If you're diving into the world of vinyl, choosing the right turntable can be overwhelming. The Rega Planar 2 promises to deliver high-quality sound without breaking the bank, but is it the right fit for you?
This review will explore its features, performance, and whether it lives up to the hype. Stick around to find out if this turntable is the upgrade you need for your music collection!
Want to skip the review? Get the Rega Planar 2 from Amazon!
Darkside Vinyl participates in the Amazon Associates program as well as multiple other affiliate programs. We may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. This doesn't affect our reviews, opinions, or editorial decisions. Learn more.
Darkside Vinyl's Verdict:
The Rega Planar 2 is a standout turntable with a sleek design and quality components. During our testing, it delivered clear sound and an enjoyable listening experience. It’s a solid choice for those looking to elevate their vinyl game.
Our Best Deal: $699.00 from Amazon
PROS
- Glass platter
- High-quality tonearm
- Excellent speed stability
CONS
- Pricey upgrade options
Get the Full Picture
Rega Planar 2 | Waldo Flynn's Opinion
The Rega Planar 2 has been a game changer for my vinyl listening experience, delivering rich sound and effortless setup that truly brings my records to life.
Rega Planar 2 | Amazon's Opinion
Amazon customers widely agree that the Rega Planar 2 offers exceptional sound quality and a stylish design, making it a fantastic choice for vinyl enthusiasts.
Rega Planar 2 | Reddit's Opinion
The Rega Planar 2 is widely praised by Reddit users for its exceptional sound quality and build, making it a fantastic entry-level turntable choice.
Why Trust Our Rankings?
Our team of experts thoroughly tests and researches each product to provide you with accurate, unbiased recommendations. Learn more about our review process.
Rega Planar 2 Overview
The Rega Planar 2 Turntable combines style and quality. Its sleek design catches the eye, while the premium components deliver impressive sound performance. We found the build quality to be solid, making it a joy to set up and use.
During our testing, the sound was rich and detailed. It offers a great balance across the frequencies, which is a treat for any vinyl lover. While there are a few minor drawbacks, the overall experience makes it a standout choice in its class.
Design and Build Quality
The Rega Planar 2 Turntable boasts a sleek and minimalist design that easily catches the eye. Its clean lines and high-gloss finish make it a stunning addition to any audio setup. The construction feels solid, reflecting the premium components that make up this turntable.
One of the most striking features is the plinth, which is made from a lightweight yet sturdy material that helps reduce vibrations. This means your vinyl records remain undisturbed, allowing for a more authentic listening experience. The attention to detail in the build quality is evident, making it feel like a truly premium product.
The overall aesthetic is modern but not overly flashy, making it versatile enough to fit in with various home decor styles. It's a turntable you’ll be proud to showcase, and its compact size means it won't dominate your space.
Sound Quality
When it comes to sound quality, the Rega Planar 2 truly shines. It delivers a warm and rich audio experience that brings your favorite records to life. The clarity in the highs, coupled with a balanced midrange, makes it a joy to listen to a variety of genres.
The built-in RB220 tonearm is a standout feature, allowing for precise tracking of the grooves on your vinyl. This precision translates to less distortion and a fuller sound, enhancing your overall listening experience. You can really hear the difference, especially when comparing it to lower-end models.
Whether you're spinning classic rock or soft jazz, the Planar 2 manages to reproduce sound faithfully. It offers an engaging listening experience that keeps you coming back for more. If you love vinyl, this turntable won't disappoint.
Ease of Use
One of the best aspects of the Rega Planar 2 is how user-friendly it is. Setting it up is a breeze, thanks to the straightforward instructions that come with it. Even if you’re new to turntables, you'll find it easy to get started.
The manual speed change between 33 and 45 RPM is smooth and uncomplicated. You won't find yourself fumbling around trying to switch speeds; it's as easy as flipping a switch. This convenience makes it perfect for those who frequently change their records.
Additionally, the turntable comes with a pre-installed cartridge, so you can start enjoying your vinyl collection right away. There's no need to worry about complicated setups, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned audiophiles alike.
Versatility
The Rega Planar 2 is versatile in its capabilities. It works seamlessly with most modern audio systems. Whether you're using it with a high-end amplifier or a simple stereo setup, it delivers great sound without any fuss.
This turntable also has the potential for upgrades. If you want to enhance your listening experience further down the line, you can easily swap out cartridges or add a dedicated phono stage. This flexibility allows you to customize your setup based on your preferences.
If you're looking for turntables under 1000 dollars, the Planar 2 is definitely a worthy contender. It delivers quality and performance that can compete with more expensive options, making it a smart choice for anyone serious about their vinyl collection.
Value for Money
The Rega Planar 2 offers excellent value for its price point. You get a well-built turntable with premium components that enhance your listening experience. It feels like you’re investing in something that will last for years to come.
When you compare it with other turntables, the sound quality and build are hard to beat. It doesn’t cut corners on essential features, which makes it a solid choice for both new and seasoned vinyl enthusiasts.
Considering the performance and versatility, the Planar 2 stands out as a smart investment. It not only meets but often exceeds expectations, making it a top pick in its category.
Rega Planar 2
Get it from Amazon
4.8
$775.00
I earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
04/02/2025 04:54 am GMT
Don't think the Rega Planar 2 is right for you?
