Comparison and review of Rega Planar 1, 2 and 3

A talk through of the specifications and design of the latest versions (2020) of the Rega Planar turntables 1, 2 and 3. A later video will include 6, 8 and 10

[@sbatty65227]

I purchased a Planar 1 about 7 years ago to get back into vinyl. It's a cracking turntable.

[@valleukin9624]

Thank you for this very informative comparison. To the point without selling anything. Cheers

[@backgroundtom4589]

Best video that I have seen on these turntables - thank you.

[@cheshireaudio]

Many thanks :-)

[@bellrobert1978]

I really respect Rega as a brand. They've kept to their core principles. They are much better value brand than most when you consider they still manufacturer here in the UK still.

[@GeorgeFrideric71]

Yes, absolutely. I think they suffer sometimes in the American press/market because they are relatively more expensive there (when compared to in the UK/Europe) so they're sometimes seem as less value, even though the quality can hardly be questioned.

[@dertechniker8867]

Has a british worker better hands than an asian? I don't thinks so. So that it is produced in the UK is not an argument. Btw - "made in the UK" was never a brand.

[@bellrobert1978]

@@dertechniker8867 Not better but much much more expensive. Which is why I mentioned value not quality.

[@brit1954]

That's the best video explaing Regas design and build philosophy, went to my local hifi specialist after watching numerous videos to listen and to buy P3 which sounded wonderful but also auditiond a P6 with a audio-technia VM95 cartridge the difference between the two is breath taking I've since upgraded to a 95ML and the listening experience just gets better

[@cheshireaudio]

Many thanks ... the intention was to do the 6, 8 and 10 next. But I think I'll do a 3 v 6 as it's quite an interesting comparison

[@stuartbailey445]

Hi, I've recently discovered your youtube channel after reviving an interest in vinyl with my Rega Planar 2 which dates back to Mid-90's purchased from the now sadly missed Creative Audio (although good luck and best wishes to Listen Audio who have continued the hifi legacy in Shropshire). I have now serviced the turntable after watching your video which took the fear away from doing it myself - I'm pretty useless at any DIY ! Now I'm moving on to a cartridge upgrade after several years with a Rega Carbon. I have watched your videos for this to refresh my memory so that I can do this with confidence :O) So, a relatively brief note to say thanks for the time and effort in providing these - they are great and much appreciated. I will look at your reviews of Rega P3 & 6 because although I want to make the most of a refreshed P2 I will always have one eye on an upgrade in the future.

[@jammanist]

Excellent video on the Rega's. Have the Planar 3 with a bunch of upgrades. super pleased with how it sounds.

[@cheshireaudio]

Thank you :-)

[@stephenperera7382]

I've very much enjoyed this review thanks for sharing....

[@obscurazone]

What a fab analysis! Thoroughly enjoyed the explanations. And learnt something new - that separate speed box thingy at the end was very interesting! P3 it is then.

[@peterwillis4406]

Thanks for the interesting video, just got a P1 for Christmas and this was a very good, informative way to get some idea of what I'm getting (back) into. Thanks

[@vanderslagmulders]

Very insightful. Thanks so much!

[@jazzonlp]

Really enjoyed your video too (long term Rega fan)

[@smallbatchsessions6892]

I just subscribed. What great explanation of every detail. So much appreciate this thank you .

[@GeorgeFrideric71]

Extremely useful for one trying to decide between the planar 2 and 3. Thanks.

[@hiluxjase6665]

An easy decision. The planar 3. No brainer really. Upgrade ability is way better. P2 is limited and you’ll wish you chose the p3.

[@andrewharvey6546]

Really enjoyed the informative video, I'm looking at getting a P2

[@michaelfern945]

Very nice commentary. It's helpful. Thank you.

[@rogerlaro]

Excellent comparison vid! Very helpful, thank you. It helped me see that the P2 with upgraded Bias cart that I love and was about to purchase is not far off from the P3 cost when I consider future upgrades and the overall investment value.

[@geraldcrook9504]

Roger do you mean you are sticking with the P2 and going for a upgrade Cartridge . If so what cartridge are you thinking of. many thanks gerald

[@CharMcDaddy]

Very informative, nice one 👍

[@MrBudgie79]

Great review!

[@stephenlegg262]

I have had a p3 for thirty years. The only part I have left is the arm and the plinth. I even rewired the arm. Sounds fantastic.

