Rega Planar 2/Nd3

Hugely capable, authoritative and engaging sound with classy design

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The Rega Planar 2 can sometimes be the forgotten middle child. Stuck between the iconic Planar 3 and the entry-level Planar 1, the second rung on the ladder of Rega's turntables can easily get overlooked for being neither the most budget-friendly option nor the ultimate sweet spot. But as we know from past experience, the step-up turntable from the budget Planar 1 is excellent.

The current iteration of the Planar 2 deck has been in play since 2016, which is when we reviewed it with its standard fitted cartridge to five-star success. Rega has recently launched a new line of moving-magnet cartridges, one of which (the Nd3) comes as an optional extra for the Planar 2. We recently reviewed the Planar 3/Nd3 package and were left impressed with the impact the new cartridge made on an already great performance. So now the Planar 2/Nd3 package is under scrutiny.

You can still buy the Planar 2 with the standard factory-fitted Carbon MM cartridge for £499. The Nd3 moving-magnet cartridge comes as an optional upgrade, and selecting it brings the package total to £599. Considering the Nd3 on its own costs £175, it's a rather good deal.

At this price level, Rega has direct competition from the new Pro-Ject Debut Evo 2 (£599), which is a successor to the five-star Debut Carbon Evo. Around this level you can also find the Dual CS 518 and CS 418, although these models come with built-in phono stages, in contrast to the purist design of the Planar 2 and Evo 2.

Minimalist and well-built

Rega's belt-driven Planar 2 is a minimalist, well-built design that has stood the test of time. The Planar 2 was refreshed with a fair few updates back in 2016, which included an RB220 single-piece aluminium tonearm, a 10mm floating glass platter, an improved central brass bearing, an improved trio of feet and a new 24v low-noise motor. These all continue in the current deck.