Rega Planar 1 Review: Still the Entry Level Turntable to Beat?

At a time when music lovers shopping for an entry-level turntable have an abundance of choice, is Rega's Planar 1 still the one to beat?
Since its initial release in 2005, Rega's Planar 1 entry-level turntable has rightly earned a reputation as the benchmark by which all other affordable audiophile decks are measured.
The latest version of the Planar 1 features a new tonearm with ultra-low friction bearings and is Rega's first entry-level turntable to feature a 24 V synchronous motor for better speed consistency and lower noise.
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Product Links & Resources (AAL = Amazon Affiliate Link):
Rega Planar 1 on Amazon: geni.us/rega-planar1
Rega Planar 1 at Turntable Lab www.turntablelab.com/products...
Full Sound Matters Review:
www.yoursoundmatters.com/rega...
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#vinylrecords #vinylcommunity #recordcollector #audiophile

[@soundmatters]

Thanks for watching! 🎶🎧 Do drop your comments and questions below. If you'd like to support the channel, check the video description for many DISCOUNT CODES codes to enjoy money off various products and feed your vinyl habit! (I earn a small commission - no additional cost to you). Thank you for your support!

[@pistolstarpaulkimble2653]

I sold high end audio for 10 years, before I went into music production. Had a planar 3 back in the day, was untouchable for the money. Rega is always a solid bet. Bump for rega.

[@zogzog1063]

All good stuff. I am a Technics 1200 series man myself, but love to see quality at this price point.

[@ulfericsson8404]

Totally agree! Love my Planar 1❤️🎶💯

[@soundmatters]

Happy listening!

[@jtavegia5845]

I think that many would do well to look at the Audio Technica LP series of tables staring with the $200 LP-30TK is a steal and a great way to start. Even going to the LP-5 is a good move.

[@ThresholdZhor]

All this cheap turntables are a problem with bass feedback, I prefer to buy a used Thorens TD160 that is exceptional avoiding feedback and sounds better that RP1 and Evo, but is my personal choice, even though my top wish is a Linn Sondek LP12 that for me is the best turntable

[@markcarrington8565]

Great review! I’ve helped many people to restart their vinyl journey over the last couple of years and when they tell me their budget I always go P1. I had a Planar 3 as my first proper audiophile turntable back in 1982 and my friend had the old wooden edged 2. We loved the sound then and the P1 sounds great today. I believe the Goldring E3 is an excellent plug and play replacement for the Carbon, for those looking for a great value upgrade when it needs a new stylus. Personally I wouldn’t take it any further as the decent resale value means it would make more sense to trade up the range.

[@soundmatters]

Thanks Mark - that makes sense: Goldring and then move the deck up from there :) Though I think the Carbon cartridge (some variation on the Audio Technica AT3600L) sounds pretty good for an affordable cart. Happy spinning :)

[@markcarrington8565]

@@soundmatters I agree. It also deserves a decent phono stage. When I connected it via the ProJect Phono Box it really came alive.

[@oleksiykobernik4454]

I would also say that the AT-95ML would be a great choice.

[@mous3y490]

planer 1 over a fluance 85?

[@markcarrington8565]

@@mous3y490 a lot depends on which side of the Pond you’re on. Each option being a native of one side they’re much better value in their home country. I haven’t heard the Fluance but enough people like them to think it’s not hype and I’m sure they represent better value than the Rega in the US. In the UK, on the other hand, the cost to change up the range with Rega is reduced by the strong second hand market. So if this first adventure turns into something more serious, a budding audiophile will find a ready outlet for their P1 and be rewarded for their loyalty when they discover the delights of a P3 or above.

[@sbrisc123]

thank you for the review. what would you think is a more versatile and better sounding Turntable? rega p1 or th Audio-Technica LPW40WN?

[@Billsmartt]

I had a Rega Planar 1, and for the life of me could not get rid of the hum from electrical interference. I tried every trick in the book (and online), and the only solution was to buy a turntable that actually includes a grounding cable. Loving my Pro-Ject Carbon Evo. Can't believe I put up with that Rega for so long...

