Excellent overview of the current Rega turntable line. I own a P6/Ania and it is a really nice turntable. I love the approach that Rega takes, opting for minimalist design and high tech materials to mitigate vibration (as opposed to the more traditional large mass + suspension approach). I also love the simplicity of setup and relative absence of the need to constantly adjust things (suspension springs, level, etc). I set mine up once and have not touched it in 3 years. The P10 is in my sights when it comes time to upgrade, but I'm very happy with the P6 until that time comes. I know the P6/8/10 have their critics, but it seems most of the critique is from a rather uninformed perspective (light weight = cheap and flimsy). I guess I can understand that to some degree. As a lifelong cyclist, I recall dismissing the new "plastic" carbon fiber frames similarly - that is, until I rode several high end examples, and then I understood, and regretted my prior self-righteous and ignorant thinking. Informed dissent is fine, but blind critique is not helpful. OK enough of that tangent 😆 Great video! Thank you!
Rega turntables aren't everyone's cup of tea. That's fine as variety is the spice of life and all that. But one of the things that I truly appreciate about Rega is their straightforward nature. Rega clearly laid out their approach to turntable design from the start, along with their reasoning based upon their research. Since then they've simply continued to improve upon and refine this same approach as advances in engineering and manufacturing allowed. All free of advertising and hype. This falls right in line with the fact that their founder is a brilliant engineer that loves both making and listening to music.
Well done ! So nice to see such concise presentation of the entire Rega TT line. Someday.... I should have picked up the P10 before the most recent HUGE price increase.. it is up to $7800 USD now... Sigh...
Really enjoyed the whistle stop (ish!) tour of the Rega TT range. Appreciate the P1 serves it purpose as the first rung in the range, however my view is the range starts ‘proper’ with the P2. The glass platter and superior 220 tonearm open up the world of worthwhile upgrade possibilities, and I would start with the cartridge and ditch the AT3600 rebranded Carbon. It has a hard midrange and a compressed sound in my experience, compared to what is available by stepping up to something for around £50-£60. This will start to open up the deck, and brings big benefits to the enjoyment.
Just bought a P3 new, with the free exact 2 upgrade and wow. Beats my 'vintage' pioneer in spades. Wish I made the upgrade 5 years ago to match quality of my phono state, amp, and speakers. Now you got me wishing I got the P6. If I had known I likely would have spent the other $1000, but I can always sell the P3 in a couple years as I'm still enjoying the heck out of it. Spending $1500 and being disappointed hurts, but spending $2500 is a lot harder to swallow. Going through all my records again, like its my first time.
For many of us, chasing audio upgrades is a real merry-go-round that can be hard to get off of. Considering the room-based compromises the average listener must deal with (whether they are aware of them or not) along with the law of diminishing returns, it is easy to overspend for what effectively equates to the emperor's new clothes. This eventually causes disappointment and frustration resulting in even further spending down the road. I've owned a number of turntables in my lifetime including a Rega RP3 and a Planar 6. When upgrading from the RP3 to the P6 I also upgraded my phono stage and moved from a MM to a MC cartridge, so the difference was pretty noticeable. (Before buying the P6 I did do some comparisons between it and the P3.) That was four years ago and it marked the end of my system upgrades. I now feel like I've reached the point where the room itself is by far the biggest weak point. As I don't wish to go changing up the room, further system upgrades simply aren't warranted in my case. I would also point out that I had previously experienced very worthwhile gains from far less expensive upgrades - such as the purchase of a Rega TT wall bracket for my RP3 as my home has suspended wooden floors. The thing is, just as Rega has shown us gains at the top end of the price spectrum, the same advances in engineering and manufacturing also mean that we'll be seeing even better performing gear at the lower end of the spectrum as well. Meanwhile vinyl prices will continue to rise and certain releases will become very hard if not nearly impossible to come by later on. If you're well set for vinyl itself then you are well ahead of many others these days. Had I not already acquired a couple thousand LP's over the course of the last 45 years then I would have happily stuck with the RP3 and sunk my money into more LP's rather than the P6. Personally I would much rather have far more vinyl to listen to on a really good turntable like your P3 than far less vinyl on a better turntable like the P6.
I not only like the comparison you have made between the levels of Rega turntables, I love the way you described the impact of modifications for the lower end of product range. Much appreciated!
Under 10 minutes Phil ? No chance, it was nearly double that. Once you're rolling it's like the Duracell bunny. So what, you're passionate and informative. A great run-through of the Planar range. Thank you.
thats my my next purchase i think from a planar 1 ... need to get an amp and speakers to match though :) i must say though that i am not exactly an audiophile but i do have ears for good sound having been a musician for 20+ years , and my planar 1 with my old technics hifi sounds great ... im sure i could extract more detail with better components etc but it has more than enough fidelity to spend hours sitting and listening ... i cant wait to upgrade and see where it can go
Bought New a P1 on sale at Christmas as a second player To play my older used records I Think the bass is good, but it lacks detail,Tried Vm95e,Grado black,AT95ex The phono stage i use is IFI Have aligned it with all the right tools I Listen to Jazz ,and i miss the ”air” So the Rega is in the Closet,and the Old Technics SL 3310 is back in the Livingroom .As a main player i Linn Basik Thanks for a great Channel
I fitted an Exact to my 15-year old P3 in December, then added the Fono MM Mk5 in January - what a transformation (I had been running an Ortofon 520 via ProJect Phono SE). A few weeks ago I slipped an IsoAcoustics platform under the P3, and that's improved things a little more. I'd love to be able to buy a P10, but given my emigration plans I can't justify the spend for a couple of months of ownership. I shan't even mention dreams of owning a Naiad . . .
Brilliant video as usual. I use a Rega Planar 2 a Marantz PM6007 and a pair of Monitor Audio Silver 100s (6th Gen). I upgraded the stock Rega Carbon to an AT95ML and the difference is huge. It's hard to believe how much better the Rega 3/6/8/10 sound but I think I'll be sticking with the Rega 2 for now given I understand I'd need to upgrade the rest of my setup as well to hear the difference.
I have the Monitor Audio Silvers also with a Rega 6, a Marantz 7025 amp, thing I'm not too crazy about is the felt mat,I want to get a Acrilic mat to replace but I hear you have to address other things.
So to sum up: P10 > P8 > P6 > P3 > P1, who’d have guessed it! (I’m just kidding obviously, this video was very informative, thanks for explaining the decks!)
Love my P10. Incredible bargain IMO. Only things I don't like are its felt mat (tends to cling to albums) & the hard wired interconnects (prevents me from using my own) and the skeletal look (I prefer the look of a traditional plinth). I understand you don't respond to comment=s, or I would ask your recommendation on a mat to replace the P10's.
I've tried several alternative mats on my P8 - not least because I've never liked the sound of felt; it seems very splashy to me. Cork works well, acrylic is ok (depending on what it is precisely), and the TEAC Washi mat - a kind of stone paper - works exceptionally well. Always need to have an eye on the VTA with these, but cork or the Washi are very close to the depth of the felt.
ha i know how you feel . mine is in the living room so if family want to watch tv im screwed but its nice on quiet evenings when they want to listen with me i will eventually get my own room in the house when we convert the loft though but it will he a few yrs
It's incredible how the various turntable design philosophies differ. Your video showing the Nottingham analogue next to a P10 a few months back was astonishing. Both manufacturers would say that theirs is the best way. One advantage of the Rega though is you don't need a reinforced concrete floor under it 🤣.
