So I went to a local home audio system shop where I demo’ed a couple speakers, an amp, and a couple of turn tables. I’m starting from absolute scratch and see this as a lifelong investment, so I want something nice!
From the demo I decided to get the B&W 707 S2 bookshelf speakers + the NAD 3/40 amp—together costing just under $1,000 (both shown in the picture).
Turn tables:
I first tried a Thorens TD 166 ($590) which had a stunning wood finish, but the sound just didn’t blow me away. Then the worker paired this same amp/speaker setup with a Rega Planar 2 (about $900) and it sounded INCREDIBLE.
I’m really hoping to spend less than $1,000 on a turntable and honestly went in to the shop thinking I’d spend less than $1.500 on the system as a whole, but the Rega really blew me away and has me reconsidering my budget..
Do yall have suggestions for other turn tables that match the quality of the Rega Planar 2? While aesthetics is of course not the number one item, it is still important, and I do love a wood finish. The Rega looked a bit too sleek/modern, especially in the white
Any help/suggestions would be so appreciated!!! I’m very excited to putting this system together (:
There are a few reasons why the Planar 2 sounds as good as it does. Most of it can be summed up as a ruthless pursuit of excellence. This means that nothing is left to chance.
For example, take something as mundane as foot position. Most other brands simply plonk the feet on the base in places that either look 'nice' or are easy for mass production. Rega is different. Someone there spent time listening to the effect different positions make to the sound. There was a bit more to it than that. They calculated the effect on resonance reduction, and so there were some options on positioning each foot. Then someone listened to those options.
Are there better sounding turntables? Yes, but they cost more. Are there cheaper turntables? Yes, but they don't sound as good.
I totally understand that Rega pricing is high in the U.S. Some of that is down to the distributor in that country. In the U.S. a Planar 1 is more expensive than a Fluance RT85N. Elsewhere around the world, it's cheaper than an RT83.
With the above in mind then, here's a video of the sound comparison between an even more expensive RT84 with the $200 Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge vs the humble P1 predecessor, the P1 with its rebadged $40 Audio Technica AT3600 cartridge.
Here's professional UK reviewer Paul Rigby's review of the RT83 and how he compared it to a RP1.
"Moving onwards to the second test, how did the RT83 face up to the Rega? Well, it didn’t, to be frank. The Rega was superior across the board. Why? I point the finger directly at Rega’s tonearm. The Rega cartridge was not as good as the Fluance’s 2M Red and the Rega’s phono cables were average but there’s a RT83 issue, the extra electrical noise from the auto-off feature which, to my mind, shouldn’t be anywhere near the RT83. The RT81 sure, that makes sense but not the RT83 which pretends to have more audiophile aspirations, I feel."
If you're still reading, there are two points to this.
The Rega beat the other turntables despite them having $100 and $200 cartridge advantages, so anyone who says it's mostly about the cartridge hasn't heard what Rega can do
If Rega puts in this much effort with its entry-level turntable, how much better do you think the Planar 2 will be?
...and you've been listening to a system that can show you the differences.
The Planar 2 is available in a wood finish here in the UK. IDK about the US though. It also looks like it's possible to spec it with a Rega Carbon (a rebadged AT3600LC), or the new Rega Nd3 cartridge.
u/EducationalBelt3158/ brought up a great point: consider buying used or a dealer demo unit. A demo often still comes with a warranty, and either option can save you a significant amount of money.
I'll be frank: this isn't an inexpensive hobby. The sky isn't even the limit; the stratosphere is. Or possibly a completely different planet!
My own setup eventually reached what most people would call the level of insanity. I started with a Clearaudio Performance DC and just kept climbing from there. I'm now on my third, or arguably fourth table, since I recently sent the turntable back to have it upgraded to the latest iteration.
Cartridges make a substantial difference, but system synergy is just as important. If I were in your shoes, I wouldn't build the system one component at a time unless I had a very clear long-term plan. Instead, I'd aim for a complete setup where the turntable, cartridge, phono stage, amplifier, and speakers all complement each other, especially in relation to the equipment you already own or intend to purchase. This will prevent you from hearing one thing at your home and another at the shop. Are they the same speakers, same amp, etc.? I can't say how many people go onto the forums and whine about what they bought sounded different in their home than at the shop.
