Today I auditioned the P3 50th anniversary and the P6, both come with the external power supply reference belt and Exact 2. Both were a massive improvement on my 22 year old ProJect Debut 2. The p3 50th was superb, but the p6 just edged it out in terms of better separation and texture on bass notes and vocals seemed to be projected more. These were subtle improvements, but enough for me to order the p6

For the record (no pun), I just picked up the Rega Planar 6 with Exact 2 MM cartridge … and it sounds amazing! I am very happy to have decide to go with Rega this time 'round. I appreciate this AV Nirvana review, which helped me make a decision. Happy listening, enjoy the music!

Thanks for posting this video, it’s a great story and review. Many people make the mistake of upgrading the cartridge beyond the capability of their deck. I’ve done it myself, although it was a second hand cartridge and I was doing it for an experiment. The turntable is the platform upon which your analogue playback is based. If this isn’t good enough, no amount of fancy arm or cartridge is going to make up for it. I’ve just fitted a new sub-chassis to my turntable made from machined aero grade alloy, replacing the original pressed steel version it was shipped with. The difference is nothing short of astonishing. Congratulations on finding a turntable that re-ignites your passion for vinyl. I’m sure it will be a brilliant platform you can enjoy and build upon in future. Perhaps even going back to moving coil, however, I wouldn’t go that route without budgeting for a really good quality phono stage at the same time. I look forward to more videos. Subscribed.

I chose my P6/Exact based on pretty much the same criteria as you. No fuss, no temptation for tweakery other than cartridge. I too was going for the P3, after owning a Pro-ject I didn’t get on with. The difference is, I heard a P3 against a P6, and there was no contest. As good as the P3 is, I couldn’t have lived with it, having heard the P6.

Well I have a Pro-ject Classic Evo fitted with an Ortofon Quintet Blue MC. About the same cost as the Rega and sounds sublime.

I auditioned the Planar 6 with the Exact and with the Ania in the same session. Unfortunately (for my wallet) I could hear a difference and ended up buying the table with the Ania pre-fitted. My phono stage to begin with was a Schiit Mani 2 which I enjoyed but I knew it was a stop-gap and was a bottle neck for system performance (I'm sure it would have been a fantastic phono stage for the Exact though). After owning the table for some months I went back to the hi-fi store and auditioned a number of phono stages against my Mani 2 on their display P6 (with an Ania cart fitted to match my home setup as much as practicable). Firstly, to see if I could hear any difference and, if so, in what ways. I compared a Dynavector P75, Chord Huei, Rega Fono MC, and the Rega Aria. Unfortunately (for my wallet, again) I was able to hear differences. In the end my selection was between the Dynavector P75, Chord Huei, and Rega Aria. I felt that both the P75 and Huei had greater transient impact but the Aria seemed more full-bodied. As much as I liked the immediacy and attack of the Dynavector and Chord stages, I knew that I would prefer the full-fat presentation of the Aria in the long term, especially as it would be more forgiving on less than stellar mastered recordings. Synergy is also a thing and I feel the Aria, Ania, and Planar 6 are all fantastically matched. It is not a cheap phono stage but I have zero regrets about the purchase. The only itch remaining in the depths of my subconscious is the very slight scratching of an impulse to upgrade the cartridge to the Ania Pro. I can wait, however, until the stylus on my Ania is ready for replacement before I make that decision.

Awesome video! Gave me all the information I need in a plain and simple way. Great shots of the Planar 6 too!