[@Grimwriggler]

i had one in the 90s i upgraded the plinth to plywood then an acrylic platter and got the origin live stub tweek and DC motor it is basically a different turntable but sounds amazing

[@mrt1878]

Just stumbled across this video. Excellent review. I’ve recently purchased a P2 and Rega phono box to connect into my older Rega Cursa3 and Maia3 pre/power units and I’m impressed. Only carbon cartridge at present so will consider a better cartridge at some point (poss Elys 2) if the improvement is worthwhile?

[@subsonicdeathmonkey]

I bought a second hand P2 in the early 90’s because I didn’t have the money for the P3. I’d like the P3 now. That would be great.

[@culltim]

Nice overview - any idea how we can tell the difference between the newer P2 and the older P2s (e.g., making sure I get ones with updated, reinstated, adjustable bias, and the newer EBLT drive belt!)

[@Audiorevue]

I had a P2 for a long time and always thought it was great except for I kept having this thing in my mind that stuck because I would read forums and people would say "well have you ever want to upgrade the cartridge it's kind of crappy because it has the fixed bias". anyway eventually over a period of a couple years that idea got to me enough to where I finally decided to go with the P3 and lo and behold it's a more substantial feeling deck but at the end of the day in my opinion the sound quality isn't that much different between the P2 and it. I've heard a P1 as well and I think it's a fantastic table especially entry level-wise but I do think the P2 has a little bit of a better arm and extracts just that little bit extra out of the grooves.

[@johankristensson]

Great video

[@geraldcrook9504]

Love your videos and your in depth info. I have a Rega 2 turntable with a Audio technica 95 green cartridge . Its a good sound But im wondering should i put a £150 cartridge on my Planar 2 or get a Rega3 and use my AT 95 green on that. I cant afford a Rega3 and a good cartridge to put on it So i would really appreciate some info .Many thanks gerald

[@patpingki239]

A very informative presentation indeed, much appreciated. I have recently (during December 2020) replaced my 32 years old Planar 3 with the latest Planar P3 & it was a joy to notice instantly the improvements with the new deck. Being a Rega bloke through & through, I am now running it with the Rega Neo PSU power unit & also upgraded their Mini a2d with the Fono Mk3 phono stage, playing through the Cyrus bi-amping system. The improvements are phenomenal ! However, the most significant thing I've done was replacing the Elys 2 cartridge with the Rega Exact, a well recommended upgrade in my opinion.. Although the Elys 2 plays superbly in general, IT'S ALL's WELL APART FROM JUST ON ONE VINYL out of my collections : the newly re-purchased original first album of "Emerson Lake & Palmer". Somehow it has noticeable vocal sibilance on the tracks AS IF BY PURE MAGIC, the sibilance has totally disappeared when played with the Rega Exact !!! Absolutely unbelievable, how brilliant ! Hey, I keep telling everyone that REGA IS THE KING !!!!! Pat Wong.

[@hiluxjase6665]

Haha

[@gotham61]

I have a very cool looking Rega Planet turntable in my collection

[@cheshireaudio]

They are great, see them every now and again in the workshop :-)

[@stevebuckerfield3868]

Great video. I have a new KEF LS50 Wireless II system and about to buy a turntable. But I’ll need a preamp if I go for a Rega P2 or P3. The only inclusive Rega package seems to be the cheaper Rega P1 plus. Any other options in the P2/P3 price range with a phono section?

[@cheshireaudio]

Steve Buckerfield only the P1 has a version with a built Phonostage, it's always better to have an external unit. These are quite small and don't need to be on show

[@culltim]

@@cheshireaudio Excellent video! I'm in a similar quandry to Steve on whether to go for RP2 or RP1 plus and was intrigued to see you say it's better to have an external phono stage. What's the reasoning behind this? Being something of a novice, I'd somewhat assumed having the phono stage directly wired in in the body of the turntable was an oppurtunity to reduce noise/signal loss with the extra cabelling and power supply to a seperate phono stage, but sounds like I've got the wrong end of the stick! Is it another "reducing anything attachable/that joins" to get better rigidty sort of thing?

[@tehanalyzer217]

??? My technics automatic turntable from the 1980s is still functioning till date. My newer Denon DP49 from1990s is still functioning. All fully direct drive....The Denon DP49 tracking can be tuned even while playing. The automatic arm operations are not mechanical but like maglev technology, levitation through electromagnetic and movement to the start portion Lp and Stop portion of LP back to the rest arm. No gear Nothing. NADA! Totally silent. Even the tracking pressure is done electromagnetic too. No spring nir counter weight. Since tracking is by electromagnetic, the adjustment can be adjust electronically like a volume knob and with the weight in grams on the knob scale. Tracking can be adjust while playing. Incredible!. It sounds great!.

