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So Should I Save Up for the Planar 2 or Is the Planar 1 Good Enough?

I have been asked this question almost daily since the new Rega Planar 1 and Rega Planar 2 turntables were launched. In this short article, I will cover not only the mechanical differences between them, but also compare their sound performance.

At first glance, the key specification differences seem fairly obvious: the tonearm, the plinth finish and the platter.

After checking and comparing the two models, it becomes clear that the following parts are identical between the Planar 1 and Planar 2 turntables:

• Lid
• Sub-platter
• Belt
• Lead-out cable
• Power supply
• Feet
• Cartridge
• Plinth (Different finish)
• Motor

This means we can make some interesting comparisons between the only two items that are actually different (as originally suspected): the platter and the tonearm.

Sound Quality Differences

The difference in sound quality between the two turntables straight out of the box is not insignificant.

The Planar 2 offers a considerably more insightful performance, with noticeably more detail and attack across the board. Grip, drive, and bass extension are much improved compared to the Planar 1.

Interestingly, even though both turntables are fitted with identical cartridges, they deliver noticeably different sound characteristics. The Planar 2 is a lively and dynamic performer, while the Planar 1 sounds more laid-back and warm.

So the question is: why?

Platter Swap Test

To explore this further, I placed the glass platter from the Planar 2 onto the Planar 1. The improvement was immediate. The bass became tighter, with more texture and control—an enjoyable upgrade. It also felt as though the overall output increased slightly across the frequency range, and resolution improved not only in the bass, but also in the midrange and treble.

This suggests that Rega’s glass platter does indeed have its own sonic signature, and to my ears it provides a genuine improvement in performance.

Next, I did the opposite test by placing the Planar 1 platter on the Planar 2. Straight away, the bass lost grip and the overall sound became softer and slightly warmer. Attack and timing reduced, and for me, much of what makes the Planar 2 special disappeared.

Where Does the Planar 2 Improvement Really Come From?

To summarise, my listening tests suggest that around 75% of the performance improvement the Rega Planar 2 offers over the Planar 1 comes from the tonearm.

Unfortunately, that tonearm (the RB220) costs around $579 on its own (and yes, we can sell you one at The HiFi Shop).

The good news is that the glass platter fitted to the Planar 2 at the factory can also be purchased separately for around $375, and it is a worthwhile upgrade. Combined with a stylus upgrade such as the Rega Carbon Pro, the Planar 1 can be improved significantly.

Final Thoughts

Straight out of the box, the Rega Planar 1 is already a huge improvement over a basic plastic turntable, so it may be all you need. If you buy it and simply enjoy it, it will likely last 20 years or more, exactly as it is.

That said, the Planar 2 is very impressive. It delivers so much more musical detail for only around $400 extra.

To answer the original question: you need the Planar 2 if you plan to upgrade your speakers and amplifier beyond entry-level gear. It has the additional performance to truly make records shine.

If, on the other hand, you are more of a record collector and simply want a proper turntable so your collection is not being damaged by a cheap record player, then the Planar 1 may be all you will ever need.

The Test Rig

I conducted my listening tests using a Rega Brio amplifier and a pair of Richter Merlin bookshelf speakers.