[@soundmatters]

Hey Bill: I think you commented on the website too, thanks for sharing - I replied over there. I do like the Carbon Evo :)

[@enricolisk1357]

Great review. I, too, preferr the Pro-ject Debut Carbon evo with the Sumiko Rainier cartridge over the P1.

[@gigabyte2573]

@@enricolisk1357 But are they in the same price category ?

[@xa4gva]

I wish I had seen your comment before buying it. I Changed the power supply, added grounding everywhere, changed the position of the turntable and speakers.. I can't eliminate this humming, this is very frustrating..

[@sbwlearning1372]

Me too. They are junk at this basic end

[@jakelabuhn6415]

Honestly I think the essential 3 by pro-ject is the one to start with. It’s what I started with. The beauty of it is the quality is great, and if you want better you can improve the needle, 20om, 30om and 40om (what I have)!

[@soundmatters]

I think it's a real shame they stopped doing the Essential line. I have the Essential II for a long time, and it was great for the price. The om cart range is good for stylus upgrades indeed.

[@tonyjedioftheforest1364]

Don’t forget the Green Grade version, I picked up one in gloss red which has a P3 plinth and bearing new for £199. The plus version with a built in phono stage is only £30 more. I put the money saved towards Rega’s dedicated wall mount. I recently bought my son a Pro-Ject Jukebox which I believe has the E turntable and the Rega is far superior sounding even though it has in theory an inferior cartridge.

[@soundmatters]

Cool! Great suggestions - thanks for adding those. Green Glade version sounds great!

[@tonyjedioftheforest1364]

@@soundmatters they are exactly the same as the P1 with a lifetime warranty but use slight cosmetic seconds. I believe in the gloss red finish they changed to Matt and had a few gloss left over. A bonus is that the P1 was never actually available in red so they are P3 plinths with the higher spec bearing. The The only mark that I found on mine was a tiny 5mm scratch on the lid. An absolute bargain and I am very happy with mine. I had an original Planer3 in the 80’s and I would say that the modern P1 is as good as.

[@EnricoGamba]

Hi, thanks for the video, it was really appreciated. Which one do you think is better (not considering the price) between this and the Project Debut Carbon Evo?

[@soundmatters]

My money would go on the Evo if you can stretch the extra cash. Both good options, and both recommend, but the Evo does seem to exceptional value with speed control and a more solid design/upgradable for the price.

[@EnricoGamba]

@@soundmatters Thank you very much for the answer!

[@gigabyte2573]

@@EnricoGamba Not really in the same price bracket, so you would expect the Evo to be better, here in the UK the Planar 1 costs £299, the Evo is around £499 !

[@b.j.thomas3264]

To some it is "entry level". I would need to win the lottery to fit this one in. It is actually like the peak of turntables (for me). Good video, though.

[@zogzog1063]

The point is really this: It is the 'meaning' of the music. Take a photographic analogy. A pic of a bright-eyed boy giving his sandwich to a hungry dog. You can look at that on an A4 inkjet on 80gsm photocopier paper, or in a glossy A3 laser printed image. The fact of the matter is the humanity of of the image. If you enjoy the music then you are 100% of the way there.

[@gregcarson3444]

If I was in the UK, at that price I might think about it, but not to thrilled about the conical stylus, but that is me. For about the same price, I got the Fluance RT85 with the Ortofon 2m blue. I really like the 2m blue, I know it is not for everyone though. Oh yeah I am in the USA.😊

[@soundmatters]

For sure, it's definitely a more expensive proposition in the US. I've review the RT-81+ and liked it. Hoping to review the RT-82 and up from here. Thanks for watching.

[@mous3y490]

2m blue better than the nagaoka 110?

[@gregcarson3444]

@@mous3y490this is a tough question I would say depends. I like the 2m blue better, but that is the sound I like. Some like the sound of the nagaoka better. So I guess only you can decide what sound you like better.

