Rega Planar 2 Turntable, Black

The Rega Planar 2 is a manual belt-drive turntable with a hand-built RB220 tonearm and a factory-fitted Rega Carbon cartridge. It's the logical step up from the Planar 1: configured ready to play, but with a better tonearm, glass platter and brass bearing – built to pull more music out of the groove without putting you through any alignment hassle.

Why the Planar 2?

The heart of it is the RB220 tonearm with new, especially low-friction precision bearings – it tracks with more finesse and stability than the RB110 on the Planar 1. Add to that a polished 10 mm Optiwhite glass platter on an 11 mm brass bearing: heavier, running more evenly, quieter in the background. The quiet 24-volt motor and the high-gloss acrylic housing round out the package. Everything is set at the factory.

What you'll hear

More of everything that defines the Rega sound: even more calm between the notes, a dry, precise bass and a soundstage that's more cleanly organized. The glass platter gives the Planar 2 a level of audible detail that makes the price step up from the Planar 1 immediately clear. Playfulness and timing stay typically Rega – this thing swings.

Who is the Planar 2 for? (and who it isn't – straight talk)

Ideal for anyone who's outgrowing the entry level and wants a turntable that keeps up for the long run. Straight talk: there's no built-in phono stage – you need a phono input (MM) on the amplifier or an external phono stage. And if you know you'll definitely want to add an external power supply (Neo PSU) later, go straight for the Planar 3 – the Planar 2 isn't designed for that.

Our verdict

The Planar 2 is the ideal middle ground: too good to be a mere entry point, too sensible for the big leap to the Planar 3. Beautifully built, optimally matched at the factory, with that certain sonic extra that justifies the price step up. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil, one of our favorite recommendations for a serious start into vinyl.

Technical data

• Drive: belt drive with 24 V synchronous motor
• Tonearm: hand-built Rega RB220 with low-friction precision bearings
• Cartridge: Rega Carbon (MM), factory-fitted
• Phono stage: no built-in phono stage (phono input or external phono stage required)
• Platter: 10 mm Optiwhite glass platter
• Bearing: 11 mm brass bearing
• Drive belt: EBLT
• Speeds: 33⅓ / 45 rpm (manual belt change)
• Connection: fixed RCA cable
• Finish: high-gloss black (acrylic laminate)
• Dimensions (W × H × D, lid closed): 447 × 117 × 360 mm
• Weight: 5.5 kg
• Scope of delivery: turntable with pre-fitted RB220 tonearm and factory-fitted Rega Carbon cartridge, clear dust cover, plug-in power supply

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between the Planar 1 and the Planar 2?

The Planar 2 has the better RB220 tonearm, a polished Optiwhite glass platter with brass bearing, and a high-gloss finish. That brings audibly more resolution, calm and dynamics. The Planar 1 is the more affordable entry variant with a phenolic platter and RB110 arm. Both come ready to play with a fitted Rega Carbon cartridge.

Does the Planar 2 need a phono preamp?

Yes. The Planar 2 has no built-in phono stage. You need an amplifier with an MM phono input or an external phono stage such as the Rega Fono MM MK5.

Can I add an external power supply (Neo PSU) to the Planar 2?

No. The external Neo PSU is designed for the Planar 3 and larger models, not the Planar 2. The Planar 2 runs on its included plug-in power supply for the 24-volt motor. Anyone wanting a power supply upgrade should start with the Planar 3.

Does the Planar 2 come with a cartridge?

Yes. The Rega Carbon (MM) is fitted and set at the factory – tracking force and anti-skate are aligned. Set up, connect, play.

Why buy the Rega Planar 2 at HD Zürisee?

Because we've lived and breathed vinyl for decades and put together the right chain for you – from phono stage to amplifier to speakers. We fit and align on request, and handle the warranty cleanly as an authorized dealer through the official Swiss distributor. Personal and honest, on Lake Zurich.

Goes well with

Without a phono input on your amplifier, you'll need a phono stage; plus the right integrated amplifier and the right speakers. A better cartridge is worth it later on – tell us what you already have, and we'll fill in the rest.