Rega Planar 3 Turntable ($1125)
Ortofon 2MR Blue Cartridge $189

This $1314 investment is a great point of diminishing returns, analog VALUE!

Planar 3, $1125

We’re starting with the new Planar 3 table. Rega has improved its venerable Planar 3 to sound better than ever. Here are a few details that make Rega the class of its price range.

*Belt drive (a must!)

*Lightweight/rigid plinth, using a particulate core sandwiched by high resin phenolic skins

*Double bracing mechanism to strengthen arm and main hub bearing, forms a stressed beam assembly- preventing absorption and unwanted resonance

*Improved RB300 tonearm, built in house at Rega

*24v low noise, low vibration motor

*12mm Float glass opti-white polished platter

*Compatible with Rega Neo ($445) upgraded power supply

Planar 3 has a more lively, detailed sound than anything else we have compared with in its price range. The clarity is outstanding and benefits from the best cartridge you can swing.

Ortofon 2MR Blue Cartridge, $189

The Orto Blue is my fave cart in its price range. At its new sub two bill price, it’s a slam dunk best choice. 2MR is the correct fit for Rega tables. You don’t have to diddle with shims.

Yes, I like it better than the Regas in this similar price range. Why? The Ortos are all but impervious to hum. It’s that simple.

Rega has some new carts with neodymium magnet technology. They sound good. But we’ve found that they can exhibit hum with certain associated electronics and are more susceptible to placement issues. I’m telling you, life is simply to short for ME to fight with such things. I’m going Orto all the way and suggest you do too. If you want to keep all your hair, listen to my warning here.

The Ortos are made with TLC in Denmark. We’ve never had a bad one out of a box. I can’t say that for ANY other brand. The Ortos sound extended on top with no zing. Their middle range is smooth and they track like a champ. Here’s the data on the 2MR Blue.

*MM cart

*5.5mV output

*Nude Elliptical stylus (field replaceable)

*Aluminum Cantilever