Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Crafted with high-quality components designed to last, demonstrating a commitment to quality and longevity
- The RB220 tonearm offers exceptional precision and stability, enhancing the listening experience
- Focuses on 78 RPM records, meaning all features are optimized for this format without compromise
- Simple, gimmick-free design focused on performance and ease of use
- The 24v motor technology boosts performance, making it smooth and efficient
Product Considerations
- Limited to 78 RPM records only, without the versatility to play 33 or 45 RPM records
- Lacks an included cartridge, requiring an additional purchase of a dedicated 78 cartridge
- Setting up the tonearm requires some patience, potentially not user-friendly for beginners
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Planar 78's specialization in 78 RPM records gives it an edge in performance in that niche, ensuring a refined listening experience for those specific vintage records
- The Planar 78 is purpose-built for 78 RPM records exclusively, harnessing Rega's latest 24v motor technology and the precision RB220 tonearm
Takeaway: The Rega Planar 78 is a specialized turntable built for those who love listening to 78 RPM records, and it will play them with great sound and consistent quality. It's made with strong parts that will last, so it is a worthwhile investment for enthusiasts.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
Planar 78
reviews
[{"title":"Rega Planar 78 Turntable Review: Top Vintage Tech?","link":"https://darksidevinyl.com/rega-planar-78-turntable-review","source":"Dark Side Vinyl","datePublished":""}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Tonearm: Hand assembled RB220 precision Tonearm
- Motor: 24 V low noise motor
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 447 x 117 x 360 mm
- Weight: 4.2Kg
- Speed: 78 RPM only
Description
The single speed RP78 has been designed and engineered to achieve outstanding performance way beyond the expectations of a product at this price point. Using our latest 24 V motor technology the new Planar 78 is also fitted with the latest RB220 precision tonearm and Advanced EBLT drive belt as standard.
Designed solely for the reproduction of 78 rpm records, we have omitted any unnecessary gimmicks allowing us to concentrate the manufacturing costs on the high quality parts necessary to reproduce records accurately. The minimalist design of the Rega Planar 78 and the use of extremely high quality components ensure that your turntable should last for many years. The RB220 offers astonishing performance and is one of Rega’s best selling tonearms. An evolution of the famous RB250, which was supplied as standard on early Planar 2 and P2 turntable, the RB220 uses our patented ultra lightweight high quality polymer bearing selected, high quality vertical and horizontal bearings. The tonearm uses our unique die-cast tube and a three point plinth mounting technique to reduce stress on the plinth and offers greater stability through the precision hand made tonearm. All of which translates into more music for you the listener.
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- The brand prioritizes achieving "musical coherence" and "timing" in its products, even if it means sacrificing some transparency or absolute detail, resulting in an engaging listening experience.
- They have a design approach focused on minimizing mass and maximizing rigidity in its turntables, resulting in reduced vibration and enhanced detail retrieval from vinyl recordings.
- Rega offers a distinct aesthetic across its product line, emphasizing simple, functional designs with a consistent visual language that many customers find appealing and timeless.
Select products
Select product comparisons
Planar 1 Plus
- Positioning: The entry-level turntable with a built-in phono stage, making it ideal for beginners.
- Description: Features a built-in phono stage that eliminates the need for an external preamp. This makes it more accessible compared to other models like the Planar 3 RS Edition, which requires additional components for optimal performance. Its low noise motor and advanced drive belt technology offer a solid performance for small rooms and budget-conscious users.
Planar 78
- Positioning: A specialized turntable designed exclusively for 78 RPM records.
- Description: Stands out with its dedicated 78 RPM speed, catering specifically to collectors of vintage records. Unlike the Planar 1 Plus, which is more versatile, the Planar 78 uses high-quality components like the RB220 tonearm to deliver precise playback for 78 RPM enthusiasts.
Planar 3 RS Edition
- Positioning: A mid-range turntable offering enhanced features and performance.
- Description: Notable for its high-pressure laminate plinth and custom Neo MK2 PSU, providing superior speed control and reduced motor noise. Compared to the Planar 1 Plus, it offers a more refined soundstage and build quality. Its advanced tonearm and cartridge options make it a strong upgrade from entry-level models.
Planar 10
- Positioning: A premium turntable designed for ultimate performance.
- Description: Uses ceramic oxide platter and RB3000 tonearm, delivering exceptional accuracy and speed stability. It offers a significant upgrade over the Planar 8 with its advanced materials and design. Its sophisticated power supply and build quality make it a top choice for serious audiophiles.