[@6643bear]

Very good review , I just bought rega3 with elys cartridge, seem well built and engineered deck, I use to have an early p2 years ago , the p1 has great attributes for the pice point , and do p1 plus now which another great deck, p3 now available in light oak and p2 in walnut . P1 plus built in phono amp walnut finish and smoked dust lid, great kit for starting up into vinyl or grreat deck for budget minded people . Regards mark

[@euroshark1]

Brilliant video. I am curious to hear your thoughts on an older P3 with the s-shape tone arm. I was watching one on eBay that looked to be in great condition. It sold for $375. Are they worth that kind of money, or are there significant gains to a newer model? Cheers

[@cheshireaudio]

the early decks still sound great, but I would find one with the Rega RB300 arm, these are much more reliable than the early R200 (Acos) arm, which are getting very fragile now. Also parts are easily available (The Acos built R200 is not supported)

[@slowpawstevet3676]

i suspect these turntables work well despite the clunky design due to the quality of those fixed headshell tonearms, they work very well and will improve most turntables.

[@donvittoriosierra]

Wondering if people still want to upgrade to the white belt with these

[@olaniyi570]

I just upgraded to the Rega reference belt on my otherwise stock P2. I expected little to no improvement. Boy was I wrong, it sounds like a much more sophisticated table now. Soundstage has expanded in all directions. Timing and detail retrieval have improved. I'm glad I did this before upgrading the cartridge.

[@ronnienes]

This is a sincere question, I'm not doubting you, I'm curious to learn more about all the elements of turntables. The question is, why do you think that is? Is it better speed consistency? If so, how does the belt do that? Less malleabillity? Again, literally just curious and i'm not challenging your opinion.

[@kristofvadnai7468]

This seems very exaggerated to me.

[@dixienormous2440]

Did you have the advanced EBLT belt on it when it was stock? My P1 comes with that belt, would the Reference belt be even better?

[@silversurfer493]

@@ronnienesi would challenge This, honestly. As Long as the Speed is Kept constant… ist is Not much a belt can do Here

[@TheMrZombified]

I do like the red

[@Dave-if5qj]

Can't relly go wrong with a rega turntable great engineering At all price points

[@steveworthington930]

Linn recommend you play the turntable with the lid off, it,s only a dust cover after all.

[@Error2username]

I dont see the rega as a go to turntabel, the tonearms is Great, but the plinth on my 81 rp3 is worse than eny pro-ject plinth i have ever had my hands on. Shoud i make a plinth out of hdf and wood?

[@MrDophilus]

Great advice and a great video. One question, I have a Planar 1 plus with Elys 2. Will a Planar 3 with Elys 2 make a big difference? Thnaks in advance.

[@cheshireaudio]

Yes it will, the deck makes by far the biggest difference

[@davidhawker1119]

This is brilliant and they look like great turntables. I'm thinking of upgrading to a Planar 1 from a Dual turntable(bought from Lidl), but seems good, and was seeing if it's worth the money! One question can you use the glass platter on a Planar 1?

[@cheshireaudio]

David Hawker I intended to show this in the video.... I must start scripting them. Yes, the P2 platter fits the P1 and it's a great upgrade

[@davidhawker1119]

@@cheshireaudio brilliant, I just wondered if the motor would take the extra weight. Many thanks

[@cheshireaudio]

Rega motors are pretty much indestructible

[@davidhawker1119]

@@cheshireaudio brilliant. So the (I presume) extra weight won't slow the speed?

[@cheshireaudio]

@@davidhawker1119 no, but you may notice the platter taking slightly longer to get up to speed, but that it common to all the glass plattered Regas... the motors across the range are the same or similar

[@TheHammerofDissidence]

I always tell people to just jump straight to the Planar 3 if they really want a Rega deck. Rega designs their tables to make using non-Rega cartridges (which are overpriced and substandard for the money) an absolute PITA. You have to spend $1k until adjustable anti-skate is even an option..not to mention they're not keen on publishing specs.

[@cheshireaudio]

When the Rega arm was developed it was designed with the Rega R100 cartridge, which was a much taller (similar to a Nagaoka) . Rega think that VTA is less important than arm rigidity, so when they produce the current MMs they were shallower.... so if you don't agree with them about the VTA it would be more correct to say that Regas arm suits most available cartridges, but not their own MMs. The P1 is the only model with fixed bias ... it's a plug and play deck and not really intended for the Audiophile market. All their specs are on the website

[@davidpopelka4073]

@@cheshireaudio Hi Sir. And which turntable would you recommend in price range of P3 for beginner? Do you think that P3 is still worth money or does exist better option? Yeah I know it should be a bit difficult question. I dont care if recomendatrrion will be even some vintage gear ;). Thank you in advance David.