I have the Planar 3 and, at a thousand dollars more or less, consider it to be the sweet spot of the Rega line and of turntables in general. I am sure the Planar 6 offers some improvement in sound quality but when you add the cost of the Exact cartridge, you are well above the $2,000 mark (USD). I have not heard the two turntables played back to back but I doubt the Planar 6 sounds twice as good as the Planar 3. A number of years ago, I attended a Rega demo at a local audio shop. The entire Rega line was played in series. The Rega line was a bit different then but I remember it getting harder and harder to hear improvements in sound when you got above the Planar 3.
Yup. My P3 with exact was $1500 after tax while the P6 with Exact would have ben $2500. I went with the P3, but this review has me wondering if I made the right move
@@michaeltache3681 I am perfectly happy with my Planar 3, even with the Elys. Part of this could be that I have a Rega Elex-R integrated amp and the cartridge is very compatible with the Rega phono pre-amp. The Exact is now pushing $700 with Rega's recent price increase. I will probably eventually upgrade to the Ortofon 2M Bronze, which runs a little bit more than $400 and has a fine line stylus like the Exact, which is user replaceable. Each person has to decide for himself but for me, I cannot justify the increased cost of the Planar 6.
@@michaeltache3681 I am perfectly happy with the Planar 3, even with the Elys. Each person has to make his own decision but for me, the Planar 3 is so good that I cannot justify nearly doubling the price to buy the Planar 6.
Great explanation regarding the differences in each model. One thing that I feel is missing though, are the prices - you could say roughly what each costs at the time of making the video, quoting retail prices.
I bought the Planar 2 about 6 months ago in walnut and had an AT-VM540ML cartridge replace the Carbon. I'm going to be buying a Rega Fono MM Mk5 by this weekend to boost the output and plug it into a different analog plug on my receiver. I had always had to crank up the volume to get any descent sound out of it...I know why now after looking at the AVR's owner's manual. The S/N ration for the phono jack is only 74dB, while the analog input (CD) is 102. Plus there's less distortion in the circuit by a long shot. I think my records will sound brand new after the change with better soundstage and clarity!!
I have a planar 3 and absolutely love it I think its a thing of beauty and it may not be as sonically perfect as a higher model but I have no plans to change it whatsoever. Its a peice of art to look at and suits my needs perfectly. People need to enjoy the models for what they are not bastardize them constantly changing parts the equivalent of putting a set of hub cabs on an Aston Martin.
the higher end Regas do seem to be very expensive, i would suggest a used LP12 would be a better option for the money? i wonder how the Project range compares with the Regas.
Hey! What the deuce! No mention of the wonderful Acos Lustre 'S' arm fitted to early versions of the Planar 3. In my view, better-sounding when compared to the RB330 magnesium arm that succeeded it.
I've got a P3 in the wonderful red color. Along with it, I purchased the power control - an older version of the TT-PSU - and the white belt upgrade. If the P6 had been available at the time I bought the P6, I probably would have bought that instead of the P3 + upgrades. Cartridge I'm using is an Ortophon 2M Bronze, which requires a tonearm spacer to raise the height a bit.
I got my red P3 in Nov and been using it with a 2M Red (because the Bronze I bought at the same time is STILL on back order!) The Red cartridge doesn’t need spacers and it’s the same form factor as the Bronze. So I’m surprised you needed them. I’m not convinced the 6’s power unit is worth it, though the speed control would be nice.
@@greganderson1681 When the shop first put the Ortofon cartridge on the turntable, the cuing arm wouldn't raise high enough to clear a 180g record, so we at first raised the cuing height via the allen screw adjustment on the cuing post. The Ortofon is taller than the stock Rega cart. I've heard opinions both ways on the need for the spacer, and I guess I lean towards it being a plus for the Ortofons.
Thank you for this excellent video! I own Rega P1. I recently bought from Polish Rega distributor new platter for Rega P3, that they had an 50% discount on. They told me that you can just change the original P1 platter with the P3 platter without any adjustments. I still have the original P1 cartridge and did not do any adjustments to the arm. I just exchanged the platters and with the P3 platter Rega P1 table sounds much worse. The sound became very bright and "metalic". It lost the analog feeling that I get with the table in the original configuration. It does not sound right, it sounds as if it is somehow "broken". Comming back to the original P1 platter brings the sound back to its original form. The P3 platter is clearly new, it came in its original package and does not have any signs of damage. I would be very thankful for any advise on what I am doing wrong. Rega P1 is my first turntable so I am not an expert. Thank you and all the best in expanding the channel. I watched already most of the videos and found them very informative. Waiting for the next chapters on audio tweaks :) Kind Regards, Marcin
The platter thickness measured at the spindle-hole on my RP1 platter is 12mm - the P1 uses the same phenolic resin platter as it's predecessor - 12mm. The glass platter on the P3/Planar 3 is either 16mm or 18mm thick (can't remember exactly which!); whatever, the P3 glass platter is far too thick for the P1.... Once you put the felt matt back on, and then a place a record on it too, your tonearm is pointing way up into the air, and the cartridge is tracking at completely the wrong angle, with it's front pointing up into the air too. This means the diamond tip of the stylus is just skimming the groove, instead of being planted securely into it. This is something called the SRA - Stylus Rake Angle; the stylus should be sitting in the groove at apron. 92 degrees; with the P3 platter, yours' is probably at about 50 or 60 degrees!! Very bad; no bass, no presence, just a horrible noise!! That P3 platter needs returning to the dealer, who should Never have sold it to you if he knows what he is selling!! You need a 12mm thick glass platter - it's actually the same one as used on the Rega P2. Hope this helps... ;-)
I don't know if its the same on the newer planar decks, but the old one's was 10mm on the planar 2 and 12mm on the planar 3. I use the Nad 533 clone of the planar 2, I bought a glass platter for it.
I really enjoyed this I have the P6 very happy with it I use to have the Project I felt there was limitations in cartridge upgrades great reviews I love the break down and each turntable with Rega . The only question I have when I start my turntable should I give the platter a nudge before I start is that ok to do ?
I love the Planar 3, one of my all time favourites. I don't think it ever needed to be improved as I believe it was already perfect. The one thing I would go with would be the power suppply so you do not have to change the belt anymore. Rega are cool though, I still have my Ela's and Alya's.
Can you make fine speed adjustment on the regas im looking to get the p3 and someone some songs are slightly too fast snd need to be slowed down a bit can this be done ?
@@maxm1316 You cannot do that with a Rega turntable. If you want to adjust the speed you would be better off with something like the Audio Technica AT-LP120 as that has a plus and minus speed adjustment of 8 or 16%. It is also a really good turntable and does not cost that much compared to the Rega P3.
Thank you so much for this video, I subscribed to the channel! I have been thinking of buying a P8 for several months now but have had second thoughts because of it's cost and have been thinking of getting a P6 but this video really convinced me that the P8 is definitely worth the wait. Any good recommendations on an accompanying phono-stage for the P8?