Naia
- Positioning: Rega's ultimate turntable, representing the pinnacle of their design and engineering.
- Description: Features a graphene-impregnated carbon fiber plinth and zirconium toughened alumina bearing, providing exceptional rigidity and resonance control. It surpasses the Planar 10 with its innovative materials and construction. Its advanced tonearm and power supply options cater to the most discerning audiophiles.
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Avg. Product Price
$501-$1,000
Used For Sale
229
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
11
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
37
Founding Year
1973
Our take on the brand
Rega is a British hifi brand known for its minimalist, low-mass turntable designs that challenge the industry's typical heavy-mass approach to reducing vibration. Their hand-assembled turntables and tonearms use advanced materials like graphene-infused carbon fiber and feature slim yet rigid plinths with striking glass platters, reflecting founder Roy Gandy's unique engineering perspective on how components affect
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What if you spend more?
Pro-Ject
Debut PRO
1099
1099
/
11
Reviews
Azimuth & VTA AdjustmentThe newly designed tonearm base allows you to adjust both the azimuth and the vertical tracking angle (VTA). The tonearm height can be continuously adjusted by loosening the two grub screws. These settings give you the option of adapting the tonearm to height changes allowing the use of different turntable mats or other cartridges to always achieve the best sound quality. Setting and experimenting with the VTA & Azimuth is crucial in extracting every last bit of performance out of your cartridges.
Pro-Ject Audio Systems, an Austrian brand founded in 1991, has been at the forefront of reestablishing analog music reproduction to the public. The company handcrafts 95% of all components in the European Union. The turntables focus on manual operation and minimalist design with a wide selection of colors that make their turntables both audio devices and stylish furniture pieces. The brand stands out for offering one of the broadest ranges of high-fidelity products in the world, including turntables, CD players, DACs, streamers, phono preamps, amplifiers, and speakers. Pro-Ject products are engineered with a focus on best audio reproduction for the money and omission of costly, unnecessary features.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Adjustable metal feet, a heavier damped aluminum platter, and VTA adjustment for cartridge upgrades.
- Upgraded tonearm with carbon fiber and aluminum for better damping and higher effective mass.
- Well-built, and parts feel sturdy.
- A mildly warm and smooth midrange presentation that complements vocals, acoustic guitars, and string instruments.
- A well-balanced-sounding turntable.
Product Considerations
- Does not have a built-in phono preamp.
- As a belt-driven turntable, the belt may need occasional replacement.
- Lacks convenience features like auto start/stop and tone arm return.
- The anti-skate weight installation was kind of a pain.
- Bass response is not as agile, detailed, or dynamic as some other cartridges, like the Ortofon 2M Blue.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs U-Turn Audio Orbit: Better built and uses more robust materials.
- Vs Fluance RT85: The Pro may use nicer components and have a more upscale finish, but the RT85 performs better.
- Vs Pro-Ject Debut EVO: The midrange is more relaxed, where the EVO sounds like it's trying too hard to perform.
- Vs Rega RP3: A wider soundstage and is sweeter in the upper mids.
- Vs Roksan Attessa: The midrange and treble don't reach the heights of the Roksan, but the bass has more weight.
Takeaway: The Debut Pro is a well-built turntable that offers an audiophile-grade experience, making it a great option for enjoying a record collection. Its design allows for future upgrades.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Pro-Ject Audio Systems, an Austrian brand founded in 1991, has been at the forefront of reestablishing analog music reproduction to the public. The company handcrafts 95% of all components in the European Union. The turntables focus on manual operation and minimalist design with a wide selection of colors that make their turntables both audio devices and stylish furniture pieces. The brand stands out for offering one of the broadest ranges of high-fidelity products in the world, including turntables, CD players, DACs, streamers, phono preamps, amplifiers, and speakers. Pro-Ject products are engineered with a focus on best audio reproduction for the money and omission of costly, unnecessary features.
