After spinning vinyl records for a while, I’ve been researching my next vinyl turntable upgrade. This time, I want a proper turntable that allows for cartridge or stylus upgrades and isn’t fully automatic. Don’t get me wrong, I love the Sony PS-LX310BT turntable; it’s been great. However, it’s about time for me to upgrade to something more audiophile-like.
After extensive searching for the best entry-level turntables that met my budget, I narrowed it down to two entry-level models: the Pro-Ject Essential III and the Rega Planar 1. Both have received 5-star ratings from What Hi-Fi. The decision was tough, so I focused on maintenance costs, such as the cartridge and stylus.
After a deeper comparison, I decided to go with the award winning Rega Planar 1 for the minimalist features. Although I was very tempted by the glass platter on the Pro-Ject Essential III, I ultimately chose the Rega turntable.
The Rega Planar 1 MKII, also known as P1, is often touted as one of the best entry-level turntables available on the market today. In this comprehensive review, we will delve into the key features, performance, and overall value of the Rega Planar 1 to determine if it truly lives up to the hype.
Hope this Rega Planar 1 review might be able to help you ease your dilemma in choosing your next turntable.
I was absolutely amazed by the exceptional clarity of the vocals when I played Taeyeon’s “INVU” vinyl on the Rega turntable for the very first time. The experience was truly mind-blowing, leaving me with a profound sense of awe and excitement.
The sound quality was so impressive that it elicited a spontaneous “WOW” from me. One aspect that particularly stood out to me was how the sound staging remained perfectly centered and impeccably balanced throughout. It was a truly satisfying listening experience that left me feeling delighted.
In terms of sound preferences, I have come to appreciate a more balanced bass tone, steering away from the overly boomy bass that I previously encountered with the Sony turntable. Check out our review of the Sony PS-LX310BT. As of now, the only upgrade I have made is the addition of the 3mm acrylic platter, one of the best vinyl accessories to have, has significantly enhanced my overall listening pleasure.
No doubt the Planar 1 is part of Rega’s lineup of turntables that cater to both audiophiles and those new to vinyl, emphasizing ease of use without compromising on the audio fidelity that is crucial for an immersive musical experience. Recently I have upgraded to the Goldring E3 moving magnet cartridge on Rega Planar 1 after some intense research for the best phono cartridges that can fit the Rega.
The Rega Planar 1 exudes simplicity and elegance. Comes in black and white finishes, this turntable has a simple design that goes well with any style of decor. The platter is made from strong phenolic resin, it looks sleek and is built to last.
One of the standout features of the Planar 1 is its new RB110 tonearm, which is pre-set for optimal performance. This means no fiddling with anti-skate adjustments or complicated setups – a significant advantage for beginners. The tonearm is paired with a factory-fitted Carbon moving magnet cartridge, making the turntable ready to play straight out of the box.
Setting up the Rega Planar 1 is refreshingly straightforward. The turntable comes almost fully assembled, requiring only a few simple steps to get it up and running. This includes fitting the belt onto the sub-platter, placing the platter on top, and attaching the counterweight to the tonearm. Rega’s user-friendly manual provides clear instructions, ensuring that even those new to vinyl can set it up with ease.
The Planar 1 also features a new, 24v synchronous motor, which offers reduced vibration and improved speed stability compared to its predecessors. This motor drives a precision-machined phenolic resin platter, ensuring consistent rotation and minimal wow and flutter.
When it comes to sound quality, the Rega Planar 1 truly shines. The turntable delivers a warm, detailed, and dynamic sound that brings out the best in your vinyl collection. The RB110 tonearm, combined with the Rega Carbon cartridge, tracks records with precision, revealing nuances and details that might be missed by lesser turntables.
The Planar 1 handles a wide range of musical genres with ease, from the punchy bass lines of rock and electronic music to the subtle textures of classical and jazz recordings. The soundstage is impressively wide and deep, creating an immersive listening experience that draws you into the music.