The Rega Aria mk3 works really well with the P8. I demo'd a couple of other phono stages, but for the money the Aria was the best sounding. It's also switchable between MM and MC which gives versatility if you're running different turntables off it for example. Have a look at some of my videos to hear the combination in action.
I have a modified RP1 with a specially made acrylic platter from Britain (not from Rega). Why have an acrylic platter with felt on top? The purpose of the acrylic is to lay the record on it.
Very comprehensive run-through, thanks. Would I notice the sonic improvement of the P2 over the P1 through an IO amp, or will it take a better amp to really get the P2 to sing?
I can totally see how having the speed change thingy the way that one has will help reduce extra electronics and stuff which might somehow help audio quality maybe but i am gen Z and my generation is prolly gonna make or break the future of vinyl and record players so (in a bit greedy way, sorry 4 being rude) i kinda want everything and have lotsa features and not have to be an expert.. They are very pretty too, the p3 matches my hair lol..wonder how the glass platter compares to an acrylic platter..like the glass one deff needs the mat right?
Nice video, what I’d like to know is which package requires the lowest vertical tracking force and hence produces the least record wear? The heavy mass arms of modern turntables are what has held me back from purchasing one to replace my vintage low mass arm turntable.
You actually can’t compare tracking force and record wear. It’s down to a lot of subjects, which type of needle, compliance with the tone arm, optimal tracking force from PU producer etc. If you’re using a PU with an optimate tracking force at say 2,1 gram, it could give an excessive wear if you set the arm to 1,2 gram as the needle will skip back and forth in the record groove but lay dead still with 2,1 g. And if it’s a soft and light PU like say a B&O the needle will skip around in the soft suspension and result in excessive wear too.
@@kasperkjrsgaard1447 They don't use 'needles' anymore Kasper - that was in the days of wind-up players using 78rpm records, and actual steel needles! They are now stylus'. You are correct saying that any cart has an optimal tracking force, which should never be lower.
The never ending upgrades. So, I buy a p6 to replace my original p3. oops, now I need to upgrade my phono preamp to get the improvement the p6 offers. And you know, I probably should be looking at replacing my speakers. New cables make sense, too. So my $3,000 dollar improvement has ballooned to 10 (conservatively). Oh, actually, I should probably buy a new house with a better music room. Sigh.
Isn't it fun to catch the bug? I used to sell high end audio equipment; and my boss tricked me by allowing me to take home new gear to test. I had my personal system, which was in line with what I could afford; and a test system, which belonged to my boss' store. Over the several years that I worked there, my personal system kept growing/maturing, while my savings didn't. 🤣 Every time I brought some equipment to test, I would also try it out on my personal system; and then I'd spend the next couple of weeks thinking how I could earn enough to afford it (even at employee pricing! High end stereo equipment is almost as bad as a heroin addiction. It can suck out your $$$$$ as well as your soul. If only I had enough $$$$$ to placate my interests. 🍺😋👍
Hi new subscriber here. I'd appreciate some advice. I currently have the P6 with the exact cartridge and fono mm. I'm considering upgrading to the ania pro cartridge and fono mc. Would I see an obvious improvement in sound quality with this upgrade and would it be worth the expense. Would the fono mc do the ania pro justice? Never had a moving coil cart before. Any input appreciated, cheers
@cheshireaudio ... Hey Phil, great video ... what, in your opinion would be the best cartridge upgrade for a Rega P6 ? ... How far can you go with a P6? (I listen to mostly Jazz music)
This is a question I have asked many YT video makers, and the only answers I recieved only gave me the same 2 options, which leads me to believe that there is not many options for the P6 compared with the P3 or P8 and others.
Hey, how the ania pro will work with the p3 anniversary ? I'm considering to replace the exact to ania pro... Have the aria 3 phono stage. Any thoughts or recommendations?? Tnx a lot
Lack of arm adjustment would prevent me ever buying another Rega TT or arm. I think there’s much better available for the money at the higher end of their range but their entry level ones are ok if cheaply made. Nothing to chose between entry level ones and Project decks. Glass platters are just the wrong material imho. Never understood why they insist on using a material that rings like a bell! Azimuth adjustment is essential for modern line contact profiles. Few carts have stylus precisely as in perfectly square to cantilever and fractions out of kilter azimuth is audible and measurable. Use a scope to set mine up and was astonished at the audible difference getting azimuth perfect made. Mr Fremer was right when he kept making the point. Come on Rega, start offering proper arm adjustment!
I seen pics of an RP10 and RP8 with a plinth that the skeletal chassis fits into and with a hinged lid attached. Is this an option or no longer available? Has the “P” series replaced the “RP” series?
In my experience using metal or phenolic resin in the subplatter is only a matter of costs not performance , I replaced the subplatters on more than one rega with metal ones , and is an allround improvement , no negatives ....at least to my ears
There is a reason why they use metal on the more expensive ones , and yes the least expensive ones have a heavier plinth which stores more energy ,.but isn't every rega plinth a light one ?!
No, it would be the opposite of their approach. If intent on using a Rega for that, I would look into a high end audio interface to capture at the end of the audio chain.
A mate of mine had one of these in the late 80's... I am pretty sure he still has it but we don't speak much these days as I took a bit of a liking to his new wife about 1992. Anyway the turntable was great. He is probably still listening to sad vinyl crying into his beer with it lol. I didn't know they still made them!
I could never understand why companies have to make their low end equipment look cheap. For instance the P1's RCA interconnects are not gold plated. Since you already know that you have bought a cheap Rega you wouldn't expect the best interconnects. However, you would agree that you could get a decent pair of interconnects, gold plated, on Ebay for 5 quid. How much would that add to the overall cost? Please REGA..... and if you're going to say that GOLD plating is no good, then you could perhaps explain the Expensive interconnects which have gold plated plugs.
What exactly is the bennefit of gold plating? And dont just say because expensive interconnects use them. How do they improve the sound? And, is it noticable?
Why can't you just say the 10 is slightly better sounding? I can only own the 8 with a lot of scrimping and saving but now it's the 10 or nothing! Looking at my punk memorabilia with regards to selling. Anyone want to buy the actual jumper worn by captain sensible on the cover of Damned Damned Damned?
You can tell how good Rega turntables are by the amount of subtle flack they attract from the rest of the industry! They burst the B/S bubble and shine an uncomfortable light on other over complicated and overpriced competitors.
It may just be because they are flimsy noisy fiddly and the fact that the out the box turntable needs about 5 upgrades to be equal with other out the box turntables. Pretty sure Rega started the "subtle flak " fallacy of cogging with DD turntables
Calling them flimsy is rather funny seeing as i accidentally dropped my plenar 1 once while moving some stuff about (i tripped on some cables or something fell turntable flew out of my hands) and the thing still works as well as when i bought it, their turntables certainly are not flimsy they're quite robust actually. also how are regas fiddly. They're like the easiest turntables to use it would take a person of far less care and patience to think those things are fiddly.
