23.2.2020

It has been since the early 1980s since I owned a turntable. Once CDs came into being I purchased a CD player and left LPs behind. I now wished I hadn’t, given that I had a fairly good collection of LPs, which were replaced by CDs. The last few weeks I’ve been considering purchasing a turntable, mostly because of hearing about young people turn ing to LPs and the resurgent of its popularity.I came across positive reviews on the Rega Planar 1 and decided to delve in and take a chance. I guess I was too lazy to take the time to audition several turntables before I made a decision. And I’m glad I did. I’m sure there other tables out there that are just as good, or better,but after listening to this table I’m convinced I made a very good choice.I connected the P1 to my Yamaha A-S501 amp directly, no pre-amp required, and listened an LP I had for sometime (but never played since I didn’t have a turntable) with my pair of B&W 685 S2 speakers, and I was totally impressed with the quality of the music I heard.The LP was a live recording of a band out of San Francisco I followed back the early 80s. The LP was the first and only album they released. Back then I went to one of their shows in SF and purchased 2 copies their just then released live recording p, and had one of the albums signed by the band. Unfortunately over the years I managed to lose both albums. Before I did lose them I did listen to one of the albums and found I was not impressed with the performance, at least not as good as watching live.Back in early 2016, living in Edinburgh, I did a search for the LP and via eBay found someone in California selling used copies of the record. Purchased one (it was only $5.00, plus shipping) and had a colleague at work do a digital transfer. After so many years I was able to listen to the band again, though the transfer was not that great.After setting up the Rega P1 the first LP I placed on it was the live recording of Merlin and played that record for the first time, and the sound that came out of my speakers from that turntable brought me back to the time I used to listen to Merlin live forty years ago. I was surprised how good the music was produced that I almost became emotional. I guess the quality of the sound system I had back then was not nearly as good as I have now, especially with the addition of the P1.One bit of a negative is the the platter is made of plastic (the reason for only 4 stars). Tables I purchased back in the late 70s, early 80s, the platter were made of aluminium, machined to be balanced and precise. Though the plastic platter does not seem to have any negative influence on music reproduction.I did purchase a few LPs along with the turntable. One was Steely Dan’s Aja. The sound the turntable produced was brilliant, compared to the CD played through my Yamaha CD-N301, and sound system. One particular song on the CD, Peg, is a bit harsh a edgy on the chorus ‘Peg’, but not on the LP, it’s smooth and a bit softer. In fact I realised the turntable reproduces music as it is intended to be listed to.I’m very happy with my Rega Planar 1 and how it has enhanced the quality of the music my sound system now produces. I’m also very glad I’m back to analog!Though, there is one major downside to owning a turntable, the cost of LPs. Back in the late 70s Aja cost me just under $4.00, new. Today for the same album, £25.00! Yikes!

2.8.2016

I bought the Planar 1 after careful comparison with the Planar 2 which, at only an extra £125, seemed like an attractive alternative/upgrade. I thought that, if money was the issue, it would be worth saving up a little more if the P2 was really so much better.The fact is- it wasn't. I could hear no difference whatsoever between the P1 and the P2. Sure, the glass platter on the P2 might be better than the resin of the P1; the tone-arm might be of a better construction. The P2 have a longer lifespan. But in terms of actual audible performance- no, there was absolutely nothing in it at all. They were both magnificent (by the way- my system and the system I tested the 'tables on: Naim UnitiQute 2with Rega Mini phono stage and Bowers & Wilkins CM1 loudspeakers).I really listened hard- with my head and my heart- for over an hour. I played familiar songs over and over and was surprised and delighted at how clean both 'tables sound production was. Bass was superb in both, detail was clear and delightful. Both were steady (no performance pack upgrade- just the basic decks). I tried and tried to find a reason that the P2 was worth the money but, aside from the quality of the glass platter, I could find none. They were absolutely equal and in a blind test (conducted by the shop assistant) I could not separate the two.I suppose the P2 might last longer but who knows? Rega RP1s seems to be lasting a long time. Ultimately I was truly delighted with the P1 and had no hesitation in buying it.I was also unsure about the performance pack. My decision was to wait; the Carbon Cartridge Rega supply is excellent and, frankly, if you are considering a P1 and are therefore an entry-level Audiophile then trust me- it is superb and you will be very happy! I do believe it is worth buying the white drive belt though, so grab that (available on Amazon for £21 I think). More reliable and steady. The upgrade mat- in wool- wont make a jot of difference unless you are playing your P1 through a £25,000 reference system (and if you are, dont buy the P1). As for the Bias 2- yes, it is better. But not very much, you may not notice. It will be slightly more gentle on your vinyl. Treat yourself at your next birthday.My advice: I cant work out who the P2 is for; if you are just getting back in to vinyl, are a new Audiophile, upgrading from something very old or cheap, then this deck will blow you away and you will fall in love with it. Just buy it- support a super British company who make things properly! But if you think you are a bit more of an experienced audiophile and have the cash then clearly look a bit further up the Rega tree- perhaps the P3.If anyone is in doubt about vinyl, don't be; its wonderful. Just make sure you have a decent amp, phono stage and speakers. You'll love it.