Check out these alternatives instead.
Pro-Ject Debut PRO B
Get it from Amazon
4.7
$1,099.00
I earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
04/02/2025 04:55 am GMT
Pro-Ject Debut PRO B
The Pro-Ject Debut PRO B stands out with its carbon-aluminum tonearm and balanced connections, offering a more modern touch. We loved the Pick-IT PRO Balanced cartridge for its impressive sound quality.
On the other hand, the Rega Planar 2 has a sleek design and utilizes premium components that many audiophiles appreciate. Its simplicity adds to the charm, making it a solid choice for those who value both style and performance.
Pro-Ject T1 Evo
Get it from Amazon
4.2
$599.00
I earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
04/02/2025 04:54 am GMT
Pro-Ject T1 Evo
The Pro-Ject T1 Evo is a solid choice if you want Bluetooth connectivity. It offers a good entry point into vinyl without too much fuss.
On the other hand, the Rega Planar 2 shines with its sleek design and premium components. It feels like a step up in terms of build quality and sound performance.
In our testing, the Rega Planar 2 delivered a richer audio experience, making it a favorite for serious vinyl lovers.
Pro-Ject T2 SuperPhono
Get it from Amazon
4.5
$729.00
I earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
04/02/2025 04:54 am GMT
Pro-Ject T2
The Pro-Ject T2 is a solid choice for those diving into vinyl. It comes with a built-in phono preamp and a Sumiko Rainier cartridge, which makes setup easy. However, it feels a bit basic compared to the Rega Planar 2.
The Rega Planar 2 boasts a sleek design and premium components. We found it to deliver a more refined sound, making it a better option for audiophiles. It just feels more polished and engaging overall.
U-Turn Orbit Special
The U-Turn Orbit Special offers a unique, customizable experience that's great for vinyl enthusiasts. Its build quality and sound performance are impressive, making it a solid choice for the price.
On the other hand, the Rega Planar 2 boasts a sleek design and premium components, which really shine during playback. It delivers clear, rich sound, making it a favorite among those who value aesthetics and audio quality.
Both turntables have their strengths, but if you prioritize customization and a personal touch, the U-Turn might be for you. If you want a polished, modern look with reliable performance, the Rega is hard to beat.
Rega Planar 1
Get it from Amazon
4.3
$499.99
I earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
04/02/2025 04:54 am GMT
Rega Planar 1
The Rega Planar 1 is a solid entry-level turntable that delivers impressive sound quality for new vinyl enthusiasts. It's easy to set up and use, making it a great choice for those just starting out.
On the other hand, the Rega Planar 2 boasts a more refined design and uses higher-end components. During our tests, it provided a noticeably richer audio experience, perfect for those looking to elevate their listening sessions.
Rega Planar 1 Plus
Get it from Amazon
4.5
$775.00
I earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
04/02/2025 04:54 am GMT
Rega Planar 1 Plus
The Rega Planar 1 Plus is a great entry-level turntable. It has a built-in phono preamp, which makes setup easy. The high-gloss finish looks nice too.
On the other hand, the Rega Planar 2 has a sleek design and uses premium components. It feels a bit more sophisticated and delivers better sound quality overall.
Rega Planar 2 Review 2025 | Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Rega Planar 2 is a fantastic turntable that truly impressed me with its sleek design and quality components. The sound quality is crisp and clear, making my vinyl collection come alive. If you're looking for a solid turntable, I definitely recommend giving this one a spin!
Rega Planar 2
Get it from Amazon
4.8
$775.00
Rega Planar 2 Turntable - Sleek design with premium components.
Pros:
- Glass platter
- High-quality tonearm
- Excellent speed stability
Cons:
- Pricey upgrade options
I earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
04/02/2025 04:54 am GMT
Rega Planar 2 Review 2025 | FAQs
What is the design of the Rega Planar 2 like?
The Rega Planar 2 features a sleek design with a focus on elegance and simplicity.
What type of components does the Rega Planar 2 use?
It is built with premium components that enhance sound quality and durability.
Is the Rega Planar 2 easy to set up?
Yes, the Rega Planar 2 is designed for straightforward setup, making it user-friendly.
What type of music is the Rega Planar 2 best suited for?
It performs well across various music genres, providing a rich and detailed sound experience.
Does the Rega Planar 2 come with a warranty?
Yes, it typically includes a manufacturer's warranty for added peace of mind.
Why You Should Trust Darkside Vinyl's Reviews
You might be wondering, "How do I know these reviews are legit?"
Fair question, and here's why you can trust our process:
We Test Products Ourselves
Our team puts products to the test, using them in real-life situations to give you the most accurate feedback possible. This hands-on experience means we’re giving you insights based on how products actually perform, not just how they’re advertised.
We Gather Feedback From Real Customers
We don’t just rely on our own opinions. We also listen to the experiences of real-life customers. Their feedback helps us see how products hold up over time and in various situations.
We Analyze Amazon Reviews
With thousands of reviews available on Amazon, we sift through customer feedback to identify consistent trends. This helps us identify what users love—and what they don’t—about each product.
We Dive Into Online Communities
We pay attention to what people are saying on platforms like Reddit, where real users share their honest opinions. These candid discussions provide additional insights that we incorporate into our reviews.