Fantastic job on this review. I just subscribed. I'm glad you've been enjoying the P6 with an MM cart. As for myself, I've been out of the vinyl game for 30+ years, but last November, I decided to get back into it after having a great time at a vinyl listening night with the Arizona Audio/Video Club. I planned to go with the Fluance RT85 you mentioned, but everyone I talked to, including my wife, said I'd be disappointed with the sound after listening to high-performance digital for many years. More research took me in the direction of Rega as well as an obvious choice. I did not want to make a new hobby out of turntable setup, futzing with azimuth, zenith, SRA/VTA, etc. Rega's approach enables enthusiasts to get on with listening to music with minimal fuss, especially when selecting a factory-fitted cartridge, as you and I did. Although I only had two LPs at the time of purchase (one being Random Access Memories by Daft Punk), I purchased the Planar 8 with APHETA 3 cart from Glen at Arizona Hi-Fi without a demo after he patiently answered dozens of my questions. Your point is well taken: low-output MC carts can be incredibly detailed but will also be less forgiving of poor to mediocre pressings and surface noise. But, when I do put on a great pressing, the experience is delightful. I can't understand how dragging a rock through a plastic groove could possibly produce sound quality that's so close to the fidelity of good digital. In a few instances, I've found vinyl LPs with obviously superior mastering to available digital releases, and it's on these that I will focus my vinyl collecting efforts. However, I did buy a one-year subscription to Vinyl Me Please (VMP) to help me get a starter collection together. Pressing quality has been above average, for sure. Still, their main value-add is packaging the albums with additional inserts and booklets that give the listener something to hold and read during that first listen, deepening the level of engagement for that and subsequent sessions. As you said, it's that process that makes vinyl playback more engaging than lossless streaming, even though streaming often has the edge regarding absolute fidelity. Again, congrats on the P6 and thanks again for producing such an impressive video. I'm sure lots of work went into this.

I agree, I just purchased the Rega 6 and just love the extra detail, and smooth bass it provides. After having this turntable, I ended up buying 10 new records today. Well, several were used in very good condition. I find the streaming services sometimes have too much sparkle, and top end. The records have a more pleasant sound that is detailed and a slight smoother character. I had the Dual CS5000 and when I updated to the Planer 6, I have to say, it is now my final turntable. i am currently using a Parasound XRM phono preamp. I am very happy with the results I am getting. I may consider getting their JC3 Jr phono preamp as an upgrade at some time in the future. This Rega is well worth it.

I purchased a P6 and love it and I paired it with a nagaoka MP 500. And the trigon vanguard III phono preamp. Trigon made a big difference in my turntable playback over the phono stage on my Mac ma252.

I will definitely be purchasing a P6 in the future, I started with a P1 and I am currently using a P2 with a Bias2 cartridge. My last upgrade was going from a Rega MM phono stage to the Musical Surroundings Phenomena 2. Dramatic improvement and will be an amazing match for the P6

I live an hour from Audio Advice. I’ve been known to go sit and listen for a couple hours. Wonderful store.

Just got the p6 with exact 2 before your review. Nice detailed review.

Great video with honest perspective that I appreciate! The P6 is more than many people "need", but is a great buy that allows you future growth with the Ania Pro, if you decided to get even more of what you are liking now. The other thing is that the RB330 responds well to a Cardas tonearm upgrade, and you could even get a replacement phono cable with right angle DIN connector that doesn't require modifying the deck. The P6 is great just like it is, but allows you the possibility of getting more if you ever get bored. :)

I really dig the perspective of getting tired of the fuss and faff of vinyl. 2 years ago I got out of it then I recently got back into it with the purchase of a restored b&o beogram. Not only does it sound great but it's a cinch to operate and being fully automatic I don't really have to think about it, I just sit down with my records and enjoy the sound. I don't know this hobby is kind of like a gateway drug in a way, you start one tweak thinking it'll lead to something and then before you know it you spent $700 on cables and leveling platters and stuff only to come out really not much better than you started, plus it also leads to this neurosis of thinking in terms of" well if only I get that new carbon fiber tone arm bearing then my sound is going to be a whole lot better". At the end of the day all you do is spend all your time thinking about ways to improve your sound instead of actually just enjoying the sound you already have.

Thank you for this honest and realistic review. One of the best on the net. I have been a Rega owner for 30+ years and appreciate the detail and involvement that their decks provide. I have a P3 with neo, fono and shelf but am thinking that before I buy 'that deck' in my dotage that the P6 is the ideal move. I am not ready to go MC yet. Your video makes a convincing case.

love your detailed account of this rega turntable. have been buying and upgrading my regas since 1983. the p6 seems to be the perfect price point for quality. i had my p7 with upgraded rb1000 stolen so i think the p6 is the way to go. i would have liked to go to the p8 for even more refinement but the cost is a little out of my league

Nice review! I was curious to hear why you went with the Exact, but after watching the video, I totally get it … however… after buying the P6 with the Ania and matching Rega MC preamp, I was genuinely blown away. I listened to the Exact on a P3 and I was massively impressed. It was easily better than nearly every $2000 CD player I’d auditioned, yet the P6+ Ania is just another world of resolution, flow, PRaT and frequency range. All to say, I fully recommend the Ania when the upgrade bites again.

