Audio-Technica vs Rega Planer 2

[Kasperv]

Hi there,

I'm looking for a mid-range priced turntable, and it won't be a surprise if i'm considering the Audio-Technica AT-LPW50PB turntable besides the Rega Planar 2. As noted in the review of the Audio-Technica AT-LPW50PB, this turntable is placed between the Rega Planar 1 and the Rega Planar 3. This means it would be placed right beside the Rega Planar 2. How will those two turntables perform to each other? Especially in terms of sound quality? Also when the Audio-Technica would be upgradet with a better element, like the AT-VM95EN/H. With this upgrade the price will be quite the same as the Planer 2.

Thank you in advance.

With kinds regards,
Kasper

 

[Gray]

I can imagine people favouring the Rega, though I'd be surprised if anyone has compared the two for sound quality???

Bear in mind the AT has a built-in phono preamp - your choice might depend on whether you need that.

 

[Kasperv]

As i think the two are so close together, i hoped somebody has compared them. The only thing for me that really matters is the sound quality. I have a amp with phono, so i don't need an build-in one. That makes me also feel like the AT is cheaper overall, because that one indeed will come with an preamp and the Rega doesn't. So they have spend more on the components they have used, you would say...?

 

[Al ears]

As stated if you don't need an inbuilt phono stage then don't buy the Audio Technica
You are correct in that Rega has spent the money where it is needed.
Sound quality is always going to be determined by the quality of the cartridge fitted so it is always a good idea to upgrade this at the earliest opportunity or better still buy a turntable without a cheap cartridge fitted.. . If you can actually do that any more, or buy a second-hand Planar 3

 

[daytona600]

Rega is a real Turntable made in the UK , AT is made in china for $50
Project are the global leader by a huge margin & made in the EU
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Evo review | What Hi-Fi? (whathifi.com)

Turntables – Pro-Ject Audio Systems (project-audio.com)

 

[Al ears]

Rega is a real Turntable made in the UK , AT is made in china for $50
Project are the global leader by a huge margin & made in the EU
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Evo review | What Hi-Fi? (whathifi.com)

Turntables – Pro-Ject Audio Systems (project-audio.com)

Can you provide evidence that it is made for $50?
or are you simply slagging off everything Chinese?

 

[Gray]

Rega is a real Turntable made in the UK , AT is made in china for $50
Project are the global leader by a huge margin & made in the EU
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Evo review | What Hi-Fi? (whathifi.com)

Turntables – Pro-Ject Audio Systems (project-audio.com)

I get what you're saying (not least because I worked for a while at Rega).
But my Chinese- made headphone amp, couldn't have been made any better - so I wouldn't necessarily write the Chinese off.

 

[Kasperv]

As stated if you don't need an inbuilt phono stage then don't buy the Audio Technica
You are correct in that Rega has spent the money where it is needed.
Sound quality is always going to be determined by the quality of the cartridge fitted so it is always a good idea to upgrade this at the earliest opportunity or better still buy a turntable without a cheap cartridge fitted.. . If you can actually do that any more, or buy a second-hand Planar 3

I do agree with you, but there is no reasonably priced second-hand Planar 3 in my country available (I live in The Netherlands). On the other hand, the Planar 2 has a $50,- cartridge fitted, so i think it's not a big waste of money to upgrade it for a better one. So with that in mind, I think the best option is to go for a Planer 2, as the AT is more expensive than needed, but I think quite on the same level on sound quality as the Planar 2...?

I also checked out the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Evo, but for the same price I prefer the Planer 2.

 

[nopiano]

If we are talking about a shoot-out on sound only then the Rega should be better, if only due the superior one-piece arm. But Audio Technica has a great history of audio manufacture, especially their cartridges. Should you be likely to want to swap cartridges then the detachable headshell on the AT is much more convenient.

As already mentioned, with the AT you would be buying a phono stage that you don’t need, so it probably comes down to pricing.

 

[Kasperv]

Well that is some good advice. As i don't think i will swap cartridges often, maybe just an upgrade to the standard cartridge the Planer 2 will come with, so the Planer will be one to pick.

I would love to go for the Planer 3, but with almost twice the price of the Planer 2, the 2 would be it for me.

Thanks all!

 

[Al ears]

Well that is some good advice. As i don't think i will swap cartridges often, maybe just an upgrade to the standard cartridge the Planer 2 will come with, so the Planer will be one to pick.

I would love to go for the Planer 3, but with almost twice the price of the Planer 2, the 2 would be it for me.

Thanks all!

You may very well like the Planar 2 and the pre-fitted cartridge, who knows?

 

[daytona600]

Can you provide evidence that it is made for $50?
or are you simply slagging off everything Chinese?

Hanpin , Yahorng and many other make these in vast Qtys under $50 each ( 40quid )

Leetac High End Usb Turntable Giradischi Automatic Audio Retro Lp Turntable Vinyl Record Player Bluetooth - Buy Professional Audio Turntables For Vinyl Records,Usb Turntable With Speaker,Leetac Toca Discos De Vinil Phonograph Turntable Stereo Vinyl Record Turntable Player Bluetooth Product on Alibaba.com

 

[Al ears]

Hanpin , Yahorng and many other make these in vast Qtys under $50 each ( 40quid )

Leetac High End Usb Turntable Giradischi Automatic Audio Retro Lp Turntable Vinyl Record Player Bluetooth - Buy Professional Audio Turntables For Vinyl Records,Usb Turntable With Speaker,Leetac Toca Discos De Vinil Phonograph Turntable Stereo Vinyl Record Turntable Player Bluetooth Product on Alibaba.com

I don't see this particular Audio Technica mentioned, this listing is for some sorry USB deck....

 

[Kasperv]

You may very well like the Planar 2 and the pre-fitted cartridge, who knows?

You're right! Best to try it out first. Thanks!

 

[Bocciu]

hello Kasperv,
since I am at the same point you were last year, I can have a RP2 for 430 euro or an
AT-LPW50PB for 360 euro both of them brand new and shipped home.
Can I know what you did finally decide and are you happy of your decision?

 

[Al ears]

hello Kasperv,
since I am at the same point you were last year, I can have a RP2 for 430 euro or an
AT-LPW50PB for 360 euro both of them brand new and shipped home.
Can I know what you did finally decide and are you happy of your decision?

@Kasperv has not been on the forum since last year..