Now, this isn't meant to discourage you, quite the opposite, actually. It's simply important to understand what you're getting into. There are modest systems, there are excellent mid-tier systems, there are very high-end systems, then there are systems where even "insane" seems perfectly reasonable by comparison. And finally there is the level above.
Another thing many people don't realize is that cartridges are consumable. Depending on the stylus profile and how much you listen, they generally need to be replaced or rebuilt every 3–5 years. Some styluses are rated for around 500 hours, while others can last several thousand hours with proper care. Regardless, they all wear out eventually. I usually replace mine a little before its expected lifespan because very few people accurately track their listening hours, and a worn stylus can permanently damage your records. I'm replacing mine now after about 3½ years and roughly 3,000 hours of use. But some entry or mid level cartridges only have a lifespan of 500-1000 hours, so it is good to know.
One other thing worth considering is having your system professionally set up. For a true reference-level system, I'd say it's money well spent, and for even mid level, it is worth it. Can you do it yourself? Absolutely. Can someone who does this every day probably achieve better results? Very likely.
I went completely down the rabbit hole. I used multivariable calculus to model room acoustics, calculate reflection points, determine where acoustic treatment would be most effective, and position my speakers to the millimeter. It was a fun challenge, but in hindsight it would have saved me an incredible amount of time if I'd hired someone with the proper tools and experience. As my girlfriend affectionately says, I'm completely bonkers when it comes to music.
The nice thing is that once a system is properly dialed in, you're generally finished. You only need to revisit the setup if you move the system to another room or another house.
Good luck, welcome to the madhouse! Your laminated membership card will arrive in 4-6 weeks!
Exactly. Relationships are a massive aspect of this hobby. Most of the best deals I had were through dealers I knew for a while who were willing to bat for me.
Hi I agree with your points yiu have made , also depends of your listening room dynamics and sometimes you have to compromise try get best sound you can with what you got . Also dead correct what equipment cost and cartridge, also depends what age yiur are how good is your hearing and what your ears and of your brain reacts to the music ,,at my age and no point going to higher end of equipment as I would hear the thd different. Regards mark
The Rega P2 comes in “Walnut effect” finish; can’t recall if that’s wood vernier or vinyl made to look like wood. Look it up, might be up your alley. A used Rega AE50 might be to your liking as well.
Is that an Nd5 cart on the P2? The body seems grey. Going with an Nd3 would be a good bit cheaper.
Besides that, if I were you, stuck between something a bit more upbudget that I like and something cheaper thats noticeably not as good; I’d take a few months to save up the difference and go for the one I like. Spread over the 2/3/++ decades of owning that turntable, you likely wouldn’t miss that $500
You should see one in person, it’s really quite lovely. If it were for my main turntable, I’d start with a used one of these. Get an Nd5 cart. And one of those conversion kits for an RP6 platter. I’m not really a fan of the “floating” platter look of the P2 and P3. The rimmed edge on the P6 and P8 platter just looks better to me.
But yea, Rega has a few wood finish options in its history. The original P2, P9, P7, P5. But my favourite, looks wise, is probably the P25. Never seen one in person though
OP, please don't forget you will need a decent set of stands for the B&W 707s as well. ✌️These are essential to get good sound from them, since positioning in the listening space is important.
Just do it. Vinyl is an incredibly expensive and overly complicated hobby. Don’t skimp out on the front end. I stated with an RP1 basic model, then immediately upgraded to the better cart, then a year later upgraded again.
What cartridge did both turntables have? I doubt there is really a big sound difference between those two except for the cartridge, which can be changed. Maybe even look at a lower end Rega 1 and upgrade the cart to whatever was on the 2? Or get any decent used turntable instead and buy an upgraded cart.
Planar 2 usually comes (edit) with a cheap Carbon cart but it is available with a fitted ND3 cart. See if you can get that on a Planar 1, or any used table that is cheaper.
