Rega Planar 1

Rega Planar 1 - The best turntable for the price

Rega has taken their award-winning Planar 1 and improved it in every way with the new version. It all starts with the completely new handmade RB110 tonearm and factory-fitted Carbon cartridge, which give both sound quality and durability a proper upgrade. At the same time, the Planar 1 is 'Plug and Play' ready, with everything set to the ideal values at the factory, so you can forget all about adjusting weights, pulleys, and spacing. With the Planar 1, you are guaranteed that the turntable sounds optimal from the start, so the only thing you need to think about is which of your favorite records you want to listen to. That makes the Planar 1 an exceptionally simple turntable that gets you listening to your records in under 30 seconds, while rewarding you with sound quality that is the best for the price.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Incredible sound quality for the price
• Multi-award-winning turntable
• Handmade RB110 tonearm with 'Zero Play' for ultra-low friction
• New EBLT drive belt
• Phenolic Resin platter
• 24V high-quality synchronous motor
• Light and strong acrylic-laminated cover
• Factory-fitted Rega Carbon MM cartridge
• New matte 2021 finish
• Better isolation feet

When performance far exceeds the price

In the latest version of the Planar 1, Rega has rethought every aspect to improve its performance. This has meant that Rega had to custom-design a low-noise 24 V synchronous motor that ensures precise and stable rotation, while effectively reducing vibrations so you get better sound quality.

The tonearm is one of the most important components on a turntable, and that is why Rega designed the handmade RB110 tonearm, which is constructed with Rega's unique ultra-low-friction bearings from their more expensive models, allowing the tonearm to move better through the vinyl record. A completely new EBLT drive belt has also been added, molded from a blend of advanced polymer materials, which gives exceptionally even elasticity and a smooth surface along its entire length. The result is more precise and stable speed performance, which is a significant upgrade. And it can be measured. Small speed irregularities, wow and flutter, are improved by up to 70% compared with previous drive belts.

An upgrade you can hear

The new drive belt cannot only be measured - it can definitely be heard as well. A completely new clarity and presentation of the music is achieved, bringing you closer to the recording than ever before. Sonically, the upgrade reveals itself as increased precision, with the soundstage drawn more clearly. The bass comes across with a lifelike dryness, where the instrument is at the center, and the treble decay gets exactly the space around it that it should have.

If you want to try vinyl and want serious performance that will last a lifetime, you need look no further. If you are also looking for a new amplifier, Rega's IO or Brio is a perfect match, with their built-in phono stage. With a setup like that, you can listen to vinyl in high quality for very little money.

Reviews:

What Hi-Fi? 2016, 17, 18, 19, 20 & 21 - click here.

Stereo+ - click here.

The Audiophile Man - click here.

Lyd & Billede - click here.

Sound + Image Awards Product of the Year 2017

Long Live Vinyl Gear of the Year Award 2017