Is a planar 2 worth it?

harrygrey382

harrygrey382

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Been thinking vaguely of getting a local Planar 2 as an upgrade to my Ariston Q deck. Anyone any opinions on this? Is there a vast difference? What is a decent Planar 2 worth?
(running through a system comprising of Tannoy 15" MGs, Quad 306, pro-ject phonobox)
Thanks
Harry
 
For the small price difference, go for the planar 3 which also gets you the superior RB300 arm.
 
Go for a project deck - the top rega is pretty good but the others dont really keep up with the competition these days IMHO of course.
 
I bought a P2 s/h for £125 to replace my Project Debut about this time last year - an improvement. sold the project for £50 to part fund. A while later I removed the RB250 and sold the deck for £75. (££ books balance so far)
Then bought a Technics SL12 from ebay for £125, removed & sold the Technics arm for £50 on ebay. cost so far £75. Then went to origin live and bought the technics/rb250 armboard (£39) ,rb250 upgrades(375 and up) and an SDS isoplatmat (£80) and a Sumiko - amazing full stop, but for the money!!!!

£114 without the extra upgrades. With it sounds better than some I've heard - Logic dm101's , Linn's , Michells etc and left the original Rega doner for dead.
It gives you somewhere to go too with upgrades. if you want further info pm me,
all the best.
 
upgraditis is taking it's hold. Looks like it's worth throwing a few bids in then. It doesn't say anythig about the arm, and looks like it's an 'S', what does this put it'as value at?
 
harrygrey382 said:
upgraditis is taking it's hold. Looks like it's worth throwing a few bids in then. It doesn't say anythig about the arm, and looks like it's an 'S', what does this put it'as value at?
Click to expand...

The 'S' is the old Rega R200 - made by Acos Lustre.
Nice arm and works well on the Planars but left for dead by the 250/300 IMO.
 
As rob says it means its an R200. I wouldn't bother. A nice enough budget arm in its day but not in the same league as an RB250 and at least 25 years old if not older.

I'd suggest that its just fannying around the edges, especially if its going into a phonobox which is probably just as much a bottleneck considering the quality of the rest of the setup. A sidegrade if ever there was.

PS. Planar 2 with R200 - I wouldn't pay more than £100 for it in mint condition ... which it won't be
 
P2 for me ...the last time I heard one ...was rather pedestrian and was completely out classed by latter models. Though they can sound good I always felt you need to go to great lengths to get the best from the regas. ie wall mounts or exotic stands
 
Rega P2, worth max 70!
Rega R 200 arm max 10.
Most modern turntables give better results than this!
I know as I have one of each of these, and they never get used anymore.
S
 
stewartwen said:
Rega P2, worth max 70!
Rega R 200 arm max 10.
Most modern turntables give better results than this!
I know as I have one of each of these, and they never get used anymore.
S
Click to expand...

I would agree with this. I've owned the P2 (R200), P2 (RB250) and the P3 (RB300).
The P2 is an 'OK' deck but the P3 is undoubtedly worth the extra money. I eventually got rid of the P3 in favour of a Project RPM 4 which surprised me at the time.
Fitted with a Denon MC, the RPM4 was magnificent.
 
right, thanks for the advice guys, decided not to go for it. I might save up a bit and go for a P3, or maybe venture out into Thorens territory... I know there are heaps of opinions here.
And on the subject of phonostages - just bought some DIY boards from Rod Elliot. Just need to buy some parts and put together. Will report back with opinions soon :)
 

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