[@yogilevo]

@@davidpopelka4073 Consider Audio technika 120 At Lp usb and Dual CS 460. Both are great turntables. I own Planar 6. Also great turntable.

[@davidpopelka4073]

@@yogilevo thank you for tips. When I decided to buy turntable I didnt know how much things I need to learn. Yeah its interesting how many details speaking to the quality of sound 😁. D.

[@hiluxjase6665]

@@davidpopelka4073 Hi there, i have a Planar 3 and it’s really good. I can really hear the intrument separation and sound quality and I really feel it’s good value for money with good upgrade options. I hope this helps but you may have already bought one by now. Interested to hear your thoughts on your purchase. :)

[@slowpawstevet3676]

i bought a used but not old early Rega Planar out of interest as i was curious about the excellent reviews it was getting but was shocked by the flimsiness of the plastic drive assembly, mine came unglued fron the pivot and had to glue it back again unsuccessfully, and that glass platter rang like a bell. The arm was good and i used it on another deck, but sold off the Rega for spares, it didn't sound half bad but overall a waste of money.

[@jespero93]

So, Im planning to buy one of these (the Rega Planar 1), do I need like a phono pre-amp? And can I connect that to a regular amp? And I'm guessing that I don't need a DAC?

[@cheshireaudio]

If the amp you buy has a built in phonostage then you don’t need one... otherwise yes. No need for a DAC record player are pure analogue

[@cheshireaudio]

If you look through my other videos, I have done one using a P1 showing how to connect it... think it’s ‘a beginners guide to...’

[@grahamstuart7497]

Hi I loved this video wish i had seen it earlier. I have a p1 with an upgrade to glass platter and would like to upgrade my cartridge. Any suggestions? I am guessing even w an upgraded cart it won't ever be a p2 in sound but wonder in a $200cdn range what might be a good fit. Would anyone ever upgrade a tonearm in a p1? Fyi my turntable goes into an audiolab 8300a and totem rainmakers.

[@cheshireaudio]

The Audio Technica VM95 range work well and are easy to fit.... you could change the arm, but much better to trade in the P1 and buy a P2

[@999beat]

what cartridge do you recommend for the planar 3

[@cheshireaudio]

It's a good buy with ELYS2 as you get a bundle price ... otherwise the Audio Technica VM95ML or VM740ML work well ... I also really like the Nagaokas in Rega arms

[@hippoferd]

@@cheshireaudio hi , can you fit a Nagaokas in a RP1 ?

[@cheshireaudio]

@@hippoferd You can, but it's not totally straight forward, you will need a stylus gauge to set the weight.

[@russellnewton6660]

@@cheshireaudio I thought the weight was already set on a pr1 ?

[@Akatosh86]

@@cheshireaudio are shims / spacers absolutely necessary for non-Rega cartridges for Planar 3? Currently I ise Rega Exact which is fine, but I'm eyeing Goldring 1042 for my next cartridge yet I'm terrified to mess with the tonearm (which, apparently, is the only way to raise it)

[@nfaller89]

haha glad to hear im in the minority with a red rega planar 3 love it...

[@darrelking565]

Can you use that platter on P1 ?

[@EA-58]

The Pro-ject T1 is the winner here for less money.

[@jimshea7052]

No sagging plinth here?

[@djme-123]

Good tables, but the supplied Carbon cartridge has no place on a Rega in my view. Awful and it's £27 for a reason.... P3 and upwards for me

[@craigbailey9211]

Just out of interest, what would you replace the Rega carbon cartridge with as a similar alternative?

[@djme-123]

@@craigbailey9211 No doubt in my mind. The ATVM95E is widely regarded as the best value upgrade. An extra £20 on top of the Carbon cost but tracks at the same weight and sound wise is fantastic by comparison. I had a P2 shipped with the Carbon and hated it. Switched to the VM95E and wow! Hope this helps. Bear in mind the Carbon is the same AT3600 fitted to the £99 LP60 turntable from Audio Technica. Yes, really.

[@dixienormous2440]

I find the Carbon to be excellent.

