Several Rega P2 discussions on the inter webs have caught my interest. Now I’ve owned two Rega Planar 3 tables, a long story, and in both cases I found the sound rather “dry”. It’s the only description that comes to mind, even with a variety of carts. I attribute the dry sound to the double brace technology Rega touts. Maybe, maybe not. There may be a significant chance of user error, maybe, maybe not.
The P2, however, sounds dynamic and with much better bass response IMO, even with several carts I’ve tried. I’ve finally settled on the Sumiko Moonstone. The RB220 tonearm is the recent upgrade by Rega with the user-adjustable anti-skate. I am listening to a lot more records and am pretty happy overall but the audiophile bug has returned and has me looking at several upgrade options for my P2.
My P2 has the new 24V motor but no provision for the external PSU other than the upgrade kit at $250 which provides what looks like a DIN connector in lieu of the barrel connector. Same motor, according to the manual. So if I like the P2 (P3 sans brace, ok and a step up tonearm), would it be so much the better with a better sub-platter?
Upgrades:
-I’ve ordered a Tango Spinner Astor aluminum sub-platter and Zirconium Oxide bearing. Great reviews and I couldn’t justify the Groovetracer price as a trial.
-Maybe a tonearm upgrade to the RB330?
-Maybe the PSU at a later date but hate to replace a perfectly good motor.
Many reviews glow about a sub-platter and bearing upgrade. I hope its a meaningful upgrade. Can’t hurt. Dang upgrade-itis. More later.
The P2, however, sounds dynamic and with much better bass response IMO, even with several carts I’ve tried. I’ve finally settled on the Sumiko Moonstone. The RB220 tonearm is the recent upgrade by Rega with the user-adjustable anti-skate. I am listening to a lot more records and am pretty happy overall but the audiophile bug has returned and has me looking at several upgrade options for my P2.
My P2 has the new 24V motor but no provision for the external PSU other than the upgrade kit at $250 which provides what looks like a DIN connector in lieu of the barrel connector. Same motor, according to the manual. So if I like the P2 (P3 sans brace, ok and a step up tonearm), would it be so much the better with a better sub-platter?
Upgrades:
-I’ve ordered a Tango Spinner Astor aluminum sub-platter and Zirconium Oxide bearing. Great reviews and I couldn’t justify the Groovetracer price as a trial.
-Maybe a tonearm upgrade to the RB330?
-Maybe the PSU at a later date but hate to replace a perfectly good motor.
Many reviews glow about a sub-platter and bearing upgrade. I hope its a meaningful upgrade. Can’t hurt. Dang upgrade-itis. More later.