@fentonsteve most likely; here’s where I’d value a third party opinion…
The context: My trusty Rega Planar 3 has just (about an hour ago) slowed to a halt and stopped, mid-rip. It may well be that it’s just the fuse in the mains plug that’s let go, but it really deserves a service anyway, so I’m going to cart it to the audio-T shop on Park street in Bristol and invest.
The obvious question: I can afford to just pay for a service (assuming it is still capable of resurrection) and a new stylus for the existing cartridge (Elys), or I can pay for a service and a cartridge upgrade (Elys2), or I can stretch a little and buy a brand new P3 with an Exact cartridge. And here’s where it gets worryingly and more excitingly stretchy, I could just about convince myself to splurge for a brand new P6 with an Exact MM cartridge…
Before I risk emptying the vaults, I’d like to see some sort of spreadsheet comparison of bang for buck for all these options. Failing that I’d value any techical advice that’s a little more up to date than my sketchy hi-fi knowledge these days. Over to you?
What vintage is your Planar 3? They went from curvy imported tonearm to straight Rega-built RB300 in about 1983, and RB303 about 10 years ago. Although the lifetime warranty means anything can be brought back to life, a modern RP3 will sound better than an 40-year-old one.
I am a big fan of electronic speed control, as I play a lot of singles, so I’d budget for a Neo power supply (£260). I think they can only be fitted to modernish units because of the motor fitted.
The Planar 6 has a Neo power supply fitted as standard, which accounts for half of the price difference.
Thanks for this Steve – mine is the original P3 with the RB300 straight arm – I bought it in the late 90s/early 00s. I like the idea of the Neo, but as I only ever play at 33, the easy speed-change facility is superfluous for me. I wasn’t sure that the superior power-supply (smoothing etc.) capability was worth the extra dosh, but as audio-T are offering the 50th anniversary P3 (with the Exact cartridge) bundled with the Neo for only 20 sovs more than the turntable/cartridge combo alone, it’s a no-brainer. I think I have a strong steer towards a solution here.
In which case, get yours fixed and sell it on! I might know someone who is interested.
The answer should be obvious to all…
…get a Fiio…
@fentonsteve
I’ve indicated to the store that my existing P3 TT is on its way to them for treatment, and once fixed, they have a trade-in process that may soften the blow of going to the P6 with a MC cartridge…. Gulp! I’m sore tempted so I am.
If I do go down the financial insolvency route, and the trade-in offer is desultory, your pal may be in luck…