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Getting Back Into Vinyl

B

Bioman

Member
Would Like feedback from anyone who owns or has owned a Rega Planar 3. Local dealer has one and would mate it with an Ortofon Blue. Basically want to make sure I won't be kicking myself in the butt if something out there is better at the same price point.
 
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I've seen several Rega Planar 3 vs Turntable XYZ threads in the last few weeks. I think a majority of AK members would recommend a vintage turntable, including myself. For the Ortofon Blue I have not owned one, but I do own four other Ortofons and I really like the sound of Ortofon cartridges.

Let me know if you have any questions and I will try my best to answer them.
 
Bioman do an AK Google search, should find a few threads re the Rega Planer 3, like Isaac I find more value/performance in vintage tables.
 
I love mine! If the price is right and you dont want to hunt for bargains or do any tinkering I think most people could have this be their last turntable.
 
Bioman said:
I'll do a search. By vintage I assume you mean 1950/60 era gear like Gerrard or AR?
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Late 60s Thorens, Garrards or Duals, most moderate to high-end models from Pioneer, Technics, Sansui, Sanyo, Thorens, Dual, Marantz,Garrard, etc in the 70s are really good.
 
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I bought mine about 18 months ago. It's mated to a Stanton 681EEE and/or a Gold Note MM which I both really like. The TT however has been plagued with an intermittent audible motor noise that no one has been able to track down. If I had to do it over again and buy new, I would have opted for the Technics 1200GR to get the VTA adjustment, removable shell and a heavier platter. Just my $.02 worth.
 
Was facing something of the same decision myself, getting back into a turntable after a long hiatus....

After months and months of research, reading reviews and changing my mind, decided on vintage Denon, and I’m extremely happy with my system...

One thing I can confirm, have the Ortofon Blue and it performs very well.

Best of luck,
Andy
 
I’ve had a Planar 3 since 1986 and I still have it. It served me well but I now have a table that sounds much better. At the time I bought the Rega though, I thought it sounded very good and I still think it was a good table at its price.
I don’t know what Planar 3 sell for these days (new), but if they’re much more than about $500, I think you’re better off buying a nice, vintage table.
The Rega was very reliable and is decent sounding, but it’s just not great.
 
"Vintage stuff from the 70's and 80's" would cover a wide spectrum from awful to very good. Personally, I'm not a fan of any of those plastic turntables from the Far East with auto this-and-that, but things like the AR EB101 or AR Legend would definitely be worth having.
 
I’ve had a planar 3 for 25 years with a formula 4 tonearm and various carts. Still use it all the time. It’s an easy table to modify and upgrade (sub platters etc). But even a stock P3 is a good table.

I also have an Elac Miracord 10. I use this just as much and it allows me to play my 78’s. Is this as clean sounding and precise as my P3 no but it does sound really good.

Ask yourself what you want in a table. Do you only need 33-1/3 and 45 rpm? Do you want automatic, semi auto or manual? What are you able to pay for a table?

Just enjoy the music.
 
Turntable development peaked by 1980 and little was done after that as CDs became the main focus, best time period to be looking at is 1970-1980. No idea what dealer asking for the Rega and Blue but you might find a better performing table from a private party for same or less money.
 
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