What To Know
- The Pro-Ject T1 uses a belt-drive system with a DC motor, while the Rega Planar 2 uses a direct-drive system with a 24V AC motor.
- The T1 is a better choice for those who want a turntable with a more detailed and nuanced sound, while the Planar 2 is a better choice for those who want a turntable with a more dynamic and engaging sound.
The world of high-fidelity audio is filled with choices, especially when it comes to turntables. Two of the most popular options for budget-conscious audiophiles are the Pro-Ject T1 and the Rega Planar 2. Both turntables offer excellent sound quality, but they have their own unique strengths and weaknesses. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit the Pro-Ject T1 against the Rega Planar 2 and help you decide which one is the right choice for your needs.
Design and Build Quality
The Pro-Ject T1 features a sleek and modern design with a matte black finish. It has a solid MDF plinth that provides excellent isolation from vibrations. The Rega Planar 2, on the other hand, has a more traditional look with a wooden plinth. It also uses a solid MDF plinth, but it is slightly heavier than the T1’s. Both turntables are well-built and should provide years of trouble-free use.
Tonearm and Cartridge
The Pro-Ject T1 comes with a carbon fiber tonearm, while the Rega Planar 2 uses an aluminum tonearm. Both tonearms are well-regarded for their precision and low resonance. The T1’s carbon fiber tonearm is particularly lightweight, which helps to reduce tracking errors. The Rega Planar 2’s aluminum tonearm is more rigid, which provides better stability.
The Pro-Ject T1 comes with a pre-installed Ortofon OM 5E cartridge, while the Rega Planar 2 comes with a Rega Carbon cartridge. Both cartridges are excellent performers, but the Ortofon OM 5E is slightly more detailed and has a wider soundstage. The Rega Carbon cartridge is more dynamic and has a punchier bass response.
Speed Control and Motor
The Pro-Ject T1 uses a belt-drive system with a DC motor, while the Rega Planar 2 uses a direct-drive system with a 24V AC motor. Belt-drive systems are generally considered to be quieter than direct-drive systems, but they can also be more prone to speed fluctuations. Direct-drive systems are more reliable and provide more consistent speed, but they can be more noisy.
Performance
Both the Pro-Ject T1 and the Rega Planar 2 offer excellent sound quality. The T1 has a slightly more detailed and nuanced sound, while the Planar 2 has a more dynamic and engaging sound. The T1 is better suited for classical music and jazz, while the Planar 2 is better suited for rock and pop music.
Features
The Pro-Ject T1 comes with a built-in phono preamp, which allows you to connect it directly to your amplifier or speakers. The Rega Planar 2 does not have a built-in phono preamp, so you will need to purchase one separately.
Price
The Pro-Ject T1 is available for around $500, while the Rega Planar 2 is available for around $600.
Which One Should You Buy?
The Pro-Ject T1 and the Rega Planar 2 are both excellent turntables, but they have their own unique strengths and weaknesses. The T1 is a better choice for those who want a turntable with a more detailed and nuanced sound, while the Planar 2 is a better choice for those who want a turntable with a more dynamic and engaging sound. Ultimately, the best way to decide which turntable is right for you is to listen to both of them and see which one you prefer.
The Bottom Line: The Verdict
The Pro-Ject T1 and the Rega Planar 2 are two of the best budget turntables on the market. They both offer excellent sound quality, but they have their own unique strengths and weaknesses. The T1 is a better choice for those who want a turntable with a more detailed and nuanced sound, while the Planar 2 is a better choice for those who want a turntable with a more dynamic and engaging sound.
Questions You May Have
Q: Which turntable is better for classical music?
A: The Pro-Ject T1 is a better choice for classical music because it has a more detailed and nuanced sound.
Q: Which turntable is better for rock music?
A: The Rega Planar 2 is a better choice for rock music because it has a more dynamic and engaging sound.
Q: Which turntable is better for jazz music?
A: The Pro-Ject T1 is a better choice for jazz music because it has a more detailed and nuanced sound.
Q: Which turntable is better for pop music?
A: The Rega Planar 2 is a better choice for pop music because it has a more dynamic and engaging sound.
Q: Which turntable has a better build quality?
A: Both the Pro-Ject T1 and the Rega Planar 2 have excellent build quality. The T1 has a solid MDF plinth, while the Planar 2 has a slightly heavier solid MDF plinth.
Q: Which turntable has a better tonearm?
A: The Pro-Ject T1 has a carbon fiber tonearm, while the Rega Planar 2 has an aluminum tonearm. Both tonearms are well-regarded for their precision and low resonance.
Q: Which turntable has a better cartridge?
A: The Pro-Ject T1 comes with a pre-installed Ortofon OM 5E cartridge, while the Rega Planar 2 comes with a Rega Carbon cartridge. Both cartridges are excellent performers, but the Ortofon OM 5E is slightly more detailed and has a wider soundstage.
Q: Which turntable has a better speed control system?
A: The Pro-Ject T1 uses a belt-drive system with a DC motor, while the Rega Planar 2 uses a direct-drive system with a 24V AC motor. Belt-drive systems are generally considered to be quieter than direct-drive systems, but they can also be more prone to speed fluctuations. Direct-drive systems are more reliable and provide more consistent speed, but they can be more noisy.
Q: Which turntable is more affordable?
A: The Pro-Ject T1 is available for around $500, while the Rega Planar 2 is available for around $600.