9.5.2017

I don't believe I have once reviewed a product I have bought, however, it is the very least I could do in showing my gratitude, as the product itself blew my expectations out of the water (even though I should have expected it due to the phenomenal reviews).As an 18 year old lad, I have never really been a fan of digital music as it always sounded too cold and hard for my liking. My parents suggested that I buy a turntable to try and enhance my listening experience (bearing in mind that I had never heard vinyl in person before), so I did a lot of research to try and find a rather affordable/cheap turntable, as being 18, I don't have a heap of cash lying around.

12.5.2019

I am not an audiophile. I am, however, concerned with the cheapening of the music listening experience. Like a lot of younger people today (I’m 28) I wanted something more real and analogue in my life. I remember when the vinyl revival started about a decade ago and I dismissed it then as a hipster affectation not worth worrying about, but I think I was wrong. I have Spotify, and can listen to millions of songs any time I want, and yet I increasingly find my music streaming to be unfulfilling, more of a way to fill the background than actually experience music.I did a lot of research before selecting this turntable (I thought about it for over a year), and I settled on this turntable alongside an Onkyo A9110 amp,

20.7.2019

This was my first turntable in over 20 years. I thought it was about time I invested in one since I've always kept my old vinyl from when I was younger and with vinyl becoming more accessible these days I found that I was buying new vinyl but not having anything to play it on.Did a little research and asked a friend who's a lot more knowledgable about vinyl and decided to start with this Rega Planar 1 model. I didn't want to invest loads right now and didn't really have the room for a huge set up. Paired the turntable to a pair of Roth desktop speakers which weren't all that expensive and my golly, after having listened to my music digitally over the last 15 years or so,

15.11.2017

I would never have believed it-the sound quality, that is. I'm far from an audiophile so when my circa1989 Technics record player (NOT turntable:-) gave up the ghost I found my way to the Rega section on Amazon, and I'm very glad I did. I set it up in 2 minutes and songs I've known and loved for years sound SO much better. The Staves harmonies on "Dead And Born And Grown" gave me goosebumps and the detail in the music that simply isn't there on the MP3 and CD is unbelievable.The record player looks amazing too, but looks are nothing without performance :-)One minor niggle-there is no manual (except for a 12" disc sized card on the platter)

26.6.2018

Bought this to replace my old Technics deck which has stopped working after many many years of trouble free use.Not knowing what was currently available I turned to the AV forums and review sites, and this turntable kept popping up as an extremely capable and well liked product. Based on the many positive reviews I bought it.Set up was dead easy with very clear instructions. The operation of the deck is also very simple. You unlock the tonearm, flip it up using the small lever near the tonearm lock, position it over the record, power the deck up via a switch located under the left front of the deck, and then lower the tonearm onto the record.

18.12.2018

The Rega Planar 1 turntable deck is a classy piece of kit. I haven't owned a turntable for many years, so thought I research some decks, and came by this highly recommended deck.... so, I took the plunge and just ordered it online, no audition or anything, just on instinct. Well, when it arrived, took about 10 minutes to set up, including the dust lid (which isn't mentioned in its reviews) Plugged into the mains, then plugged in the two phono leads into my integrated Rotel amplifier, selected 'phono'... placed my first record on the turntable (as I hadn't done in some thirty years) then the magic began. Silent, crackle then a minor pop, then the beautiful Mozart concerto began. Bliss.

