Optimisation is an interesting word often bandied about by hifi manufacturers. Often it means little or nothing, a buzzword in press releases, so it was interesting when it came up in engineering terms during a lovely morning spent talking to Roy Gandy of Rega fame recently. A Youtube video of that chat will follow soon-ish. Go to Youtube, search Lyric Hifi, open a video and hit subscribe. It costs nothing, you just get a message when a new video is loaded.
Back to optimisation. Every one of the Planar turntable range is optimised for the best possible sound at it's price level. As an example look at the famous Planar 3 compared to the Planar 6. The 6 has a metal subplatter for more rigidity and it produces a better sound.
A few small manufacturers make a similar metal sub platter for you to 'upgrade' your 3 to a 6 however they miss the point. The 6 has better tonearm bearings, a separate power supply that reduces motor vibration so the stylus can measure more detail, an advanced ultra lightweight plinth and a platter with more mass at the outside for better stability from the flywheel effect. Every part of the turntable is better than the 3. Changing one part does not a 6 make.
Compare a One to a Two and you have a much better arm, plinth and platter for a hugely better sound while conforming to the same layout. Rega are famous for their glass platters however putting a P2 platter on a P1 does not a 2 make either. It's the whole combination, optimised and engineered for the best result.
Every Rega is more than the sum of it's parts due to being engineering as a complete synergistic package.
This also applies to the new Rega System One, a turntable, amplifier and loudspeaker complete system. While each individual element is rightly lauded for performance the total package is even better.
Here are some comments from the first reviews:
“The Rega System One is one of the most joyous things I have tested in a very long time. In compact but decently specified form, it possesses everything that a great Hi-Fi system needs to have. It is about the most fun you can have with your clothes on and Rega deserves to sell a million of them”. - Ed Selley.
"A sublime listening experience"
"The System One is worthy of the highest praise"
"This is the real deal"
"This is a Hi-Fi experience like very little else anywhere near its price point"
“An indisputable Best Buy”
Now I'm not always a fan of reviews however they have called this one right.
If you are looking for the default choice to start your vinyl journey check this out. Happy to let you hear it, it is always hooked up in the shop.
While the Planar One turntable, Io amplifier and Kyte speakers are individually priced at £299/420/550 totalling £ 1269 it is supplied at £ 1199 complete including your speaker cable, all good to go.
Optimisation does actually mean something in the right hands!
Here are links to the full reviews if you want to check out the details:
Another System One great Review