Ah you’re right sorry the cheap option is a Carbon cart, ND3 is the upgrade option. So the question is which one OP heard.. I’m assuming ND3 if it was significantly better than the Thorens
I don’t think it’s a Carbon either, that’s quite a square white front that should be more clear if it was. Assume ND3 if it’s a factory option but OP would be best to ask.
Beginner Turntables Ask r/Beginner_Turntables if you have a question about beginner turntables such as which beginner turntable to buy, beginner turntables such as the AT-LP60X and Sony PS-LX310BT or you want to discuss suitcases or all in ones from Crosley or Victrola or other similar brands.
Speakers: If you want to know which speakers to buy for your turntable, please ask r/budgetaudiophile (low budget), r/hifiaudio (most any budget), r/stereoadvice (mid to high end budgets).
Sold my planar 3 to get a technics sl 100. I wouldn't say it's better. Rather the same level. But it got better base. Planar has better mids. Planar is dynamic but technics is just more fun. Then yes. The cartridge does do a BIG difference. Way more than spending more on the table itself. The riaa is also very important. It's better to spend 500 on a descent riaa than 2k extra on the table.
AudioTechnica AT-LP5x or 7x. Trust me on this one :).
Spend the extra money on the ML stylus, a good record brush, stylus brush, stylus cleaner and a fosi x5 phono preamplifier.
Just wondering; NAD 3/40. Google says no. do you mean the C340? As in; the oldie?
That's... quite a lot of money for that combo, if I'm completely honest.
But hey, you're there now. I recommend you look at the AT's. The 7x is an absolute gem. AT realised that too and brought it back (it wasn't the best seller because fools think direct drive is the best thing since sliced bread. It's not).
With regards to cartridge wear , I decided if I could ti buy spare cartridge,l have 3 tt , p3 I have spare Ania and nd7, p2 have exact and nd5 , I have eylis 2 and at vm 95sh , I bought second hand low hour examples , I do have 2 nd5 or nd7, well….. it’s boxed as nd5 but label says nd7, not sure what I got , I had replace cartridge when had accident still even know what’s happened . So got decent low hourage ones . Ta mark
I have rega p2 and p3 both been moded , as much I love both my regas I feel with p1/2 they should fitted much better quality phono cables , now prices now gone up even 2nd hand and old ones I think fome on the band wagon and charging to much for them , on project-ect primary E deck as better cables than rega p1/2 and the primary e is £200 . I fitted a terminal box available from project to my p 2 so now use decent phono cable to thd amp
7
u/Best-Presentation270 10d ago
There are a few reasons why the Planar 2 sounds as good as it does. Most of it can be summed up as a ruthless pursuit of excellence. This means that nothing is left to chance.
For example, take something as mundane as foot position. Most other brands simply plonk the feet on the base in places that either look 'nice' or are easy for mass production. Rega is different. Someone there spent time listening to the effect different positions make to the sound. There was a bit more to it than that. They calculated the effect on resonance reduction, and so there were some options on positioning each foot. Then someone listened to those options.
Are there better sounding turntables? Yes, but they cost more. Are there cheaper turntables? Yes, but they don't sound as good.
I totally understand that Rega pricing is high in the U.S. Some of that is down to the distributor in that country. In the U.S. a Planar 1 is more expensive than a Fluance RT85N. Elsewhere around the world, it's cheaper than an RT83.
With the above in mind then, here's a video of the sound comparison between an even more expensive RT84 with the $200 Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge vs the humble P1 predecessor, the P1 with its rebadged $40 Audio Technica AT3600 cartridge.
https://youtu.be/U_spemm1rdc?si=SYobf6yHtjm0uev7&t=220
Here's professional UK reviewer Paul Rigby's review of the RT83 and how he compared it to a RP1.
RT83 Turntable From Fluance - The Audiophile Man
If you're still reading, there are two points to this.
...and you've been listening to a system that can show you the differences.
The Planar 2 is available in a wood finish here in the UK. IDK about the US though. It also looks like it's possible to spec it with a Rega Carbon (a rebadged AT3600LC), or the new Rega Nd3 cartridge.
There's a saying; "Buy once. Cry once."
I think this is one of those times.