Wednesday 25 March 2009

Rega Planar 3 turntable


I've finally taken the plunge and upgraded my turntable.

After months, maybe years, of pondering over the Linn LP12, I noticed a Rega Planar 2 in my local secondhand shop. Because I wasn't quick off the mark, it was soon gone. When likewise missed out on a nice-looking wooden Dual deck, I realised I'd have to get more serious.


Online reading led me to conclude the LP12 was a bit overpriced for my requirements. Watching eBay for several months I saw plenty of secondhand Regas around. The Planar 3 began to look like a good deal, particularly when combined with the Rega RB300 tonearm. With the original packaging, the going rate is around £200.

After a couple of disappointments, I held my nerve and secured one for four pounds over my target price (couldn't let another one escape for the sake of such a paltry sum).

A major upgrade to my previous unit, I decided the only "weakness" I read about - "it's a deck for rock fans" - probably counted in its favour for me. A replacement Rega R100 stylus from Musonic and I'm listening to vinyl as I've never heard it before on my own system. And this from a 25 year old turntable. I'm happy.