Question Vintage Rega Planar 2 Voltage

[muzzzzzzz]

Hi everyone, new user but long time lurker here. My wife had very generously gifted me an old Rega Planar 2, the model with the wooden border around the plinth and the R200 tonearm. Identical to the one shown here: https://liquidaudio.com.au/classic-rega-planar-2-turntable-repair-overhaul/

Through some questionable interactions with the previous owner, I’m not sure if it’s expecting USA mains power or UK. We live in Ireland so have the same voltage and frequency as the UK. If it’s expecting a USA input, I have a transformer and can source a 50hz pulley.

Just wondering how you could tell for certain if it’s set up for which voltage? Can’t seem to find any documents or pictures of the motor online.

 

[Minkey1]

Good luck with your wonderful gift!

Is there no visible serial number anywhere, underneath or inside? With it Rega.co.uk could doubtless identify the market it was made for, tho strangely they don’t seem to have a “Contact Us” link 🤔

 

[Al ears]

Did it come with a plug attached to the mains lead?
It's almost certainly UK voltage as exports to the US were rare back in the day.

 

[Gray]

...strangely they don’t seem to have a “Contact Us” link 🤔

Quite a few companies now don't encourage direct contact. But Rega were way ahead of the trend.

They've always marched to their own drum (I worked there for a while).

 

[Gray]

If you haven't already done it muzzzzzzz, open it up and look at any labelling on the motor.

 

[Al ears]

If you haven't already done it muzzzzzzz, open it up and look at any labelling on the motor.

Open it up? Don't you just need to turn it upside down?
Anyway if OP has a transformer could he not simply connect that, assume it's American voltage setup, and see what speed it rotates at?

 

[Minkey1]

Quite a few companies now don't encourage direct contact. But Rega were way ahead of the trend.

They've always marched to their own drum (I worked there for a while).

Really? They’re not on X either. A willingness to keep their end users at such a distance suggests a degree of hauteur. Fortunately I’m a pleb so unlikely to be troubling them.

 

[Al ears]

Really? They’re not on X either. A willingness to keep their end users at such a distance suggests a degree of hauteur. Fortunately I’m a pleb so unlikely to be troubling them.

Certainly looks like they prefer their dealers to handle enquiries....., not necessarily a good thing.
Oh! For what it's worth they are on X as Rega Research Ltd., and Instagram

 

[Gray]

Open it up? Don't you just need to turn it upside down?
Anyway if OP has a transformer could he not simply connect that, assume it's American voltage setup, and see what speed it rotates at?

I see the P2 uses a transformer (for a 24 volt AC motor).
I was thinking the old model the OP has might take mains direct - but I don't know 🤔

 

[Al ears]

I see the P2 uses a transformer (for a 24 volt AC motor).
I was thinking the old model the OP has might take mains direct - but I don't know 🤔

Yes it probably has a captive mains cable like my old Planar 3 had and not a 24volt transformer

 

[Revolutions]

Yeah my 90s Planar 2 had a mains cable hardwired.