In my experience, Rega Planar 1 is best match with the Rega Fono Mini A2D phono preamp.
The Rega Planar 1’s performance is exceptional, especially considering its price point. The low-vibration motor and high-quality tonearm contribute to noise-free playback, while the precision-machined platter ensures consistent speed and pitch accuracy. These features combine to produce a clear, detailed, and engaging sound that is sure to satisfy both newcomers and seasoned vinyl enthusiasts.
One of the key performance aspects of Planar 1 is its ability to minimize external vibrations. The turntable’s high-density plinth and stable feet effectively isolate it from vibrations that could otherwise interfere with playback quality. This results in a cleaner, more accurate sound that faithfully reproduces the original recordings.
The Rega Planar 1 offers outstanding value for money. It provides many features and a level of performance typically found in more expensive models, making it an excellent choice for those looking to enter the world of vinyl without breaking the bank. Its combination of build quality, ease of use, and superior sound make it a standout option in the entry-level turntable market.
Furthermore, the Planar 1 is a future-proof investment. Rega is known for its upgradable components, allowing users to enhance their turntable’s performance over time. Whether it’s upgrading the cartridge or adding a performance pack, the Planar 1 can grow with your evolving audio needs.
One of the significant advantages of the Rega Planar 1 is its upgradability. As your experience and appreciation of vinyl grow, you may wish to enhance your turntable’s performance with a few well-chosen Rega turntable upgrades.
Upgrading the cartridge can have a profound impact on sound quality. The factory-fitted Carbon moving magnet cartridge is excellent for beginners, but more advanced users might consider upgrading to the some of the best phono cartridges in the market including the Goldring E3, Rega Bias 2 or the Rega Elys 2. These cartridges offer improved tracking ability and a richer, more detailed sound.
The stylus is a crucial component for accurate sound reproduction. Over time, it will wear out and need replacing. When it’s time for a replacement, consider upgrading to a higher-quality stylus compatible with your chosen cartridge. Upgrading to a stylus with a finer tip can help retrieve more detail from your records.
Swapping the phenolic resin platter for an acrylic one can enhance the Planar 1’s sound quality. Acrylic platters are known for their ability to reduce resonance and static build-up, resulting in a clearer, more focused sound. They also add a touch of elegance to the turntable’s aesthetic.
Explore the best Rega turntable upgrades for enhancing your turntable’s performance.
If you’re thinking of buying a Rega turntable, the model names can be a little confusing. Rega has released several versions of the Planar 1, including the older RP1, standard gloss and matte finishes, and the Planar 1 Plus, which comes with a built-in phono preamp. You can find them on Amazon or Shopee.
The black, white, and walnut versions all share core upgrades like the RB110 tonearm, a 24V motor, and the Rega Carbon cartridge. These features help set each version apart visually and sonically. My decision to choose the standard Planar 1 came down to simplicity and sound quality. I had already upgraded from the Douk Audio T4 to the Rega Fono Mini A2D phono preamp, so I didn’t need another built-in one.
The clean design and strong performance made this table the right fit for my setup. I mostly play records at 33rpm, so the manual speed switch wasn’t a downside either. While the walnut finish looks the best in my opinion, it does come with a higher price tag.
For the best listening experience, see the Hi-Fi Setup Guide.
The matte version of this Rega turntable sets a strong benchmark for entry-level vinyl setups. With excellent sound quality, a clean design, and simple operation, it’s a great option for anyone getting into records or upgrading from a basic model.
Sure, it skips out on a few conveniences like a built-in phono preamp or auto speed switching—but those trade-offs are pretty minor when you consider how good it sounds right out of the box.
Whether you’re just starting your vinyl journey or you’ve been spinning records for years, this model delivers a rich, immersive listening experience that punches above its price point. Check out the official product page for more details. If you’re after a turntable that’s affordable, reliable, and focused on pure performance, the Rega Planar 1 is definitely worth considering.
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