Is a planar 2 worth it?

Discussion in 'Hi-Fi and General Audio' started by harrygrey382, Jan 20, 2007.

  1. harrygrey382

    harrygrey382

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2006
    Messages:
    164
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Bristol/West Sussex
    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
     
    harrygrey382, Jan 20, 2007
    #1
  2. harrygrey382

    RobHolt Moderator

    Joined:
    Oct 24, 2004
    Messages:
    4,126
    Likes Received:
    9
    For the small price difference, go for the planar 3 which also gets you the superior RB300 arm.
     
    RobHolt, Jan 20, 2007
    #2
  3. harrygrey382

    anon_bb Honey Badger

    Joined:
    May 30, 2005
    Messages:
    2,804
    Likes Received:
    0
    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.
     
    anon_bb, Jan 20, 2007
    #3
  4. harrygrey382

    peez

    Joined:
    Aug 30, 2006
    Messages:
    216
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    london
    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.
     
    peez, Jan 21, 2007
    #4
  5. harrygrey382

    peez

    Joined:
    Aug 30, 2006
    Messages:
    216
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    london
    sorry mistake in there, not been up long, price for rb250 upgardes is "from" 75, not 375
     
    peez, Jan 21, 2007
    #5
  6. harrygrey382

    harrygrey382

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2006
    Messages:
    164
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Bristol/West Sussex
    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, Jan 21, 2007
    #6
  7. harrygrey382

    RobHolt Moderator

    Joined:
    Oct 24, 2004
    Messages:
    4,126
    Likes Received:
    9
    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.
     
    RobHolt, Jan 21, 2007
    #7
  8. harrygrey382

    Uncle Ants In Recordeo Speramus

    Joined:
    Dec 5, 2003
    Messages:
    1,928
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    East Midlands
    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
     
    Uncle Ants, Jan 21, 2007
    #8
  9. harrygrey382

    zanash

    Joined:
    Jun 20, 2003
    Messages:
    3,826
    Likes Received:
    2
    Location:
    Notts.
    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
     
    zanash, Jan 22, 2007
    #9
  10. harrygrey382

    stewartwen

    Joined:
    Aug 16, 2006
    Messages:
    18
    Likes Received:
    0
    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, Jan 22, 2007
    #10
  11. harrygrey382

    aniki

    Joined:
    Nov 14, 2006
    Messages:
    9
    Likes Received:
    0
    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.
     
    aniki, Jan 22, 2007
    #11
  12. harrygrey382

    harrygrey382

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2006
    Messages:
    164
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Bristol/West Sussex
    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 :)
     
    harrygrey382, Jan 22, 2007
    #12
Ask a Question

Want to reply to this thread or ask your own question?

You'll need to choose a username for the site, which only take a couple of moments (here). After that, you can post your question and our members will help you out.