REGA PLANAR 2 (black + carbon phono cell)

A new Rega vinyl turntable is still an event ... After the worldwide success of the REGA RP1 and the introduction of the new REGA Planar 3, the British manufacturer had to present an intermediate model to these two products. At first glance, it resembles to take me to the new Planar 3! But a wise eye will soon make the difference. The laminate plinth receives a black or white lacquered acrylic finish. This one is much more rigid and inert than that of the RP1. It rests on the three rather massive rubber feet expensive to the manufacturer. But they have been modified and Rega announces that they provide better stability and that they better isolate the vinyl turntable from the support. The on-off button has been concealed to the left under the base.

 

The drive is ensured by the last 24v engine of the manufacturer. It is similar to that of the Planar 3. Its electronic card is however a little different. The tray is made of Optiwhite, an extremely translucent silica. Its thickness is less than that of the Planar 3: it goes from 12mm to 10 mm. Its machining and polishing are done with precision and attention. The 11 mm pivot has been redesigned and improved, as well as the counterplate to reduce friction and mechanical noise.

 

The arm is also brand new and beautiful! This RB220 seems to be rather a "low cost" version of the RB330 than an improved version of the RB250. It is equipped with new pivots, equipped with bearings without friction. The antiskating setting is applied automatically to the arm axis. The tube remains in polished aluminum and looks very close to the RB330. Standard, it is accompanied by the small cell MM Rega Carbon. The whole is of course designed and assembled by hand in England.

 

The implementation is extremely simple and requires just a minimum of precaution. We recommend a rigid support (not necessarily heavy) and perfectly level. The wall bracket is, as always at Rega, the best choice (Wall Bracket Rega).

 

Listening is very rhythmic, lively and playful! As always with Rega, we do not get bored! The bass is structured and very articulated. It is much more precise and rich than with the Rega RP1. The whole restitution is detailed and sufficiently precise. The sound scene is surprising for a vinyl player of this range, and the placement of the performers is just as much. What makes this platinum of interest with regard to competition is certainly the coherence of the restitution. We recommend, of course, the addition, over time, of the REGA Performance Kit which transcends the restitution of this Planar 2! She is much more neutral than the previous references and that her little sister the RP1, even if it does not reach the refinement and nuance of the Rega RP3 ... and of course not the quality and performance of the now famous PLANAR 3!

 

This vinyl turntable Rega Planar 2 is certainly the business of the moment! It puts the musicality of a great analog name within the reach of (almost) all purses. Would recommend without any moderation!