Rega have been at it again. Following the recent release of the Rega Planar 3 turntable they have now resurrected the classic Rega Planar 2.

Over the last two years the new Planar 2 has been developed alongside the new Planar 3.

Many new design features have been incorporated in the new Planar 2:

Tonearm: The brand new RB220 tonearm has been incorporated. Offering new ultra low friction bearings housed within a brand new stiffer light weight bearing housing. New automatic bias adjustment making the Planar 2 almost completely plug and play. (You just need to balance the tonearm and apply the tracking force).

Hub Bearing: A new 11mm self securing brass bearing is fitted offering extremely tight tolerances.

Plinth: Available in high gloss black or high gloss white the new acrylic laminated plinth offers greatly improved stiffness and rigidity. The much improved appearance is enhanced by locating the switch on the underside of the plinth.

Platter: A new 10mm glass platter is fitted offering greater accuracy.

Feet: New re-designed anti vibration feet offering increased stability.

The new Planar 2 comes fitted with Rega's Carbon moving magnet cartridge. This is an ideal starter cartridge but the overall quality of the turntable really does deserve a higher quality pick up. We would recommend either the Rega Bias 2 (£79.00) or the Elys 2 (119.00)

Listening - On first setting the turntable up (This took about a minute) it was instantly apparent that the new Rega Planar 2 has set a new benchmark at this price point. Speed stability is excellent, giving great timing to the music. There are excellent levels of detail (Even with the basis Carbon Cartridge) and a very tight extended bass response. The soundstage and imaging are as good as it gets at this level. On fitting a superior cartridge things just got better proving the merits of the Planar 2.

Rega continue to lead the field in turntables at virtually every price point. The new Rega Planar 2 really has set a new standard at its level.

An audition is highly recommended.

Rega Hi-Fi products are available from the following branches of Audio T: Brentwood, Brighton, Bristol, Cardiff, Cheltenham, Enfield, Manchester, Oxford,Portsmouth, Preston, Reading, Southampton, Swansea, Swindon