@@webz3589 Rega are great turntables, but they have been driven over by the competition in the price/performance bracket. P1, P2, P3, P6 all have competition that is sounding just as great, has build quality on the same level if not better, and offer a lot more for less money. And lets be real here, those aren't reference turntables, those are turntables that people who are getting into the turntable music are buying and those who are upgrading from something less. I own a P3 and I love it, but I also own a Pro-Ject Debut PRO S and to me, what you get here for 850EUR is way better than what you get with the Rega P6 which costs two and a half times more with a cartridge and the PSU. For the money that is left by buying the Debut PRO S, you can easily buy an amazing preamp and a power filter/PSU, upgrade to the acrylic platter and still have money left to spare. The P1 is especially priced badly when you see what else is on the market in that price range, heck the Fluence R85N is 100EUR cheaper - again we're talking about entry enthusiast turntables here, not the high-end, so I would advise anyone getting into the hobby or upgrading form a plastic fantastic turntable to get the Fluence R85 over the Rega, you just get more and to me the R85 also sounds better, but that has to do with the cartridge more than anything else - now the Fluence isn't build as good as the Rega, but the Pro-Ject turntables are they are in the same price range of the Reagas. There's also numerous other brands that fight for the customers between 300-1000EUR. I do believe Rega needs to lower the price between 100-200 depending on the turntable from P6 down or just give the extras other brands give, for example an aluminium sub platter for P2 & P3 would be a start and throw a speed switch for convenience also wouldn't be bad, without the need of buying extras. But as said, Rega is fantastic, just the market adjusted and the quality of other brands has risen in the last years and they have stronger competition now in the entry to mid level turntables. As for the high-end, I wont go there, because I have not owned one of those from any brand, nor do I wish to own those.
@@sbwlearning1372 Flimsy? Disagree. They're very light and use materials that, while sometimes a bit cheap feeling are well thought out to minimize energy transfer. The 1 and 2 perhaps could benefit from bracing though. Noisy? Yes and no. My unscientific observation is that they generally seem to have similar or less mechanical noise at the varying price points than the competition. They do seem to have a nasty habit of picking up electrical noise without grounding and power upgrades though. Upgrades required? Yeah, fair one. Power supply, drive belts, and grounding are definitely a good bet (at least for the 1-3). Platters, mats and sub platters might be worth considering too depending on where you want to go. I'm also generally not super-enthused about the OE cartridge options on the 1-3. Rega is further a lot less upgrade path friendly than other brands like pro-ject. All this said, I run a slightly tuned up P3/PSU, with a Dynavector xx2 through a Dynavector P75 mk4. For the total investment, it might have been worth looking elsewhere, but I actually do prefer how this sounds to the Pro-Ject RP9, MMF 9.3, or clearaudio concept. Granted all of the competing options could probably be upgraded a bit to perform better.
Can I just ask, you said there was a great difference between the 8 & 10, is the difference between the 6 & 8 as great or is the difference a bit less noticeable. I'm talking about sound mainly.
That was great thanks. I have an old P25 and thinking about upgrading - where would it sit in this line up - about same as modern P3 so P6 would be a big upgrade?
Im sorry but its 2023 and it seems rather lame that dirt cheap turntables manage to include springs to hold up the dust cover and a switch for speed control yet in the planer lines price range they cant manage the basic convenience of hinge springs and a simple rocker switch for speed control - and dont give me the old argument "we put the money in the sound" these are basic conveniencs that should be present in this price range same as at least having auto stop like my 40 plus year old Harman Kardon has.
I will never have a Rega deck for the simple reason that it absolutely triggers me that you have to take the platter off and manipulate the belt to switch speeds. I also loathe lightweight plinths. I liked your video and learning more about these though. They good products for someone else.
@@dixienormous2440 Because it's a basic feature and you shouldn't have to take the plate off in order to be able to do that. Look at that glass platter with all the greasy finger traces too - it shouldn't be like that. Give us switches and buttons like on any older decks.
No azimuth adjust. No VTA adjust. You must add a power supply to get optimum performance from the motor. Quality control on the cartridges is awful according to my experience. This is a proprietary system designed for their cartridges which are of dubious sound quality. The lowest bang for the buck of anything on the market. If you want any versatility in your record playing - there are far better choices.
The very weak point of all Rega turntables is the cheap motor from Premotec. I have had a lot of Rega’s most of them have had a soft hum or even worse… Now i am back to my old love Thorens TD150 with SME beats every Rega!
Hum seems to be a problem with some makes, especially Pro-ject. Yet I've owned a Pro-ject 2Xperience for around 6 years with no hum at all or any other noise come to that. I do wonder if a lot of cases could be down to electricity mains supply in particular houses or areas. I might be wrong, but the problem seems more common in the US than UK for some reason.
The tonearm is connected to the motor! and this is good! while others are not connected! and this is good! a table made of plastic, composite, cast iron and wood - it all sounds equally good! what a freakin' bullshit?
Excellent overview of the current Rega turntable line. I own a P6/Ania and it is a really nice turntable. I love the approach that Rega takes, opting for minimalist design and high tech materials to mitigate vibration (as opposed to the more traditional large mass + suspension approach). I also love the simplicity of setup and relative absence of the need to constantly adjust things (suspension springs, level, etc). I set mine up once and have not touched it in 3 years.
The P10 is in my sights when it comes time to upgrade, but I'm very happy with the P6 until that time comes.
I know the P6/8/10 have their critics, but it seems most of the critique is from a rather uninformed perspective (light weight = cheap and flimsy). I guess I can understand that to some degree. As a lifelong cyclist, I recall dismissing the new "plastic" carbon fiber frames similarly - that is, until I rode several high end examples, and then I understood, and regretted my prior self-righteous and ignorant thinking. Informed dissent is fine, but blind critique is not helpful.
OK enough of that tangent 😆
Great video! Thank you!
Thorens TD-160 with my Hana ML cartridge is just marvelous
Rega turntables aren't everyone's cup of tea. That's fine as variety is the spice of life and all that. But one of the things that I truly appreciate about Rega is their straightforward nature. Rega clearly laid out their approach to turntable design from the start, along with their reasoning based upon their research. Since then they've simply continued to improve upon and refine this same approach as advances in engineering and manufacturing allowed. All free of advertising and hype. This falls right in line with the fact that their founder is a brilliant engineer that loves both making and listening to music.
I still use my first generation Riga bought back in 1976. 😊
Hi Philip...great run through the range. I love the look of the P10. Stunning👍 Thank you.
Well done ! So nice to see such concise presentation of the entire Rega TT line. Someday.... I should have picked up the P10 before the most recent HUGE price increase.. it is up to $7800 USD now... Sigh...
Always love your videos you are so informative and not bias in any way. Clear constructive and well potraied. Thanks Gerald
Really enjoyed the whistle stop (ish!) tour of the Rega TT range. Appreciate the P1 serves it purpose as the first rung in the range, however my view is the range starts ‘proper’ with the P2. The glass platter and superior 220 tonearm open up the world of worthwhile upgrade possibilities, and I would start with the cartridge and ditch the AT3600 rebranded Carbon. It has a hard midrange and a compressed sound in my experience, compared to what is available by stepping up to something for around £50-£60. This will start to open up the deck, and brings big benefits to the enjoyment.
Just bought a P3 new, with the free exact 2 upgrade and wow. Beats my 'vintage' pioneer in spades. Wish I made the upgrade 5 years ago to match quality of my phono state, amp, and speakers. Now you got me wishing I got the P6. If I had known I likely would have spent the other $1000, but I can always sell the P3 in a couple years as I'm still enjoying the heck out of it. Spending $1500 and being disappointed hurts, but spending $2500 is a lot harder to swallow. Going through all my records again, like its my first time.
