Rega Planar 2 or 3 for a newbie

Discussion in 'Audio Hardware' started by José Vasco, Feb 14, 2018.

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  1. José Vasco

    José Vasco Member Thread Starter

    Location:
    Spain
    Hello,
    First of all, I am new to vinyl, so take care,
    I know the Planar 3 is the best turntable, but for a beginner what would you advice, start with a Planar 2 or the 3? I have been listening cd´s for ever,I have a Rega Saturn R so I have litlle experience with vinyl.What I know is that listening vinyl is quite diferente...The amplifier is a Rega Elex R.
     
  2. chrism1971

    chrism1971 Forum Resident

    Location:
    Glos, UK
    If you have the Elex-R you definitely need the Planar 3 (latest model), which in the UK comes bundled with the Elys 2 cartridge. Personally I think this combo sounds great and quite revealing even without the additional power supply, which you can add later if you think you need it. Or the Planar 3 with Exact which is not too good for your amp. Speakers?

    Then you need to go and buy some LPs (good luck...)
     
  3. José Vasco

    José Vasco Member Thread Starter

    Location:
    Spain
    Sorry, is not the Elicit r but the Elex r.
    The speakers are Epos m12
     
  4. Whoopycat

    Whoopycat Forum Resident

    Location:
    Des Moines
    The 3 has a much better tonearm and cartridge. Well worth the extra money.
     
  5. José Vasco

    José Vasco Member Thread Starter

    Location:
    Spain
    Here in Spain the Planar 2 with Rega Carbon costs 689€ and the Planar 3 without cartridge 689€.
     
  6. José Vasco

    José Vasco Member Thread Starter

    Location:
    Spain
    Sorry, the Planar 2 costs 489€
     
  7. punkmusick

    punkmusick Amateur drummer

    Location:
    Brazil
    I have never had any of these tables but these are my feelings:

    The main reasons to buy 2 instead of 3:

    - if it fits your system better or if the benefits of the 3 are not worth the money. I've been told that Planar 3 depends on a good shelf to sound the way it's supposed to for example but I've never been told that the difference in price is not worth it. But I'll leave this for those who actually know these tables and your gear;

    - if you can't spend enough for a 3, but then you wouldn't even ask, so not a reason at all;

    - if you are afraid of spending too much and end up not liking vinyl.

    In my opinion vinyl requires dedication, time and relatively more money. Maybe it requires love. It's a demanding hobbie if you want to do it the right way.

    If you think there are good chances that you will give up on vinyl, makes sense not to buy the more expensive table. In the case you like playing these records you can always upgrade in the future if you feel the need. You can spend the difference in records.

    If you are somehow pretty sure or at least very confident that vinyl is what you really want and that you're gonna love it, then I believe it would make more sense to buy the best table, in the case the Planar 3, except if there's something with your system (reason 1 above).
     
    Last edited: Feb 14, 2018
    timnor likes this.
  8. chrism1971

    chrism1971 Forum Resident

    Location:
    Glos, UK
    But you're more likely to like vinyl if you get a 3!
    Anyway, the OP has told us his system and the Elex-R clearly demands at least a 3, if not a 6 (not an option).
     
    jerico and punkmusick like this.
  9. myles

    myles Argyle, before you ask ....

    Location:
    Plymouth, UK
    Are we talking new or used here......it makes a difference to the options?
     
  10. punkmusick

    punkmusick Amateur drummer

    Location:
    Brazil
    When I was in search for a new table last month I didn't even consider 2 just because 3 was available. But I understand the concept of "entry" level as something for newbies that may not want to spend too much in something they don't know enough.

    Once you enter and it works though.... :pineapple:
     
  11. José Vasco

    José Vasco Member Thread Starter

    Location:
    Spain
    It is my main concern, I don´t want to spend more money next years on recordings.The cd´s are much cheaper here, I guess I just want a turntable for occasional listening. The P 3 needs more care, you have to buy a good cartridge and so on!
     
  12. chrism1971

    chrism1971 Forum Resident

    Location:
    Glos, UK
    Jose, I'm unclear as to which era of Rega t/ts we're talking about.
    If it's older secondhand ones, try and ignore the older 2s and 3s and find a P3-24 or an RP3 as either one is better than the earlier ones and can be upgraded with a TTPSU.
    If it's the new ones, the 3 comes with Elys 2 as an affordable package which won't disappoint.
    Then get on a plane to the UK and go to a few record fairs..... :)
     
    myles likes this.
  13. punkmusick

    punkmusick Amateur drummer

    Location:
    Brazil
    Then I guess both will serve you well. Rega has a solid reputation. Buy the cheapest.

    Actually if you just stay away from Wal-Mart Crosley-like turntables that will likely damage your records it's a good beginning.
     
  14. José Vasco

    José Vasco Member Thread Starter

    Location:
    Spain
    I´m talking about the actual Rega turntables, but my friends have told me that Rega Planar 2 from 80/90´s were the best, with Rega RB 250 tornarm.
     
  15. SNDVSN

    SNDVSN Forum Resident

    Location:
    Glasgow
    I own a Planar 3 but if i was to do a blind listening test with a P2 i doubt if i would hear much difference.
     
    H8SLKC and punkmusick like this.
  16. José Vasco

    José Vasco Member Thread Starter

    Location:
    Spain
    But have you had the chance to hear both?
     
  17. Henry Love

    Henry Love Senior Member

    Location:
    Chicagoland
    Go for the 3.You won't be thinking about the extra cost when you're enjoying your music.
     
    KT88 likes this.
  18. Cuki

    Cuki Member

    Location:
    Vienna
    Even if you cannot afford it, still get the 3. Rob a bank, whatever, but get the 3 over the 2.
     
    H8SLKC likes this.
  19. KT88

    KT88 Senior Member

    Get new friends. ;)
    -Bill
     
    Art K, luckyno13 and punkmusick like this.
  20. José Vasco

    José Vasco Member Thread Starter

    Location:
    Spain
    He,he,he:)
     
  21. Whoopycat

    Whoopycat Forum Resident

    Location:
    Des Moines
    I heard both the old P2 and the P3-24 when I was turntable shopping years ago. There is definitely a difference.
     
  22. punkmusick

    punkmusick Amateur drummer

    Location:
    Brazil
    Best answer so far
     
  23. GroovyGuy

    GroovyGuy Forum Resident

    Location:
    Halifax, NS Canada
    If you can afford the 3 than that's what I'd go for as it will hold you longer until and upgrade than the 2. Also, IMHO, incrementally, the 3 is a better value than the 2 given the price difference. I hope you enjoy which you decide to go for!
     
  24. Morbius

    Morbius Forum Resident

    Location:
    Brookline, MA
    Your amp and speakers are going to be very revealing of the Planar 2s shortcomings.
     
  25. José Vasco

    José Vasco Member Thread Starter

    Location:
    Spain
    Really?I don´t know...
     
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