Cartridge upgrade planar 2

Silver200

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Jul 10, 2020
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Hi!!
I'm planning to change the Rega Carbon of my rega Planar 2. I'm thinking about the Rega Exact or the Elys 2. I know there is a big price difference between both Cartridges but maybe the price difference is not reflected in the sound quality. Another thing is that maybe the Exact is too much for my Planar 2, is this right or the Planar 2 is good enough and could support easily the Exact?
Will this upgrade make a notorious change in my system?

Thanks a lot!
 

Munich

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I also have the Planar 2 and can confirm that it can handle (and arguably needs) an upgraded cart. I find the Carbon a very dull and lifeless cartridge.
I have not tried the Elys/Exact but might suggest you also check out the AT VM95 range. The highest priced Shibata still comes in a few Euros shy of the Elys. I have used both the VM95 Microline and Shibata on my Planar 2 and the improvements were significant when compared to the Carbon.
 
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I also have the Planar 2 and can confirm that it can handle (and arguably needs) an upgraded cart. I find the Carbon a very dull and lifeless cartridge.
I have not tried the Elys/Exact but might suggest you also check out the AT VM95 range. The highest priced Shibata still comes in a few Euros shy of the Elys. I have used both the VM95 Microline and Shibata on my Planar 2 and the improvements were significant when compared to the Carbon.
Exactly the point I made in another thread.
As long as the OP is able to set up a cartridge as these are not so simple to align as the three-point Rega cartridges.
 
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JonB1001

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Ortofon 2M Blue is worth considering. I had a 2M Red then 2M Blue on my RP3 when I owned it and they were both excellent. 2M Blue definitely a worthwhile upgrade.
 

TrevC

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I also have the Planar 2 and can confirm that it can handle (and arguably needs) an upgraded cart. I find the Carbon a very dull and lifeless cartridge.
I have not tried the Elys/Exact but might suggest you also check out the AT VM95 range. The highest priced Shibata still comes in a few Euros shy of the Elys. I have used both the VM95 Microline and Shibata on my Planar 2 and the improvements were significant when compared to the Carbon.

I'm currently using a shibata (SH) stylus on an old AT95E body. Although I bought the VM cartridge I prefer the brighter sound of the older cartridge body.
 

daytona600

Well-known member
they sold over 5million of the AT95E designed as a budget MM for music centres & enrty level turntables
excellent design internals with a great generator & becomes a outstanding giant killer with a aftermarket Jico shibata or hyper elliptical stylus
 
On-word answer: ClearAudio.

These carts go under the radar. I had them with my £200 Pro-ject Xpression 1, and sound fabulous.

There's also another reason for choosing ClearAudio. When I purchased the Classic Wood Aurum cartidge, he sold a range of different carts, incl Goldring. He often pushed them above the other brands, even though they are around the same price. Have a guess what hi-fi brand he specialises in? Yup, you guessed it...Rega. He said he often pushed ClearAudio as a viable upgrade to the Elys and Exact.

Unless you have mega money to spend ClearAudio is a fabulous open sounding cartridge. I certainly prefer it over the affordable Ortofons.
 
The Audio Technica AT95 is a great place to start.
there are loads of different styli to fit that cart.
Clearaudio carts use the AT body.
as do old Linn K5 K9 K18 carts. (pick one up cheap, add a new AT stylus)
and also the new Goldring E1,E2 and E3 use the AT body, i have the E3 and sounds fab.
wood bodies for the AT95 are available too, (ebay)
loads of choice out there.
 

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