24.3.2018

Well, it worked out of the box as stated after fitting the counterweight. It does sound remarkably good - even compared to my Garrard 401/OL1/Blue Point 2. The tone arm is very good as is the Carbon cartridge. However, mechanically the turntable is somewhat disappointing (?) and to cap that the motor/ pulley system has started making a scuffing noise that can be heard in the room and over the top of quiet passages of music. From various forum comments this appears to be a known issue with some units; I'll leave it running to see if that helps - apparently it might...In my view the build on the Pro-ject Debut Carbon is superior (owned one of these as well) and the sound quality is comparable.

28.12.2017

I couldn't be happier with this turntable - the packaging was superb, it was ultra simple to set up & the sound quality is immense.Considering this is Rega's entry level turntable I am extremely pleased with it - maybe one day I'll upgrade to a P3 but for now the P1 is more than enough for my ears.Highly recommended for anyone looking to get away from the flat digital files we've all come to accept as the norm - this is how music should be listened to.Footnote: As a vinyl newbie, I struggled to work out all of the components I needed for a completely new system, so here is what I paired the Planar with ...Behringer PP400 Preamp: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000H2BC4E/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1Edifier

1.2.2017

After finally sorting out a proper sound system I wanted to extend my musical collection to vinyl and really test it out. A friend recently bought this model and after spending a bit of time looking at specs and reviews I can see why. I could hardly find a bad word said about it. As it was my first turntable I didn't want to spend too much but also didn't fancy a cheap plasticy one. This was just about the right price.It looks great, was unbelievably easy to setup and the sound you can get out of it is pure class. I wish I'd gone vinyl years ago; not sure why but everything I've tried so far from daft punk through to green day just sounds so much better on vinyl.One thing to look out for is to make sure you check if you need a preamp for your Amp,

6.1.2018

Well this went waaaay beyond expectations, i said id give this a lash and see how we go anyway. Everything you have read is true. Excellent turntable, granted its a long time since ive used one and that was a plastic destroyer circa 1985..The rega is playing through records that used to skip occasionally so its tracked perfectly.Fantastic, cant add much really other than take care with the assembly. Specifically the counterweight, the instructions say push on to the line.I would say push on the counterweight in rolling motion at the same time, i could see someone trying to force it on and potential making s**t of the tonearm/cartridge. I would hate that to happen. Set up is simple with care.

14.3.2018

As an entry level audiophile turntable, this is simply the best on the market.Originally I spent just under £400 on a Pro-ject Debut Carbon + and for just slightly over half the price, the Rega Planar 1 beats it every step of the way.Set-up is a breeze and took 30 seconds.Sound quality is far superior to Pro-ject with nice deep bass and crystal clear playback - something that I've only ever heard on TT's costing £800 plus.The fitted Mm cartridge is exceptional quality - same type that comes as standard on the Planar 2.Design quality is excellent and the slightly larger and thicker platter seems to absorb unwanted sounds.I'd give this TT 11/10 All Day.Its a quality turntable that I honestly

20.5.2019

Really do love the TT, a great gear to start you LP journey.Pros:- easy set up- almost plug and play- great Cartridge- arm well balanced- Sound really good- look great (but who really care)Cons:- only 3 feet - not very adjustable- the belt is ok, update when you can after 10months (IMO)- NO Ground cable (using the outside of the RCA) don’t like it. You can slightly hear the ground noise (buzz/wum thing)- The mat is .. fine but ok.I hesitated a long time with the Sony High Res one, (about 50£ more, but have by pass and phono amp integrate and dedicated sont high res app to import your LP on your computer)I would still recommande this 2 TT for beginner.The Rega needs a pre amp (so increase the

11.3.2017

A returnee to vinyl after a gap of 20 years. Used to have a Revolver. The Planar 1 is so easy to set up. Taking it out of the box is probably the most difficult challenge! Once out add the balance weight, remove the cardboard packing from the sub platter and put the felt mat on (don't like this seems too flimsy). Well made (apart from the lid hinges thin plastic and keep coming free of housing) and a great deck. It was a revelation to hear my old vinyl sounding great. Can't really say much more as only got it yesterday except seemed strange to have to get up and lift the arm off at the end of a side or have no facility to skip a track I didn't like!! All joking aside this is 100% British and superb,

Rega Planar 1 2016 - Reviews

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