[@999slawter]

IThe Planar 1 MD edition is my very first turntable (it looked perfect for 370EUR). I just tried it out (literally an hour ago) and sadly I have to return it :/ It's spinning backwards (most of the times if I turn it on) and the motor is noisy, you can hear that something is wrong, because it's not 'even"... I was so excited, because this edition has 2 really good upgrades, but now... Anyway, I hope they'll change it/fix it...

[@davidadamus177]

I wonder why Rega doesn't have VTA adjustment on their arms? That limits you to certain carts. You can shim the whole arm, but that is a pain.

[@soundmatters]

That's a common complaint, for sure. There are spacers you can buy I believe, but yea, it's a pain

[@Terry-ed1pi]

What worries me is that at3600l stylus is ment to track at between 2.5g and 3.5g. But the tracking force on the p1 is set at 2.g and can't be changed. 🤔

[@soundmatters]

Interesting. The Rega Carbon MM listing shows a range of between 2-3g. My preference would be to have control over tracking force too, but a lot of these new affordable models remove that for ease of use and potentially a cost saving too. Sounded good to me though. It's not for everyone, I suppose. Thanks for watching and enjoy the music!

[@Terry-ed1pi]

Thanks👍

[@SnapperX3]

I think it is a Rega Cartridge, no?

[@Terry-ed1pi]

At3600l copy.

[@mous3y490]

how is the planer 1 vs fluance 85?

[@soundmatters]

Depends on where you live and your priorities in terms of features

[@mous3y490]

@@soundmatters if i live in NA, i guess it should be fluance vs u turn?

[@chrisnunya7171]

That sure is a nice turntable. But not $500 nice! I'll just stick with my good ol' American made U-Turn "Orbit" Custom. It has an Ortofon 2m Red cartridge. Still, great video! 🤘🏻

[@soundmatters]

It’s definitely a better deal if you’re in the U.K. - The Rega stuff is more expensive out there. U-Turn I’m hoping to review in the coming months. I have to run an adapter for the power though

[@EA-58]

For that price buy a Pro-ject T1 It has the glass platter, Ortofon cartridge and the same build quaility. Rega use a Audio Technica AT 3600L cartridge. They call it "Rega Carbon cartridge" . It's a cheap solution. Made in England.

[@soundmatters]

Review the T1 a while back also. It’s good 👍

[@AntAciieed]

It's 700 AU can I justify this price against the AT lp120x

[@soundmatters]

You’re paying a premium there for the P1 in Australia. The Rega decks seem to be expensive abroad. I’d say one of the Fluance decks might be worth a look if you can get them out there. Definitely better than the AT LP120

[@Rich6Brew]

Mood For a Day?

[@soundmatters]

Yea 🎶🎧 superb track

[@5675492]

Sweet turntable but Rega should be a little embarrassed about the included cartridge lol - it appears to be a rebranded AT3600L costing about 11 dollars online - exact same sound evidently . Maybe the cost for a more expensive cartridge was put into the turntable I don't know, but turntables costing half as much often have far better cartridges included . Nonetheless the Planar 1 is a beautiful tt and if someone gave me one I wouldn't complain a bit : >) . kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2PWZ2ycpdWbjLc

[@soundmatters]

Yes, I believe it is a rebadge job. Sounds great for a cheap cartridge to be honest. The fundamentals of the deck seem to be the focus as you say

[@marshallhughes4514]

I am torn with this one. I bought one for around 500. I got a Planar 1 plus and thought it sounded OK but not 500 good. It was only after I upgraded the cartridge to the Ortofon 2M Blue that I started hearing the quality and detail that I felt a 500 turntable should have. Also the way the dustcover connects is super cheap. The connection is an afterthought with flimsy hinges and I usually remove it while playing.

