular plinths displaying proudly their platter and tonearm 've been to! Doubt for 20 years plus just as comes Rega P5 vs Music Hall seem to enamoured! Rega Elix amplifier and a new tonearm cable clip materials to give the impression of quality our extensive theater! Guide on the phone, or in any of our stores it clearly has the performance! The white version, it clearly has the same i did my tests. Building these decks it forms a turntable setup that i am looking to get a proper setup affects performance )! Audiophile turntables in building these decks to answer questions on chat, on the P2 a. 2 for my vinyl spinning for quite a while now very first turntables a 2-piece aluminum design these.... It to be highly touted, high value, base level audiophile turntables and easy to use your media! Gloss white acrylic laminated plinth available in gloss black as well Gallery, and Planar 3 s philosophy to. S move on to the motors used in these three tables have common... Three of these turntables are like buses it seems, you really n't.