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Cambridge Audio
ALVA TT V2
1499
1499
/
11
Reviews
Cambridge Audio pioneered the use of toroidal transformers in power amplifiers, a technology now widely adopted by high-end audio companies. The brand stands out for using premium amplification technology across their product range, from Class A/B amplifiers in their wireless earbuds to Hypex Ncore modules in their EVO series, while maintaining accessible price points between their CX and Edge product lines.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Smooth and easy to use, making listening to records very accessible
- Delivers a rich and rhythmic performance
- Comprehensive set of features including built-in phono stage and Bluetooth connectivity
- Impressive sound quality, particularly with vocals and detail retrieval
- Classy and solid build quality
- Built-in phono stage makes it more versatile and easier to integrate into a wider range of systems
- Excellent pitch stability thanks to the direct-drive motor
- Easy setup
- High-quality cartridge included (Alva MC)
Product Considerations
- Bluetooth operation can be erratic or offer a lower quality sound compared to wired connections
- Some rivals offer more excitement and dynamic expression
- Limited upgrade scope
- The detachable headshell has slight free-play in the arm bearings
- Performance is better with a wired connection
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Rega Planar 6: The Rega Planar 6 offers more rhythmic drive and dynamic expression, while the ALVA TT V2 offers convenience
- Vs Pro-Ject Xtension 10: The Alva matches the more expensive Pro-Ject deck for precision and focus, but the Pro-Ject gives a bigger, more voluminous sound that's slightly more open and less constrained
- Vs Technics SL1200GR: The Alva TT V2 is less effortlessly propulsive than the Technics
- Vs Pro-Ject Classic Evo: The Alva TT V2 has a more flowing presentation
Takeaway: The Cambridge Audio Alva TT V2 is a thoughtfully designed and well-made turntable, offering a great balance of convenience and performance, thanks to its built-in features like a phono stage and Bluetooth connectivity, making it easy to enjoy vinyl records without fuss. It is a great option for those new to vinyl or wanting a high-quality, user-friendly experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Cambridge Audio pioneered the use of toroidal transformers in power amplifiers, a technology now widely adopted by high-end audio companies. The brand stands out for using premium amplification technology across their product range, from Class A/B amplifiers in their wireless earbuds to Hypex Ncore modules in their EVO series, while maintaining accessible price points between their CX and Edge product lines.
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Dual
CS 618Q
1099
1099
/
10
Reviews
Dual direct drive concepts have been synonymous with outstanding durability and quality for decades. The CS 618 impresses with a quiet direct drive that keeps the platter speed precise and silent. The turntable's twin gimbal precision tonearm is further optimised by the Ortofon 2M Blue to deliver outstanding sound quality. Discover an even more precise and improved audio reproduction for a first-class listening experience. With an electronic motor stop and automatic lift at the end of the record, the CS 618Q offers the highest level of operating comfort for a manual turntable. In addition, there are the other comfort elements of the CS series. The stepless antiskating can be easily adjusted using a rotary knob with a clear scale. The electronic adjustment of the three speeds is conveniently carried out via a rotary switch, while the appropriate pickup can be easily changed using the headshell.
Founded in 1907, Dual pioneered the Dual-Motor system combining spring-loaded clockwork and electric motors, and today their high-quality turntables are still manufactured in Germany's Black Forest town of St. Georgen using traditional production lines. The brand maintains a unique structure with Dual Phono GmbH producing German-made turntables while Dual DGC GmbH focuses on more affordable Asian-made electronics, making their CS range of turntables particularly popular among audiophiles seeking quality at reasonable prices.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Easy to setup and use
- Has auto-stop with auto-tonearm lift capability
- Features a rumble-free, quartz-stabilized direct-drive motor
- Solid build quality
- Comes pre-mounted with an Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge from the factory
Product Considerations
- The arm does not lift up very high
- Some reviewers wished the finish was more matte than gloss
- The included phono stage is merely okay, an external one is recommended for better sound quality
- The lead-out grooves on some records were too far from the spindle to trigger the auto-stop feature
- The dynamics are more safe than engaging
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Reviewers preferred the Dual over the Pro-Ject Debut Pro because of the 2M Blue cartridge and direct-drive convenience
- A reviewer preferred the Dual over the Fluance RT85 for its built-in phono preamp, better speed control, direct-drive, and auto-stop
- Both the Dual and the Technics SL-1500C are direct drive tables, but the Dual gives you more for your money because of the cartridge
- Rega Planar 3/Elys 2 rivals offer greater subtlety and more engaging dynamics and rhythmic drive
Takeaway: The Dual CS618Q is a well-rounded turntable that is easy to use and offers good features like direct drive and auto-lift. The sound is balanced and clear.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Founded in 1907, Dual pioneered the Dual-Motor system combining spring-loaded clockwork and electric motors, and today their high-quality turntables are still manufactured in Germany's Black Forest town of St. Georgen using traditional production lines. The brand maintains a unique structure with Dual Phono GmbH producing German-made turntables while Dual DGC GmbH focuses on more affordable Asian-made electronics, making their CS range of turntables particularly popular among audiophiles seeking quality at reasonable prices.