[@soundmatters]

Glad to hear the cartridge upgrade helped. The stock one is fairly basic. I’m not sure what the cartridge height difference is between the Carbon and the Ortofon, but hopefully not enough to affect VTA. 🎧🎶

[@mackbolan5126]

Dual 1219

[@soundmatters]

A great vintage deck. Which reminds me, I need to add that to my list of the best vintage turntables! www.yoursoundmatters.com/best-vintage-turntables/

[@Dave-if5qj]

Pricewise the p1 Has lost its value At least in the USA

[@soundmatters]

It does seem to be a fair bit more expensive in the US

[@hobhood7118]

I'm not impressed with Rega - the lower priced items, I mean as I have no experience with higher priced items. Rega Planar 1 - significant hum (if listening through headphones at least) and it is supplied with the same cartridge that low-price Audio Technica decks use - see comment below. Took it back and got a Planar 2. Same mains hum, anti-skate didn't really work, I don't think speed stability was good. All are internally earthed, so there is no earth lead to an amplifier. Rega Io amp - very nice sound - tried two models, and both had hum on through the headphones socket but on different channels! Rega seems to treat the hum issue in turntables and amplifiers as something within the manufacturing tolerances, a kind of 'our gear sounds good so put up with it' attitude, but other equipment at this price does not have these problems.

[@salviaspuzzle]

A lot of 1-star reviews for this on amazon...?

[@soundmatters]

Interesting. What were there reasons for a one star? You always get some unhappy folks of course

[@salviaspuzzle]

@@soundmatters no pitch control...?

[@anthonygray3117]

I'm thinking about buying this record player. Will it work with the Schiit Freya plus?

[@rolando_j_]

I'm guessing if you're in the UK, you could compare it to the Pro-Ject E1. But the rest of the world these aren't in the same pricing tier. The comparison is actually more in line with the Debut line. So really not a great review for most. I personally didn't care for this review. Half of it is reading the marketing spec sheet. You can let this dude read it for you or you could just read it more quickly yourself. Nothing against the Planar 1. I think it's a decent unit and if you're tight on money, you could dip your toes into Rega with it. But really, I think most are better off looking for a use Planar 3 with an RB300 tonearm. In the UK, Rega is an excellent bargain, and even looking into used units might not be worth the effort. Just a note. There are no discount codes for Rega products. If you have a local dealer, just buy the unit from them. Part of the experience you're paying a higher amount for Rega products are the services the dealers provides. Listen to one while you're there and decide for yourself if the Planar 1 is what you want. I will say that the current iteration of the Planar 1 is pretty much for that guy that just wants a turntable that will last them decades. The Planar line is like this up to the Planar 3 and maybe even the Planar 6. Really, if this is you. Buy the one you can afford and you won't have many regrets. The Planar 1 is the plug and play model. The Planar 2 is still for those with tighter budgets but are willing to pay extra because maybe a cartridge upgrade is something for down the line. The Planar 3 is for those for who've maybe bought entry-level units and want to step up to something more premium, or for those that have the mean to just buy something that will have a lot more options down the line. And the Planar 6 is just the model you buy if you'd rather skip the optional upgrade paths of the Planar 3 and want all the bells and whistles up front. Pretty much you should just go ahead and buy the Planar 6 if you've any intention of getting the Neo Power Supply. You'll get an upgraded plinth and subplatter as a bonus if you just get the Planar 6 over the Planar 3.

[@soundmatters]

You’re right. It’s a better deal if you’re in the U.K. - I’m really not sure why their prices are so much higher in the US, for example. But then again, same goes for Pro-Ject. Enjoy the music and thanks for stopping by.

[@neilstewart9343]

Fluance much better

[@stevenkoski228]

A piece of (HiFi?) crap! No suspension system, or effective isolation, no stroboscope, etc. Seek out a TT by Technics, Audio Technica, or Thorens. Even Dual of Germany has a decent new model worth considering, & more importantly your money.

[@countdebleauchamp]

Ha back in the day I had a Garrard, Pioneer, Technics, Rega Planar 2, and finally a heavily tweaked Oracle Delphi mounted with a Well-Tempered tonearm and Audioquest MC cartridge which would go for about $7k today. The Rega was much better than any, except the Oracle. Who needs a strobe for God's sake?