The world of audiophile turntables is vast and diverse, with countless options available to suit every budget and preference. Two of the most popular and highly regarded models are the Rega Planar 2 and the Rega Planar 3. Both turntables come from the respected British manufacturer Rega, known for its commitment to quality and innovation. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key differences between the Rega Planar 2 and the Rega Planar 3 to help you make an informed decision about which turntable is right for you.

Overview

The Rega Planar 2 is an entry-level turntable designed to provide a high-quality listening experience for aspiring audiophiles. It features a lightweight plinth, a precision-engineered tonearm, and a low-noise motor. The Rega Planar 3, on the other hand, is a step up in the Rega turntable lineup, offering a more advanced feature set and improved performance. It features a heavier plinth, a higher-quality tonearm, and an upgraded motor.

Plinth

The plinth of a turntable is responsible for isolating the turntable from external vibrations, which can affect the sound quality. The Rega Planar 2 features a lightweight plinth made from a medium-density fiberboard (MDF). While MDF is a relatively inexpensive material, it is known for its good damping properties, which help to reduce vibrations. The Rega Planar 3, on the other hand, features a heavier plinth made from a combination of MDF and a phenolic resin. The phenolic resin adds rigidity and mass to the plinth, further reducing vibrations and improving the overall sound quality.

Tonearm

The tonearm is a critical component of a turntable, as it is responsible for holding and moving the cartridge across the record. The Rega Planar 2 features the RB220 tonearm, which is made from a lightweight aluminum alloy. The RB220 tonearm is designed to be rigid and precise, ensuring accurate tracking of the record grooves. The Rega Planar 3, on the other hand, features the RB330 tonearm, which is also made from aluminum alloy but is heavier and more substantial than the RB220. The RB330 tonearm offers improved rigidity and stability, resulting in better tracking and sound quality.

Motor

The motor of a turntable is responsible for driving the platter, which rotates the record. The Rega Planar 2 features a 24-volt AC synchronous motor, which is designed to be low-noise and vibration-free. The Rega Planar 3, on the other hand, features a 24-volt AC synchronous motor with a higher torque, which provides more consistent speed and better overall performance.

Cartridge

The cartridge is the component of a turntable that converts the vibrations of the record grooves into an electrical signal. The Rega Planar 2 comes with the Rega Carbon cartridge, which is a high-quality moving magnet cartridge that offers a balanced and detailed sound. The Rega Planar 3, on the other hand, comes with the Rega Exact cartridge, which is a more advanced moving magnet cartridge that offers improved clarity, dynamics, and bass response.

Sound Quality

When it comes to sound quality, both the Rega Planar 2 and the Rega Planar 3 offer excellent performance. The Rega Planar 2 delivers a balanced and detailed sound with good bass response and clear highs. The Rega Planar 3, however, offers a more refined and nuanced sound with improved clarity, dynamics, and bass response. The Rega Planar 3 also has a wider soundstage, which creates a more immersive listening experience.

Price

The Rega Planar 2 is priced at around $595, while the Rega Planar 3 is priced at around $995. The price difference reflects the differences in features and performance between the two turntables.

Which Turntable Is Right for You?

The choice between the Rega Planar 2 and the Rega Planar 3 depends on your budget and your listening preferences. If you are looking for an entry-level turntable that offers good sound quality and value for money, the Rega Planar 2 is a great option. If you are looking for a more advanced turntable with improved performance and sound quality, the Rega Planar 3 is the better choice.

Conclusion

The Rega Planar 2 and the Rega Planar 3 are both excellent turntables that offer great value for money. The Rega Planar 2 is a great choice for aspiring audiophiles looking for an entry-level turntable, while the Rega Planar 3 is a better choice for those looking for a more advanced turntable with improved performance and sound quality.

FAQ

Q: What is the difference between the Rega Planar 2 and the Rega Planar 3?

A: The Rega Planar 3 has a heavier plinth, a higher-quality tonearm, and an upgraded motor compared to the Rega Planar 2. These differences result in improved performance and sound quality.

Q: Which turntable is better for me, the Rega Planar 2 or the Rega Planar 3?

A: The choice between the Rega Planar 2 and the Rega Planar 3 depends on your budget and your listening preferences. If you are looking for an entry-level turntable, the Rega Planar 2 is a great option. If you are looking for a more advanced turntable with improved performance and sound quality, the Rega Planar 3 is the better choice.

Q: What cartridge comes with the Rega Planar 2 and the Rega Planar 3?

A: The Rega Planar 2 comes with the Rega Carbon cartridge, while the Rega Planar 3 comes with the Rega Exact cartridge.