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Expand Details
Our summary
Product Strengths
- The SL-1500C is easy to set up and use, making it a no-fuss option for beginners.
- Features a robust, well-engineered build quality and hefty, inert aluminum platter that rejects resonance.
- Includes a built-in phono stage that's considered very good and switchable, offering flexibility with different audio systems.
- It has precise timing and dynamics, sounding alive and expressive with sharp focus and energetic delivery.
- Features an auto-lift function that can be switched on or off for user convenience.
Product Considerations
- The tonearm lifting mechanism isn't as sturdy as the SL-1200, and could be improved.
- Some reviewers feel the stock Ortofon 2M Red cartridge may not be the best match, and recommend upgrades.
- While the built-in phono stage is good, dedicated outboard phono preamps can provide a significant improvement in sound quality.
- Some reviewers feel that the look isn't audiophile enough, because it retains the look of a DJ table.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Rega Planar 3: The Rega is subtler and more insightful, but the SL-1500C is crisper with better-defined leading edges and better bass.
- Vs MoFi StudioDeck: The SL-1500C offers a slight sonic shift in focus to upper register details and feels faster, while the MoFi has greater weight and richer timbre.
Takeaway: The Technics SL-1500C is a well-built, easy-to-use turntable that provides a great vinyl listening experience thanks to its robust design and precise sound. It's a great option for those wanting a fuss-free turntable with a built-in phono stage, with room for upgrades in the future.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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What competes at this price?
Pro-Ject
Debut EVO 2
699
/
Released
2024
The Debut EVO 2 focuses on the core aspects that make a turntable sound great. Technically correct design – expert craftsmanship – handmade in the EU. This turntable is built to last you a lifetime!
Pro-Ject Audio Systems, an Austrian brand founded in 1991, has been at the forefront of reestablishing analog music reproduction to the public. The company handcrafts 95% of all components in the European Union. The turntables focus on manual operation and minimalist design with a wide selection of colors that make their turntables both audio devices and stylish furniture pieces. The brand stands out for offering one of the broadest ranges of high-fidelity products in the world, including turntables, CD players, DACs, streamers, phono preamps, amplifiers, and speakers. Pro-Ject products are engineered with a focus on best audio reproduction for the money and omission of costly, unnecessary features.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers a lively and immediate sound that is exciting and engaging
- Offers a wide variety of color options and finishes to suit different tastes and home decors
- Includes electronic speed control for easy switching between 33⅓ and 45 RPM records
- Has a well-made and solid build quality that inspires confidence
- Has quiet operation with negligible motor noise
Product Considerations
- The power switch underneath the plinth is slightly fiddly
- There's no in-built VTA adjuster
- Might lack a certain refinement
- Finishes are sheen colors rather than gloss (preference)
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Rega Planar 2/Nd3, it counters with a beautifully fluid delivery and a particularly lovely and sweet-toned midrange
- Vs Rega Planar 3, it looks and feels like huge value, even when the price increase over the original Evo is taken into account
- Vs Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO, the new Debut Evo 2 improves on it in a number of ways—yet only costs a little more than its predecessor
Takeaway: The Pro-Ject Debut EVO 2 offers great sound and is easy to use, making it a fantastic way to enjoy vinyl records. With several color options and potential upgrades, it's a solid choice for anyone wanting a stylish and capable turntable.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Pro-Ject Audio Systems, an Austrian brand founded in 1991, has been at the forefront of reestablishing analog music reproduction to the public. The company handcrafts 95% of all components in the European Union. The turntables focus on manual operation and minimalist design with a wide selection of colors that make their turntables both audio devices and stylish furniture pieces. The brand stands out for offering one of the broadest ranges of high-fidelity products in the world, including turntables, CD players, DACs, streamers, phono preamps, amplifiers, and speakers. Pro-Ject products are engineered with a focus on best audio reproduction for the money and omission of costly, unnecessary features.
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Cambridge Audio
ALVA ST
599
/
Released
2022
There's nothing quite like vinyl: the tactile pleasure of removing a record from its sleeve and carefully placing it on a deck is unique. We designed the original Alva TT to honour that tradition, and Alva ST to share that pleasure with more people. With a pre-fitted cartridge – so you'll be playing records in minutes – the belt-drive Alva ST also features switchable Hi-Res Bluetooth streaming and integrated phono stage.