[@djme-123]

@@dixienormous2440 Wow, if you like it then that’s all that matters. But it’s the same cartridge as supplied on the ATLP60 which says something to me.

[@davidthom7127]

P2 looks like my Goldilocks

[@briang530]

I may, at some point upgrade to a P3 from my Planner 2. That said if. You have a P2 there is no better upgrade that can be made than a Goldring E3.

[@cheshireaudio]

It does suit the Regas really well ... I've fitted quite a few now the 2s and 3s

[@briang530]

@@cheshireaudio I wish the old Grado Blue2 that I inherited for free suited it so well. Would have saved me a few dollars.

[@MaterLacrymarum]

The method for changing speed is a royal pain in the rear. I can't agree with your assessment. It's such a major annoyance that you have to get the Neo PSU if you're going to be using the turntable often. IMO. YMMV.

[@andysinclair1161]

It takes seconds to change the speed - really not a problem....

[@MaterLacrymarum]

@@andysinclair1161 I hated it. Nothing beats simply pressing a button. imo.

[@polarbear3427]

...and I am totally lost with these new TTs. No Wow &Flutter specified. I know why: at leasr higher than 0.1%. Rumble? No idea. rega certainly is not proud of these figures. Ok, low resonance tone arm and quality element compensates for a lot. Gone are the days of entry level TTs of the late 70s, with specs which are now considered to be high end. And at least semi-automatic. The clean look of the Rega is pleasing I must admit. Yes, you may call me a boomer ; )

[@ENGLISHISBEST]

I posess the rega 3 these rega's are the cleanest sound from a turntable I have heard in 50 years of purchasing turntables. Thus one is here to stay. They can't state a rumble that isn't there.

[@TurntableGuy]

Removing bias/anti-skating from the P1 & P2 is a complete cheap-out. Very disappointing, especially if you want to change/upgrade your cartridge.

[@cheshireaudio]

Not at all. The intention is to simplify the set up process. The Bias is preset to 2g which is suitable for most situations. I didn’t agree with it being preset on the P2, as the 2 justifies cartridge upgrade, but Rega have now changed this back. There are other brands around this price which offer no bias at all

[@brunoch95]

@@cheshireaudio so there is a bias adjustment on the p2?

[@polarbear3427]

Simple is another word for cheap and providing higher margin for the manufacturer.

[@audioman6007]

Anyone considering a p3 should consider a technics sl1500c or 1210, rega sound with features, how rega sells a turntable with no features and sounds no better than technics for only £150 less is beyond me,

[@jackpospisil6305]

Sold state vs

[@andrewharrison8975]

Why does the narrator pronounce Planar, ‘Plainar’? Sounds like creeping ‘americanisation’ of pronunciation; Otherwise an interesting and informative video.

[@cheshireaudio]

That’s the way I’ve always pronounced it... everybody at the factory pronounces it that way too... I have a customer who owns a Rega Brio amplifier and refers to it as his Reggah Biro ... all adds to the rich tapestry I suppose :-)

[@michaelkaercher]

Clever design? Really? They just eliminated 60% of the parts and functions and claim the result is better.Strange.

[@dixienormous2440]

No superfluous dials and buttons. Everything focused on sound quality.

[@waterlover]

Better mic would make this a way better video that is for sure

[@cheshireaudio]

True

[@gagaa64]

No anti-skate ... No turntable !

[@cheshireaudio]

???

[@narabdela]

Way too many "Ems". I lost count eventually.

[@cheshireaudio]

Eerm, thank you

[@jimshea7052]

So easy, yet you would not set it up on camera. Talk ,no real set up

[@jm_1214]

They are all muffled pieces of mdf.. no offense

[@cheshireaudio]

Nothing wrong with MDF, there are some much more expensive decks out there that use it. ...Rega move up to Tancast with the 6, 8 and 10. Offense taken, obviously :-)

[@jm_1214]

@@cheshireaudio none intended. I've just been through it all over many years

[@ENGLISHISBEST]

Slight exaggeration. Not muffled at all if they were they wouldn't be such a great seller & constantly best winners for years in hifi mags & online. I bought based on a demo after 4 years of constantly beating competitors in their price brackets hands down. A lot of those who have money to throw away or are to believe the more you spend you have a quality sound are just guillable. You get those that spend 10 grand & listen to them once a month just to say I spent 10 grand on mine. All the gear no Idea types. My bro in law is a successful dj backing famous live bands in the UK, he often asks to have a listen & says he would like a rega for his home use.

[@owenlewis666]

Waffles on a bit 😕🤷🏻‍♂️