Rega Planar 2 vs Planar 3 vs RP1

[ridzu]

Hi guys,

I'm looking for a new turntable to replace my Pro-Ject Debut III.
I've made a research and decided to go for a Rega turntable. Here's what I found:

1. Rega Planar 2 (RB250 tonearm) with a Rega Elys cartridge for around 260$,
2. Rega Planar 3 (RB300) with no cartridge and dustcover for 190$,
3. Rega RP-1 for 260. Nearly brand new.

Which one do you think is best? Any help in this matter would be much appreciated!

[Jorlsafar]

Having owned both a planar 2 & 3, I'd say that the planar 3 is the best of the lot. Some (ie budget linnies) like the planar 2 better. You'll really need a dust cover, as the felt mat will otherwise collect dust that'll go on to your records. Also, the Elys is a decent cart and of course a good match to the rega arm.

Thus, go for the planar 2. Factor in the cost for a new belt and check that the belts that attach the motor to the plinth are not to sloppy. Otherwise, you'll need to change these too, and they're really hard to come by.

Good luck!

[JaS]

Personally I'd go for the Planar 3, as long as it's in good order The heavier plinth and platter, combined with the better arm, give a much fuller sound than the Planar 2. I spent several very happy years with a Planar 3. You would get a cartridge with the 2, but I hated the Elys, finding it very thin and coarse sounding so I wouldn't pay extra for it. YMMV

Regards,
JaS

[ridzu]

That's a tough choice!
The dust cover for the 2 is included, but it's broken so doesn't look that good anymore.
I've read some mixed opinions on Rega Elys cartridge - maybe if set up right it won't be that bad?
Anyway, if I go for the Planar 3, what cartridge should I be looking for? According to the opinions, Ortofon 2m Red would be a good choice, but I'm pretty sure there's some VTA adjustments involved and it scares me

[nabil]

I love reg a products-I've owned three Rega turntables (P3, P25 and a P7) and a Brio integrated amp-love all of them. I must tell you that I didn't care for my Elys cartridge-a real mixed bag.

[Bob_in_OKC]

I'd probably go with the Planar 3. If there's no dust cover, I'd probably just put a scarf or something over the platter when not using the turntable. Cartridge options are wide and varied, but I'd suggest giving the Nagaoka MP-110 a look.

[Eoin]

Should be able to get a used dust cover on eBay. I'd get the 3 and get a spare dust cover. Don't think you ca adjust VTA on the Rega arm.

[cairns4me]

I'd go the Planar 3 and get a new belt for US$20.00 ( white belt quality without white belt prices) and a metal motor pulley from lpturntables.com They also have some other upgrade accessories which are good value.
I'd go with Bob's recommendation of Nagaoka MP-110 too..
Re the VTA, if you get a "tall" cartridge ie Ortofon you add a 3.8mm shim spacer (either plain round or with the 3 outer mounting holes) for the RB-300 arm which is added to the arm mount column-really easy to do. Just google rega shims....
Cheers

[denisnelson]

Only owned the RP-1*

I love the table though and it is a great beginners table. I sometimes dream of upgrading but nonetheless, I am a happy RP-1 owner.

[diviy]

p3 then get some Michael Lim upgrades love mine know but I got a rb250 arm full srm upgrade kit Michael Lim sub platter and a origin live counter weight love it

[ridzu]

Thank you again for your advices!
I did what you'd told me to do;) I'm listening to my new old Planar 3 as we speak - what a great choice! Rega just earned a new fan.
They didn't have the Nagaoka Cartridge you mentioned at my local store. One of the guys working there advised me to go for AT-120E. I am amazed by how it sounds with the RB300 tonearm.
In overall, there is no comparison with the debut III turntable. The sound is warm and more "analogue". What surprised me is the fact,that inner groove distortion problem is almost non-existing now. I dont know if its a question of the tonearm or the cartridge stylus itself,but the amount of unwanted sounds decreased dramatically (I mean all those "pops" and frying sounds).
The only thing which kinda concerns me is the amount of time the tt needs to get the platter to the full-speed spinning. The belt seems loose. I think I'll need to change it. Other than that,its just fantastic.

[nabil]

I always help the motor on start-up with a gentle push just before I start the table-saves on belts and motor wear. Good choice! Enjoy and listen to music.