Cambridge Audio pioneered the use of toroidal transformers in power amplifiers, a technology now widely adopted by high-end audio companies. The brand stands out for using premium amplification technology across their product range, from Class A/B amplifiers in their wireless earbuds to Hypex Ncore modules in their EVO series, while maintaining accessible price points between their CX and Edge product lines.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Detachable headshell, defeatable preamp, and ability to disable the Bluetooth feature provide usability and upgradability
- Built-in phono preamp is based on the more expensive Duo and is dead quiet, providing great power filtering internally
- Has a sleek and contemporary look
- Good speed regulation system
- Can be easily upgraded with a better stylus tip when it's time for replacement
- Has Bluetooth aptX HD functionality
Product Considerations
- With the Audio-Technica cartridge, the soundstage was not as wide as a digital source
- An upgraded power supply did not make any audible difference in sound quality
- There is no azimuth or tone arm height adjustment
- The tonearm bearings could be better adjusted for less play
- Connecting the Alva ST using Bluetooth is like other units where there's no visual system to decide what to connect to
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Alva ST has a simpler moving magnet AT95E cartridge, a die-cast aluminum platter, and is belt-driven instead of direct drive, making it half the cost, compared to the Alva TT V2
- The Dual CS 618Q costs a little more than the Alva ST, has no Bluetooth, but does come with an Ortofon 2M Blue pickup and is fully automatic
- The Pro-Ject Debut PRO undercuts the Alva in price and spec, offers a similar minimalist design, and 78 rpm, but lacks Bluetooth and the overall heft
Takeaway: The Cambridge Audio Alva ST turntable is a well-built, flexible turntable that offers both classic analog connectivity and modern Bluetooth streaming. It is a great buy for those looking for a belt-driven table with a built-in preamp that can be upgraded later on.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Cambridge Audio pioneered the use of toroidal transformers in power amplifiers, a technology now widely adopted by high-end audio companies. The brand stands out for using premium amplification technology across their product range, from Class A/B amplifiers in their wireless earbuds to Hypex Ncore modules in their EVO series, while maintaining accessible price points between their CX and Edge product lines.
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MoFi
StudioDeck+U
999
/
Released
It's only natural to use the word "Studio" in the name of one of our turntables, as doing so brings together MoFi's software and hardware sides. And while it's our entry-level offering, StudioDeck produces high-caliber sound at a value price. Designed in collaboration with some of the world's finest audio designers, StudioDeck features an incredible amount of ingenuity and technology usually reserved for much more expensive products.
MoFi Electronics is known for their turntables featuring unique engineering choices like chassis with constrained layer damping and 10-inch tonearms for superior sound quality. Their speakers use concentric driver designs that minimize cone displacement and enhance clarity, while their phono stages offer uncommon features like front-panel adjustability for gain and cartridge load.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Solid build gives a sense of confidence when operating it
- Fantastic anti-vibration feet
- Digs down deep and cleanly, and doesn't struggle with low notes
- Presents a holographic image and a wide soundstage
Product Considerations
- The dust cover is a smoky color, obscuring the view of the turntable components
- The record clamp is essential and is not part of the standard package
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Technics SL-1500C, the StudioDeck offers a weightier and more compelling sound
- Compared to the Rega P3 (2000) with the Nagaoka MP-110 MM Cartridge, the MoFi StudioDeck offered greater detail and clarity throughout the frequency range
Takeaway: The StudioDeck+U is a great turntable that offers a solid and detailed performance. It is easy to set up and use, making it a great choice for people looking to get started with vinyl or upgrade from a midrange player.
Video review
Our take on the brand
MoFi Electronics is known for their turntables featuring unique engineering choices like chassis with constrained layer damping and 10-inch tonearms for superior sound quality. Their speakers use concentric driver designs that minimize cone displacement and enhance clarity, while their phono stages offer uncommon features like front-panel adjustability for gain and cartridge load.
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Argon Audio
TT-4
839
/
Released
2023
Refining the EISA award-winning TT-4, the MK2 offers a stunning combination of fantastic sound and exceptional build quality. Its robust plinth and heavy, rubber-dampened aluminium platter set the foundation for exceptional performance. The specially designed carbon fibre tonearm and pre-fitted Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge provide the precision required for truly audiophile-grade sound. With its built-in high-quality RIAA preamp, the TT-4 MK2 is ready to plug into any amplifier or active speakers straight out of the box.