For many of us, chasing audio upgrades is a real merry-go-round that can be hard to get off of. Considering the room-based compromises the average listener must deal with (whether they are aware of them or not) along with the law of diminishing returns, it is easy to overspend for what effectively equates to the emperor's new clothes. This eventually causes disappointment and frustration resulting in even further spending down the road.
I've owned a number of turntables in my lifetime including a Rega RP3 and a Planar 6. When upgrading from the RP3 to the P6 I also upgraded my phono stage and moved from a MM to a MC cartridge, so the difference was pretty noticeable. (Before buying the P6 I did do some comparisons between it and the P3.) That was four years ago and it marked the end of my system upgrades. I now feel like I've reached the point where the room itself is by far the biggest weak point. As I don't wish to go changing up the room, further system upgrades simply aren't warranted in my case. I would also point out that I had previously experienced very worthwhile gains from far less expensive upgrades - such as the purchase of a Rega TT wall bracket for my RP3 as my home has suspended wooden floors.
The thing is, just as Rega has shown us gains at the top end of the price spectrum, the same advances in engineering and manufacturing also mean that we'll be seeing even better performing gear at the lower end of the spectrum as well. Meanwhile vinyl prices will continue to rise and certain releases will become very hard if not nearly impossible to come by later on. If you're well set for vinyl itself then you are well ahead of many others these days. Had I not already acquired a couple thousand LP's over the course of the last 45 years then I would have happily stuck with the RP3 and sunk my money into more LP's rather than the P6. Personally I would much rather have far more vinyl to listen to on a really good turntable like your P3 than far less vinyl on a better turntable like the P6.
I’ve just bought the P-8 and I’m very very happy with it .
I not only like the comparison you have made between the levels of Rega turntables, I love the way you described the impact of modifications for the lower end of product range. Much appreciated!
Under 10 minutes Phil ? No chance, it was nearly double that. Once you're rolling it's like the Duracell bunny. So what, you're passionate and informative. A great run-through of the Planar range. Thank you.
But without that malevolent sneering smirk expression that bunny seems to wear. Or is just my imagination?
I have a P3-24 with an Exact and it sounds phenomenal.
thats my my next purchase i think from a planar 1 ... need to get an amp and speakers to match though :)
i must say though that i am not exactly an audiophile but i do have ears for good sound having been a musician for 20+ years , and my planar 1 with my old technics hifi sounds great ... im sure i could extract more detail with better components etc but it has more than enough fidelity to spend hours sitting and listening ... i cant wait to upgrade and see where it can go
Bought New a P1 on sale at Christmas as a second player
To play my older used records
I Think the bass is good, but it lacks detail,Tried Vm95e,Grado black,AT95ex
The phono stage i use is IFI
Have aligned it with all the right tools
I Listen to Jazz ,and i miss the ”air”
So the Rega is in the Closet,and the Old Technics SL 3310 is back in the Livingroom .As a main player i Linn Basik
Thanks for a great Channel
I fitted an Exact to my 15-year old P3 in December, then added the Fono MM Mk5 in January - what a transformation (I had been running an Ortofon 520 via ProJect Phono SE). A few weeks ago I slipped an IsoAcoustics platform under the P3, and that's improved things a little more.
I'd love to be able to buy a P10, but given my emigration plans I can't justify the spend for a couple of months of ownership.
I shan't even mention dreams of owning a Naiad . . .
Brilliant video as usual. I use a Rega Planar 2 a Marantz PM6007 and a pair of Monitor Audio Silver 100s (6th Gen). I upgraded the stock Rega Carbon to an AT95ML and the difference is huge. It's hard to believe how much better the Rega 3/6/8/10 sound but I think I'll be sticking with the Rega 2 for now given I understand I'd need to upgrade the rest of my setup as well to hear the difference.
I have the Monitor Audio Silvers also with a Rega 6, a Marantz 7025 amp, thing I'm not too crazy about is the felt mat,I want to get a Acrilic mat to replace but I hear you have to address other things.
Very happy owner of a P10, which sounds excellent.
So to sum up: P10 > P8 > P6 > P3 > P1, who’d have guessed it! (I’m just kidding obviously, this video was very informative, thanks for explaining the decks!)
Love my P10. Incredible bargain IMO. Only things I don't like are its felt mat (tends to cling to albums) & the hard wired interconnects (prevents me from using my own) and the skeletal look (I prefer the look of a traditional plinth). I understand you don't respond to comment=s, or I would ask your recommendation on a mat to replace the P10's.
I've tried several alternative mats on my P8 - not least because I've never liked the sound of felt; it seems very splashy to me. Cork works well, acrylic is ok (depending on what it is precisely), and the TEAC Washi mat - a kind of stone paper - works exceptionally well. Always need to have an eye on the VTA with these, but cork or the Washi are very close to the depth of the felt.
The biggest upgrade for MY hifi, would actually feeling like I can use it - i.e. my own Space / Flat / House
ha i know how you feel . mine is in the living room so if family want to watch tv im screwed but its nice on quiet evenings when they want to listen with me
i will eventually get my own room in the house when we convert the loft though but it will he a few yrs
I live at my dad's. He's 75, retired but goes out a bit. I'm 41.
Same here, someday
It's incredible how the various turntable design philosophies differ. Your video showing the Nottingham analogue next to a P10 a few months back was astonishing. Both manufacturers would say that theirs is the best way. One advantage of the Rega though is you don't need a reinforced concrete floor under it 🤣.
@Zockblatt Shickleblender Yes - you are spot on 👍
Been buying regas since 1983. Dollar for dollar nothing better.
Have a p7 with upgraded rb1000
I have the Planar 3 and, at a thousand dollars more or less, consider it to be the sweet spot of the Rega line and of turntables in general. I am sure the Planar 6 offers some improvement in sound quality but when you add the cost of the Exact cartridge, you are well above the $2,000 mark (USD). I have not heard the two turntables played back to back but I doubt the Planar 6 sounds twice as good as the Planar 3. A number of years ago, I attended a Rega demo at a local audio shop. The entire Rega line was played in series. The Rega line was a bit different then but I remember it getting harder and harder to hear improvements in sound when you got above the Planar 3.
Yup. My P3 with exact was $1500 after tax while the P6 with Exact would have ben $2500. I went with the P3, but this review has me wondering if I made the right move
@@michaeltache3681 I am perfectly happy with my Planar 3, even with the Elys. Part of this could be that I have a Rega Elex-R integrated amp and the cartridge is very compatible with the Rega phono pre-amp. The Exact is now pushing $700 with Rega's recent price increase. I will probably eventually upgrade to the Ortofon 2M Bronze, which runs a little bit more than $400 and has a fine line stylus like the Exact, which is user replaceable. Each person has to decide for himself but for me, I cannot justify the increased cost of the Planar 6.
@@michaeltache3681 I am perfectly happy with the Planar 3, even with the Elys. Each person has to make his own decision but for me, the Planar 3 is so good that I cannot justify nearly doubling the price to buy the Planar 6.
Great explanation regarding the differences in each model. One thing that I feel is missing though, are the prices - you could say roughly what each costs at the time of making the video, quoting retail prices.
