Product Comparison: Rega Planar 1 vs Pro-Ject Essential 2
General Specifications
Brand
Rega
Pro-Ject
Model
Planar 1
Essential 2
Origin
England
China
About the Product
The new Planar 1 is the most user friendly Rega turntable to date. Now with preset bias force on the brand new RB110 tonearm, the Planar 1 is set up in seconds after unpacking.
Unlike many other turntables around this price, the Pro-Ject Essential 2 has all the elements of a proper hi-fi turntable - just at a lower price. Starting with the deck itself, a new motor control makes the Essential 2 quieter and minimises unwanted vibrations.
Key Specs
Drive Type
Belt drive
Belt drive
Operation Type
Semi-Automatic
Manual
What customers say about "Key Specs"
Rega Planar 1 Turntable Gloss Black
- As is typical on budget audiophile decks controls are super-rudimentary.
- Smooth operation and easy to set up.
- Easy set up and a great sounding deck. I can’t fault it as it’s as good, if not better than a lot of decks twice it’s price.
- It was simple to set up, sounds and looks great.
- Bought to replace an old Marantz deck. The difference is like chalk and cheese. With the Rega you feel you are involved in the music.
Pro-Ject Essential 2
- Changing the speed to 45 rpm was easy and quick enough with a bit of practice.
- This Pro-Ject Essential II is a completely manual turntable - no auto return etc, and probably all the better for it.
- Plus you have to manually move the belt if you want to change from 45 to 33 RPM (its easy but don’t try it after a few beers!!!).
- I had concerns about the belt being outside the platter but it works fine
Size & Weight
Height
4.5 in.
4.41 in.
Width
17.7 in.
16.54 in.
Depth
15.1 in.
12.99 in.
Weight
12.1 lbs.
8.82 lbs.
What customers say about "Size & Weight"
Rega Planar 1 Turntable Gloss Black
- The only set-up necessary was to remove the packing from under the platter and fit the balance weight onto the tonearm.
- The record player looks amazing too.
- I love this turntable. It looks beautiful, is extremely easy to assemble and sounds amazing for the price.
- The quality of the construction makes it a thing of beauty.
- It's simple, elegant design makes it very attractive to me.
Pro-Ject Essential 2
- As for the engineering, we have to presume it's robust, top quality and designed to last, only time will tell.
- Bought as gift, excellent sound quality and great to watch the exposed pulley mechanism.
- The construction of this turntable is first rate, the plinth is really solid, and the arm and cartridge feel really high end.
- High build quality, beautifully minimalistic and easy enough to set up.
- Very pleased with the sound for such a low price but very light weight.
Audio
Record Sizes
7, 12
7, 12
Playable Record Speeds
33 ⅓, 45
33 ⅓, 45
Stylys/Cartridge
Rega Carbon MM cartridge
Ortofon OM 5E moving-magnet cartridge
Integrated Preamp
No
No
What customers say about "Audio"
Rega Planar 1 Turntable Gloss Black
- The sound of this turntable compared to my previous setup is superb. Really notice the difference and even with using 'PC' type speakers
- Still, it does a great job on factory fresh premium vinyl, my old records, and some bought from charity shops and record fairs.
- The music felt totally stable, no obvious speed issues you hear on poor quality turntables but the balance of the sound, the separation and detail is fantastic.
- This turntable provides levels of audio depth, clarity and subtlety which are simply amazing.
- Great Turntable for the money. Plays my vinyls in a nice crisp sound.
Pro-Ject Essential 2
- Ortofon cartidge and stylus produce detailed and well balanced sound, the main thing essentially.
- Excellent record deck. Sounds fantastic. Easy to assemble the deck.
- Definitely worth it, good sound through Nad system with KEF speakers.
- Fantastic turntable, with an amazing sound for the price tag.
- Yes, the anti skate weight can be a bit of a pain, but this is totally outweighed by the brilliant clarity of sound produced by this turntable.
Features
Control
On/Off switch
Start/Stop
Functions
Vinyl player
Vinyl player
Platter Material
Phenolic
MDF
Dust Cover Included
Yes
Yes
Speaker(s) Included
No
No
Interfaces
Stereo RCA audio out
Stereo RCA audio out
Extras
Re-Designed feet, Re-designed brass main bearing, Balance Weight
Special turntable feet for effective decoupling, Low vibration synchronous motor, Single piece aluminium tone-arm
What customers say about "Features"
Rega Planar 1 Turntable Gloss Black
- This is a sonically outstanding turntable for the money. The sounds is dynamic and detailed and been built by Rega, it looks and feels classy too.
- Well, when it arrived, took about 10 minutes to set up, including the dust lid
- Very pure and relaxing. the deck is a dream. Very sincere sound. Great depth of sound. Beautiful.
- OK so it's very simple to set up and the sound quality is very good which is the most important thing i guess.
- Really pleased with this turntable. Comes with phono cable and everything needed ready to go.
Pro-Ject Essential 2
- An absolute first class record deck I,m delighted to purchase one for a knockout price, this will more than do justice for my small vinyl collection.
- Great deck lovely sound quality, rich and detailed sound from the fitted cartridge
- The included lid, which is hardly ever mentioned, is functional and smart.
- Good quality wires and the Pro-Ject phono box certainly help get a good sound.
- This initial trouble is worth it though as the Ortofon OM5e cartridge sounds incredible through Wharfedale Diamond 9.1s and adds a whole new weight to listening.
Warranty / Certifications
Manufacturer Warranty
1 year(s)
2 year(s)
Certifications
CE
CE
Other Information
Manufacturer
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