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Rega Planar 3: Is the Exact a significant upgrade from the Elys 2?

I understand that not everyone loves belt drive turntables or Regas but I have an opportunity to buy a new Planar 3 with the Elys 2 for a really good price or a new Planar 3 with the Exact 2 for a few hundred more.

Is the Exact such a significant upgrade over the Elys that it’s worth paying $300 more for a table with it? Or would it be smarter to get the cheaper one with the Elys 2 and choose another upgrade path for the cartridge in the future? 
pip_helix
zavato's avatar
zavato
1,403 posts
 
The Exact cartridge is interesting- its low end is robust but it's not a cartridge noted for nuance. It is better than the Elys, but probably not worth the price difference. And yes, I once owned an Exact which I bought new at 50% off list. I would never have bought it at anywhere near normal price. I probably owned it under a year. 
uncleang
120 posts
 
At the end of April I bought a new Planar 3 and Ania cart.  The combo is a good match, however it's not any better than my Heybrook TT2 w/OC-9ML so I sold it. The Ania performed exceptionally well on classical music but do I think it's worth the Canadian list of $999 - no way.  I purchased it for $799 +13% tax.  
After I sold the Regas 3 weeks ago I bought an AT/33 PTGII for under $700 Canadian tax in.  not installed yet.
sababin's avatar
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sababin
3 posts
 

Thanks for the post and comments here.  I just took delivery of a second Rega TT the P3 fitted with the Elys 2 today!  I have a P8 with the Apheta 2 on my main system downstairs but enough chipping away at my wife's will and I can now spin vinyl up in the main living area.  Burned a lot of brain cells flip flopping b/t the P3 and P6.  Ultimately, I chose the "buy more records" approach and settled in on the P3 with a Vincent PHO-701 phono stage and a set of AQ Golden Gates to connect it to the main house system.  Unlike Pip, I wasn't looking for a critical listening TT but more for convenience of not having to blast the downstairs system or having to run down to flip the record.  I can grab a half dozen records at a time and enjoy the whole house.  Plus, personally, I just think Rega TTs are a work of art.  Classic, contemporary, well built ... IMHO, a good bang for the buck.  The set up will sit quietly alone on a tabletop with no other components anywhere near it.  But it will be connected to a 9 zone HTD controlled system so it's vibes will carry throughout the entire house, deck and back yard.  Pip, it's been about 18 months ... have you done any upgrades?  Or maybe just stockpiled a bunch of great vinyl!  Cheers and happy holidays to all!

tablejockey
3,917 posts
 

As you can see-yes, no, maybe.

Asking about Rega and certain other popular brands that have stood the test of time always gets the same results.

Buy it-if your budget permits. I'd go new w/Exact. That's just me.

The differences in subjective opinion on what's 'better" can leave you MORE confused in these audio forums. Hopefully, you have found a dealer that's trustworthy and knowledgeabe.

grislybutter
3,129 posts
 

I have had the P3 with the Elys 2 for a while now and I had a few upgrade ideas but not the cartridge. It’s definitely better than the Ortofon Blue I had with my previous TT

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