I bought the Planar 2 about 6 months ago in walnut and had an AT-VM540ML cartridge replace the Carbon. I'm going to be buying a Rega Fono MM Mk5 by this weekend to boost the output and plug it into a different analog plug on my receiver. I had always had to crank up the volume to get any descent sound out of it...I know why now after looking at the AVR's owner's manual. The S/N ration for the phono jack is only 74dB, while the analog input (CD) is 102. Plus there's less distortion in the circuit by a long shot. I think my records will sound brand new after the change with better soundstage and clarity!!
Always enjoy your interesting videos….thank you…
I have a planar 3 and absolutely love it I think its a thing of beauty and it may not be as sonically perfect as a higher model but I have no plans to change it whatsoever. Its a peice of art to look at and suits my needs perfectly. People need to enjoy the models for what they are not bastardize them constantly changing parts the equivalent of putting a set of hub cabs on an Aston Martin.
the higher end Regas do seem to be very expensive, i would suggest a used LP12 would be a better option for the money? i wonder how the Project range compares with the Regas.
Hey! What the deuce! No mention of the wonderful Acos Lustre 'S' arm fitted to early versions of the Planar 3. In my view, better-sounding when compared to the RB330 magnesium arm that succeeded it.
Lovely run through. I will stick with my three Direct Drive TTs (all Technics SL1210 series).
Thanks for the info. I'm about to upgrade from a Planar 2 to a 3.
I've got a P3 in the wonderful red color. Along with it, I purchased the power control - an older version of the TT-PSU - and the white belt upgrade. If the P6 had been available at the time I bought the P6, I probably would have bought that instead of the P3 + upgrades.
Cartridge I'm using is an Ortophon 2M Bronze, which requires a tonearm spacer to raise the height a bit.
I got my red P3 in Nov and been using it with a 2M Red (because the Bronze I bought at the same time is STILL on back order!) The Red cartridge doesn’t need spacers and it’s the same form factor as the Bronze. So I’m surprised you needed them. I’m not convinced the 6’s power unit is worth it, though the speed control would be nice.
@@greganderson1681 When the shop first put the Ortofon cartridge on the turntable, the cuing arm wouldn't raise high enough to clear a 180g record, so we at first raised the cuing height via the allen screw adjustment on the cuing post. The Ortofon is taller than the stock Rega cart. I've heard opinions both ways on the need for the spacer, and I guess I lean towards it being a plus for the Ortofons.
@@greganderson1681 I think you'll enjoy the difference with the Bronze once you get it.
Thank you for this excellent video! I own Rega P1. I recently bought from Polish Rega distributor new platter for Rega P3, that they had an 50% discount on. They told me that you can just change the original P1 platter with the P3 platter without any adjustments. I still have the original P1 cartridge and did not do any adjustments to the arm. I just exchanged the platters and with the P3 platter Rega P1 table sounds much worse. The sound became very bright and "metalic". It lost the analog feeling that I get with the table in the original configuration. It does not sound right, it sounds as if it is somehow "broken". Comming back to the original P1 platter brings the sound back to its original form. The P3 platter is clearly new, it came in its original package and does not have any signs of damage. I would be very thankful for any advise on what I am doing wrong. Rega P1 is my first turntable so I am not an expert. Thank you and all the best in expanding the channel. I watched already most of the videos and found them very informative. Waiting for the next chapters on audio tweaks :) Kind Regards, Marcin
The platter thickness measured at the spindle-hole on my RP1 platter is 12mm - the P1 uses the same phenolic resin platter as it's predecessor - 12mm. The glass platter on the P3/Planar 3 is either 16mm or 18mm thick (can't remember exactly which!); whatever, the P3 glass platter is far too thick for the P1....
Once you put the felt matt back on, and then a place a record on it too, your tonearm is pointing way up into the air, and the cartridge is tracking at completely the wrong angle, with it's front pointing up into the air too. This means the diamond tip of the stylus is just skimming the groove, instead of being planted securely into it. This is something called the SRA - Stylus Rake Angle; the stylus should be sitting in the groove at apron. 92 degrees; with the P3 platter, yours' is probably at about 50 or 60 degrees!! Very bad; no bass, no presence, just a horrible noise!!
That P3 platter needs returning to the dealer, who should Never have sold it to you if he knows what he is selling!! You need a 12mm thick glass platter - it's actually the same one as used on the Rega P2.
Hope this helps... ;-)
I have an P8 with an TAD Excalibur Gold and its sounds Amazing.
Hi, read several article on 6 and 8. Voud like same more knolege on . Hoping tu have a ansuer regarding those items .Tahks so mach !
Great vid. Next time, some ballpark prices would be helpful
I don't know if its the same on the newer planar decks, but the old one's was 10mm on the planar 2 and 12mm on the planar 3. I use the Nad 533 clone of the planar 2, I bought a glass platter for it.
G'day great video cheers. You said you wouldn’t put an Ania on the P3. Why is that?
I really enjoyed this I have the P6 very happy with it I use to have the Project I felt there was limitations in cartridge upgrades great reviews I love the break down and each turntable with Rega . The only question I have when I start my turntable should I give the platter a nudge before I start is that ok to do ?
I do it. I can't see it hurting the belt and it can only help the motor. I think....
@@michaeltache3681 thank you so much I will definitely keep doing it .
I love the Planar 3, one of my all time favourites. I don't think it ever needed to be improved as I believe it was already perfect. The one thing I would go with would be the power suppply so you do not have to change the belt anymore. Rega are cool though, I still have my Ela's and Alya's.
I now also have Rega RS-3's :D
Can you make fine speed adjustment on the regas im looking to get the p3 and someone some songs are slightly too fast snd need to be slowed down a bit can this be done ?
@@maxm1316 You cannot do that with a Rega turntable. If you want to adjust the speed you would be better off with something like the Audio Technica AT-LP120 as that has a plus and minus speed adjustment of 8 or 16%. It is also a really good turntable and does not cost that much compared to the Rega P3.
A good turntable (Dual 701), good needle (Ortofon 10) and a traditional plug are a masterpiece.
I’m a fan of Rega…. I have the P25 and Rp8 both sounds great….Next level in the near future 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Great comparison, thank you! One question: Why wouldn't you put an Ania cartridge on a P3?
Thank you so much for this video, I subscribed to the channel! I have been thinking of buying a P8 for several months now but have had second thoughts because of it's cost and have been thinking of getting a P6 but this video really convinced me that the P8 is definitely worth the wait. Any good recommendations on an accompanying phono-stage for the P8?
The Rega Aria mk3 works really well with the P8. I demo'd a couple of other phono stages, but for the money the Aria was the best sounding. It's also switchable between MM and MC which gives versatility if you're running different turntables off it for example. Have a look at some of my videos to hear the combination in action.
I have a modified RP1 with a specially made acrylic platter from Britain (not from Rega). Why have an acrylic platter with felt on top? The purpose of the acrylic is to lay the record on it.
I did love the P1 Rega turntables
Great vid thanks, if I'm in Cheshire I'll definitely pop in.. cheers
Very comprehensive run-through, thanks. Would I notice the sonic improvement of the P2 over the P1 through an IO amp, or will it take a better amp to really get the P2 to sing?
