How well regarded is the Rega Planet 2000?

[Rhydon]

Im thinking of buying a new source, turns out ive given up on DAC's and computer as source. I have a Denon 2910 i use for DVD playback, my main headphone setup will be moved upstairs into my office where i will have the HP-2's and GS-1 (and hopefully a new high-quality CD transport). Im thinking about buying the Rega Planet 2000. I remember hearing this unit at an audio shop with my dyns before i bought them, i couldn't really tell its sonic abilities because the room being demoed was so small. The owner of the store seemed to be knowledgeable about its popularity.

My question is, what seems to be the overall feel of the REGA planet 2000 on this forum? Is it above par, average, or below expectations? Since it was designed in or around 2000, perhaps technology has advanced since then? Basically im looking to find a good CD player in that price range, but no chinese duplications.


Thanks guys-
Rhydon


Holy 200'th post! SHA-BING!!

 

[gordolindsay]

I had a chance to listen to the Planet 2000 several times in my local shop with my headphones and amp. I put a "Rush" cd in and I was amazed. I heard details that I had not heard with my player that I "thought" was pretty good even though it was aging.

I have been wanting one for a long while now but have incidentally moved to computer as source and is a little more convenient for me. Although I have to admit, I think I enjoyed the music more when I had to put the actual cd in the player and push play.

As far as comparing to other cd players in that range I don't have alot of experience. I heard a Rotel 1072 and wasn't all that impressed. I would definately pick the Rega over the Rotel. It is a very smooth, toe-tapping, full sound. I would have to think it surpases alot of players in it's range. But that's just me...

 

[Rhydon]

Well im glad you have positive feelings about the planet. I just got a message from a fellow audiogon'er that he accepted my offer; that was right before you replied! I got a slightly used planet for 525$ shipped.

 

[Salt Peanuts]

Here are some reviews on Planet 2000.

http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazin...regaplanet.htm
http://www.audiophilia.com/hardware/planet2000.htm
http://www.audioenz.co.nz/2001/0110.html
http://www.videohifi.com/rega_planet_mira_eng.htm

Are you planning on buying new or used? - since that changes the price range a bit.

EDIT - Oops, after the fact, I guess.

 

[gordolindsay]

I think you will enjoy it alot. Report as to weather you do or not. Good luck, I hope you do!!

 

[tennisets]

The Planet is a very good player. Probably my pick under $1000. You got a bargain too!

 

[Rhydon]

Salt Peanuts, Gordolindsay i thank you. I truly feel ive made the right decision.

I will let you guys know how it fares with the GS-1 and HP-2's....

However, for the board, I just want to say to everyone out there who is using computer as source for their setup (with or without a DAC- and Akwok you better be listening)- There is no substitution for a good quality transport. Even with my Denon, the difference is night and day, literally. Your headphones let loose of all their seemingly noticeable flaws, and play nothing but your highest expectations. Some can argue that a high-end DAC with uncompressed audio files via Hard Disk is technically the way to go, but coming from a guy whose been there done that (and to an expensive degree), i still find myself turning back to a good transport to do any serious enjoyment of my head-fi investment. Dont judge your phones, or any phone for that matter, until you've herd them thru a good transport.

Shall the phrase "garbage in, garbage out" never die!


Rhydon.

 

[Aman]

For more support, let me chime in and say that Rega makes ultra-good audio products all around.

The Rega Planet CD player sounds a lot like their vinyl equipment does - smooth, warm, and simple. I had demoed it when I was in the market for a new source (but then ended up getting a turntable instead), and the Rega Planet was my first choice.

The Rega Planet sounds, looks, and feels great. It's an A+ CD player.

 

[Garbz]

Fantastic player for the money. But can't beat some more expensive equipment naturally. And on that token can beat some more expensive equipment too

It's a great value player.

 

[peter braun]

I have a Planet at home right now that I am using as a loaner. I have done some extensive listening with the Rega against my Ah! Njoe Tjoeb 4000. The Rega is considerably smoother than the Ah! from top to bottom, and seperates instruments very well. The low end is also deeper and tighter than the Ah!. The soundstage is also wider and deeper with the Rega, which had a full room filling sound that I normally associate with vinyl playback. Where the Ah! bested the Rega though (and the reason I am holding onto the piece), is its extremely sweet sounding mids and highs. The Rega sounded really great overall, but the Ah! really trumped it in the midrange. Vocals with the Ah! are absolutely delicious (I am not even using the unit with the Upsampler). But despite the Ah!'s superiority in this regard, I would still recommend the Rega as it is a fine value, very well made, and well balanced in its sonic attributes.