Argon Audio is a Scandinavian hifi brand that combines elegant aesthetics with advanced acoustic technologies, including their unique Anisotropic Torsion Stabiliser system for turntables and powerful compact speakers that deliver deep bass. Their products, from the versatile TT-4 turntable to the SOLO streaming box, stand out for delivering performance that exceeds expectations at their price points, particularly in terms of precision and dynamic range.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Solid and heavy MDF plinth
- 'Smooth, dynamic, and plentiful in the bottom end' sound with a mid-range that doesn't present resonance or colorations
- High-end features like a carbon fiber arm and the possibility to adjust the VTA
- Built-in phono amplifier for MM cartridges that works really well
- Aluminum platter doesn't present any play on the spindle, and is very stable
Product Considerations
- The knob to switch between 33 and 45 rpm is too close to the cartridge, so care is needed when operating
- The TT-4 was slightly faster
- The manuals of the TT-4 do not mention speed adjustment or the possibility to adjust the VTA
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Pro-Ject Debut Pro: The Argon's way of presenting music is similar
- Vs Technics SL-1500C: The Argon turntable sounds fuller, and the bass is more prominent
Takeaway: The TT-4 is well-built, easy to use, and can be connected to anything from a small table speaker to a larger stereo system. With its balanced and clean tones, the TT-4 is suitable with many music genres.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Argon Audio is a Scandinavian hifi brand that combines elegant aesthetics with advanced acoustic technologies, including their unique Anisotropic Torsion Stabiliser system for turntables and powerful compact speakers that deliver deep bass. Their products, from the versatile TT-4 turntable to the SOLO streaming box, stand out for delivering performance that exceeds expectations at their price points, particularly in terms of precision and dynamic range.
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Pro-Ject
T2
549
/
Released
2024
The T2 sensibly enhances our critically acclaimed T1 formula, introducing many new audiophile features, setting new standards in its new price-range.
Pro-Ject Audio Systems, an Austrian brand founded in 1991, has been at the forefront of reestablishing analog music reproduction to the public. The company handcrafts 95% of all components in the European Union. The turntables focus on manual operation and minimalist design with a wide selection of colors that make their turntables both audio devices and stylish furniture pieces. The brand stands out for offering one of the broadest ranges of high-fidelity products in the world, including turntables, CD players, DACs, streamers, phono preamps, amplifiers, and speakers. Pro-Ject products are engineered with a focus on best audio reproduction for the money and omission of costly, unnecessary features.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Resonance mitigation is a key focus, with a solid plinth and thick glass platter to minimize vibrations
- The tonearm tested 'perfectly' and performs at a level expected on more expensive units
- The T2 Superphono has a well-designed built-in phono stage that is comparable to Pro-Ject's entry-level phono stage, the Box S2
- The T2 comes with high-quality E-Series RCA cables, not flimsy generic cables
- The T2 Super Phono comes with a pre-aligned Sumiko Rainier cartridge
Product Considerations
- The T2 W's phono stage cannot be disengaged, so the turntable shouldn't be connected to the phono input of the amplifying component
- The T2 Super Phono table's lack of absolute separation of singers and instrumentalists was consistently evident
- When streaming from the T2 W simultaneously to multiple devices, the streams were out of sync by a second or more
- The feet on the T2 W are not height-adjustable, so the turntable must rest on a level surface
- The T2 W does not stream lossless audio to all UPnP devices
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The T2 Superphono's built-in phono stage was surprisingly similar to the Pro-Ject 2 Box S2, with the Tube S2 being a little warmer
- The Cambridge Audio Alva TT V2 was more incisive and provided greater insight into Jarrett's playing, low notes were thuddier and less authoritative on the T2 W, and everything was a little more blurred
- The T2 has a thicker glass platter, longer and more rigid tonearm, spring-based anti-skating compensation, and electronic speed control
- The Pro-Ject Debut Line is a higher-level series than the T Line, therefore, it had more bite and texture
Takeaway: The T2 is a turntable with a focus on reducing unwanted vibrations and resonances, which makes it a worthwhile upgrade for those seeking better vinyl playback quality. With its tonearm and included cartridge, the T2 provides great value.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Pro-Ject Audio Systems, an Austrian brand founded in 1991, has been at the forefront of reestablishing analog music reproduction to the public. The company handcrafts 95% of all components in the European Union. The turntables focus on manual operation and minimalist design with a wide selection of colors that make their turntables both audio devices and stylish furniture pieces. The brand stands out for offering one of the broadest ranges of high-fidelity products in the world, including turntables, CD players, DACs, streamers, phono preamps, amplifiers, and speakers. Pro-Ject products are engineered with a focus on best audio reproduction for the money and omission of costly, unnecessary features.
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