I can totally see how having the speed change thingy the way that one has will help reduce extra electronics and stuff which might somehow help audio quality maybe but i am gen Z and my generation is prolly gonna make or break the future of vinyl and record players so (in a bit greedy way, sorry 4 being rude) i kinda want everything and have lotsa features and not have to be an expert..
They are very pretty too, the p3 matches my hair lol..wonder how the glass platter compares to an acrylic platter..like the glass one deff needs the mat right?
Nice video, what I’d like to know is which package requires the lowest vertical tracking force and hence produces the least record wear? The heavy mass arms of modern turntables are what has held me back from purchasing one to replace my vintage low mass arm turntable.
You actually can’t compare tracking force and record wear. It’s down to a lot of subjects, which type of needle, compliance with the tone arm, optimal tracking force from PU producer etc.
If you’re using a PU with an optimate tracking force at say 2,1 gram, it could give an excessive wear if you set the arm to 1,2 gram as the needle will skip back and forth in the record groove but lay dead still with 2,1 g. And if it’s a soft and light PU like say a B&O the needle will skip around in the soft suspension and result in excessive wear too.
@@kasperkjrsgaard1447 They don't use 'needles' anymore Kasper - that was in the days of wind-up players using 78rpm records, and actual steel needles! They are now stylus'. You are correct saying that any cart has an optimal tracking force, which should never be lower.
@@davybloggs1564
I guess that I should be gratefull for you stating the obvious. 🙄
Just llooking to upgrade my 30 year old p2 ,looking t the p6 had a couple of listens and seems what i like
The never ending upgrades. So, I buy a p6 to replace my original p3. oops, now I need to upgrade my phono preamp to get the improvement the p6 offers. And you know, I probably should be looking at replacing my speakers. New cables make sense, too. So my $3,000 dollar improvement has ballooned to 10 (conservatively). Oh, actually, I should probably buy a new house with a better music room. Sigh.
I started with the best measuring speakers I could afford, only now am I starting to hear the benefits.
Isn't it fun to catch the bug? I used to sell high end audio equipment; and my boss tricked me by allowing me to take home new gear to test.
I had my personal system, which was in line with what I could afford; and a test system, which belonged to my boss' store. Over the several years that I worked there, my personal system kept growing/maturing, while my savings didn't. 🤣
Every time I brought some equipment to test, I would also try it out on my personal system; and then I'd spend the next couple of weeks thinking how I could earn enough to afford it (even at employee pricing!
High end stereo equipment is almost as bad as a heroin addiction. It can suck out your $$$$$ as well as your soul.
If only I had enough $$$$$ to placate my interests. 🍺😋👍
So it would seem that the P6 is the start of 'high end' audio in the Rega range...
I own a P6, intending to install a Hana ML.
Hi new subscriber here.
I'd appreciate some advice.
I currently have the P6 with the exact cartridge and fono mm. I'm considering upgrading to the ania pro cartridge and fono mc. Would I see an obvious improvement in sound quality with this upgrade and would it be worth the expense. Would the fono mc do the ania pro justice? Never had a moving coil cart before.
Any input appreciated, cheers
@cheshireaudio ... Hey Phil, great video ... what, in your opinion would be the best cartridge upgrade for a Rega P6 ? ... How far can you go with a P6? (I listen to mostly Jazz music)
This is a question I have asked many YT video makers, and the only answers I recieved only gave me the same 2 options, which leads me to believe that there is not many options for the P6 compared with the P3 or P8 and others.
I wonder doesn’t a ceramic platter sound/ring like a bell?
Great videos thanks!
So the 8 and 10 have no dust lids??
I had an old rega planar which was a badged as a goldring gr1.2
Well done on the video. You’re a natural :)
Thanks Richard.... I can assume you I am not :-) good to hear from you
What is wrong with the term "Anti-skating"? The phenomen is called (?) skating (pulling needle towards center)..?
Hey, how the ania pro will work with the p3 anniversary ? I'm considering to replace the exact to ania pro...
Have the aria 3 phono stage.
Any thoughts or recommendations??
Tnx a lot
Lack of arm adjustment would prevent me ever buying another Rega TT or arm. I think there’s much better available for the money at the higher end of their range but their entry level ones are ok if cheaply made. Nothing to chose between entry level ones and Project decks. Glass platters are just the wrong material imho. Never understood why they insist on using a material that rings like a bell! Azimuth adjustment is essential for modern line contact profiles. Few carts have stylus precisely as in perfectly square to cantilever and fractions out of kilter azimuth is audible and measurable. Use a scope to set mine up and was astonished at the audible difference getting azimuth perfect made. Mr Fremer was right when he kept making the point. Come on Rega, start offering proper arm adjustment!
Why are you looking at Rega ? Buy something else. If you're worried about fidelity, just stream ! Digital destroys vinyl.
I hope you don't mind a cheeky question. What do you think of Technics decks ?
I seen pics of an RP10 and RP8 with a plinth that the skeletal chassis fits into and with a hinged lid attached. Is this an option or no longer available? Has the “P” series replaced the “RP” series?
Easiest way with the lid is to completely remove it and replace when finished playing. No worries about height clearence then when placed in a rack.
do you think there's any difference or which is better?? between the Rega rb330, or the moth rb330, and michell engineering t3.
Where do you stop and start
When comparing these turntables
Rega Motto ... Should be
Wait But there is more
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Excellent.
Can it play 16" inch 33 RPM or 12" inch 78 RPM records?
In my experience using metal or phenolic resin in the subplatter is only a matter of costs not performance ,
I replaced the subplatters on more than one rega with metal ones , and is an allround improvement , no negatives ....at least to my ears
There is a reason why they use metal on the more expensive ones , and yes the least expensive ones have a heavier plinth which stores more energy ,.but isn't every rega plinth a light one ?!
Hi, does anyone know if the 220 tonearm has hight adjustment
Do the regas have azimuth?
Hello. Do any of the Rega turntables have a USB connection for digitalising music?
No, it would be the opposite of their approach.
If intent on using a Rega for that, I would look into a high end audio interface to capture at the end of the audio chain.
None of these have vta for setting height on cartridges?
And they sell spacers. You already knew this !
I hate their tone arms though, much tougher to replace cartridges
A mate of mine had one of these in the late 80's... I am pretty sure he still has it but we don't speak much these days as I took a bit of a liking to his new wife about 1992. Anyway the turntable was great. He is probably still listening to sad vinyl crying into his beer with it lol. I didn't know they still made them!
I could never understand why companies have to make their low end equipment look cheap.
For instance the P1's RCA interconnects are not gold plated. Since you already know that you have bought a cheap Rega you wouldn't expect the best interconnects. However, you would agree that you could get a decent pair of interconnects, gold plated, on Ebay for 5 quid.
How much would that add to the overall cost?
Please REGA..... and if you're going to say that GOLD plating is no good, then you could perhaps explain the Expensive interconnects which have gold plated plugs.
What exactly is the bennefit of gold plating? And dont just say because expensive interconnects use them. How do they improve the sound? And, is it noticable?
Why can't you just say the 10 is slightly better sounding? I can only own the 8 with a lot of scrimping and saving but now it's the 10 or nothing! Looking at my punk memorabilia with regards to selling. Anyone want to buy the actual jumper worn by captain sensible on the cover of Damned Damned Damned?
Red P3 💙🥹
Still no vta adjustment.
0:44 "...I'll put links below..." and of course there not a single link below.
Great video Phil, really informative. In your opinion where is the price/performance sweet spot in the range?
I'm neither an expert nor a salesman but if it helps I went for the 3.
You can tell how good Rega turntables are by the amount of subtle flack they attract from the rest of the industry!
They burst the B/S bubble and shine an uncomfortable light on other over complicated and overpriced competitors.
It may just be because they are flimsy noisy fiddly and the fact that the out the box turntable needs about 5 upgrades to be equal with other out the box turntables.
Pretty sure Rega started the "subtle flak " fallacy of cogging with DD turntables
Calling them flimsy is rather funny seeing as i accidentally dropped my plenar 1 once while moving some stuff about (i tripped on some cables or something fell turntable flew out of my hands) and the thing still works as well as when i bought it, their turntables certainly are not flimsy they're quite robust actually.
also how are regas fiddly. They're like the easiest turntables to use it would take a person of far less care and patience to think those things are fiddly.
@@webz3589 Rega are great turntables, but they have been driven over by the competition in the price/performance bracket. P1, P2, P3, P6 all have competition that is sounding just as great, has build quality on the same level if not better, and offer a lot more for less money. And lets be real here, those aren't reference turntables, those are turntables that people who are getting into the turntable music are buying and those who are upgrading from something less. I own a P3 and I love it, but I also own a Pro-Ject Debut PRO S and to me, what you get here for 850EUR is way better than what you get with the Rega P6 which costs two and a half times more with a cartridge and the PSU. For the money that is left by buying the Debut PRO S, you can easily buy an amazing preamp and a power filter/PSU, upgrade to the acrylic platter and still have money left to spare.
The P1 is especially priced badly when you see what else is on the market in that price range, heck the Fluence R85N is 100EUR cheaper - again we're talking about entry enthusiast turntables here, not the high-end, so I would advise anyone getting into the hobby or upgrading form a plastic fantastic turntable to get the Fluence R85 over the Rega, you just get more and to me the R85 also sounds better, but that has to do with the cartridge more than anything else - now the Fluence isn't build as good as the Rega, but the Pro-Ject turntables are they are in the same price range of the Reagas. There's also numerous other brands that fight for the customers between 300-1000EUR. I do believe Rega needs to lower the price between 100-200 depending on the turntable from P6 down or just give the extras other brands give, for example an aluminium sub platter for P2 & P3 would be a start and throw a speed switch for convenience also wouldn't be bad, without the need of buying extras. But as said, Rega is fantastic, just the market adjusted and the quality of other brands has risen in the last years and they have stronger competition now in the entry to mid level turntables. As for the high-end, I wont go there, because I have not owned one of those from any brand, nor do I wish to own those.
People say the same about Crosley turntables.😂
@@sbwlearning1372
Flimsy? Disagree. They're very light and use materials that, while sometimes a bit cheap feeling are well thought out to minimize energy transfer. The 1 and 2 perhaps could benefit from bracing though.
Noisy? Yes and no. My unscientific observation is that they generally seem to have similar or less mechanical noise at the varying price points than the competition. They do seem to have a nasty habit of picking up electrical noise without grounding and power upgrades though.
Upgrades required? Yeah, fair one. Power supply, drive belts, and grounding are definitely a good bet (at least for the 1-3). Platters, mats and sub platters might be worth considering too depending on where you want to go. I'm also generally not super-enthused about the OE cartridge options on the 1-3. Rega is further a lot less upgrade path friendly than other brands like pro-ject.
All this said, I run a slightly tuned up P3/PSU, with a Dynavector xx2 through a Dynavector P75 mk4.
For the total investment, it might have been worth looking elsewhere, but I actually do prefer how this sounds to the Pro-Ject RP9, MMF 9.3, or clearaudio concept. Granted all of the competing options could probably be upgraded a bit to perform better.
Can I just ask, you said there was a great difference between the 8 & 10, is the difference between the 6 & 8 as great or is the difference a bit less noticeable. I'm talking about sound mainly.
That was great thanks. I have an old P25 and thinking about upgrading - where would it sit in this line up - about same as modern P3 so P6 would be a big upgrade?
@Zockblatt Shickleblender Already gone there - it has a Dynavector 10x5 fitted and goes through a Naim phono stage.
Im sorry but its 2023 and it seems rather lame that dirt cheap turntables manage to include springs to hold up the dust cover and a switch for speed control yet in the planer lines price range they cant manage the basic convenience of hinge springs and a simple rocker switch for speed control - and dont give me the old argument "we put the money in the sound" these are basic conveniencs that should be present in this price range same as at least having auto stop like my 40 plus year old Harman Kardon has.
What do I do with my old 78's... ?
What did you say, grandad?😁
@@saltech3444 : Can I get a Dolby with any of them... ?
Need some woofers as well granddad?
Yet iv read reviews that and linn axis is as good as a rega 8. Hard to belive yet linns cheapest deck is 3k now
Hi Phil, we spoke Thursday, a new P12?? Perhaps? Tell me more !
Ya but will it play 78's??? lol
lol
I will never have a Rega deck for the simple reason that it absolutely triggers me that you have to take the platter off and manipulate the belt to switch speeds. I also loathe lightweight plinths. I liked your video and learning more about these though. They good products for someone else.
Changing the belt speed is the easiest thing in the world. I don't know why people bemoan the lack of switch to change speeds.
@@dixienormous2440 Because it's a basic feature and you shouldn't have to take the plate off in order to be able to do that. Look at that glass platter with all the greasy finger traces too - it shouldn't be like that. Give us switches and buttons like on any older decks.
Why are there no electronics to change the speed from 33 to 45?
You've got to buy them separately which apperently improves sound quality 🤔
...but do you also sell direct drive turntables?
No azimuth adjust. No VTA adjust. You must add a power supply to get optimum performance from the motor. Quality control on the cartridges is awful according to my experience. This is a proprietary system designed for their cartridges which are of dubious sound quality. The lowest bang for the buck of anything on the market. If you want any versatility in your record playing - there are far better choices.
and yet here you are watching videos about the entire range? strange
Great company Rega. Why add something you don't actually need.
that looks really expensive
The very weak point of all Rega turntables is the cheap motor from Premotec.
I have had a lot of Rega’s most of them have had a soft hum or even worse…
Now i am back to my old love Thorens TD150 with SME beats every Rega!
Seriously? Your old Thorens is horrible compared to a P10.
Thorens TD 150 vs Planar 8 or 10 … Rega kill the Thorens
@@jonesjoy834 I'd throw the Thorens in the bin.
Hum seems to be a problem with some makes, especially Pro-ject. Yet I've owned a Pro-ject 2Xperience for around 6 years with no hum at all or any other noise come to that. I do wonder if a lot of cases could be down to electricity mains supply in particular houses or areas. I might be wrong, but the problem seems more common in the US than UK for some reason.
I'll take the Thorens and its much better motor, lack of hum and SME tonearm. Rega's specs compared to their price are terrible.
be cautious that on every planar, exceprt the 1+, the rca cables are no removable and are made of poor quality!
The tonearm is connected to the motor! and this is good! while others are not connected! and this is good! a table made of plastic, composite, cast iron and wood - it all sounds equally good! what a freakin' bullshit?
what is this used for?