Great process. I went through a similar one. Had a Roksan Radius 7 which sounded phenomenal, but in my case it was imposing to my family to use. So I worked with Hawthorne Stereo here in Seattle and ended up with the Planar 6. Id say it was probably a lateral move, but it gets used much more. And influenced my son to get the 50th anniversary Planar 3

I love rega table's There just vary musical At all price points I just bought a p2 from audio advice this last Week

If you can, wall mount the Rega P6, a dedicated wallmount is available from Rega. As the Rega has no suspension it is very sensitive to placement, avoid heavy racks or furniture as these will feed low frequency vibration straight into the turntable. Try and locate the turntable as far from the loudspeakers as possible for similar reasons. Happy listening!

Nicely articulate video. If you do upgrade your Exact, I would skip over the Ania and go for the Ania Pro, and be sure to go for a better phono stage that will do it justice. Enjoy regardless!

I recently picked up the Fluance RT85N and it feels cheap to me.. sound is very nice but it has some kind of intermittent popping which is very annoying... So I'm going to upgrade to a Rega P6 hopefully tomorrow!

I’m more than happy with my Linn Basic turntable which I’ve had for thirty plus years. So won’t be making a change anytime soon.

I've had a similar problem that you have in regards to upgrading to a moving coil cartridge. I didn't go moving coil but, I did go with a Ortofon 2m Black somewhat recently. Though it was a wildly impressive upgrade from my blue in terms of detail, separation and soundstage, it also added a lot of distortion and highlighted imperfections in my less than perfect records. My solution was to buy an ultrasonic cleaner. It has made a huge difference. I would say that anyone buying a hi end, detailed phono cartridge should not do it unless you already own or are willing to buy an ultrasonic cleaner.

Thanks for the video. I have been toying with a Planar 6 for a while, to replace my P3-24. This has kind of reinforced my thoughts. Don't discard Hana though. The Hana SL is the most amazing cartridge I have heard in years. It's a big step up in performance from the EL which is not their main or best choice for stylus shape. The company is highly regarded for their more elongated shaped styli.

I bought a planar 6 about 3 years ago, its a noticeable upgrade over my previous rp3, but needs a good system to truly show its strengths. Mine is fitted with an audio technica at33ptgmk2 cartridge, going into an icon audio ps 1 2 phono stage, and it completely trounces my arcam cds50 cd player. Ive no experience of the the CA phono stage, however this may be your bottle neck. If you can demo an icon audio phono stage, jump at the chance.

My P6 has the Ania MC cartridge plugged into a Vincent 701 cartridge preamp and although I enjoy it my wife is head over heels over the quality of the sound.

Great review . I have just had a p7/rb1000 combo stolen so need to upgrade . This maybe the choice

If you ever have additional funds, you should consider getting a GrooveTracer subplatter. It made a very noticeable improvement to the sound stage on my P8.

from what i have learned you would be best to skip on the "ania" and go for the "ania pro" instead. i believe the stylus is same as exact, unlike the ania which reverts back to elliptical. im considering upgrading my modded rp3 for the newer P6, and that is the route i will be going down

11:35. A true test for tracking.. that lumpy Blue Note LP. Lol I have a P6 as well but with Ania and Rega MC preamp. Dreamy. You made a good choice with P6

Nice review. Considering a substantial turntable upgrade in the future. I'm torn between the P6 and the MoFi Ultradeck.

Love your honest views. Have been buying regas since 1983. Is there a better more consistent range . I doubt it

Great review! At the 6:55 mark you have a stand/shelf for the PSU … do you mind sharing the brand? I'm considering the Planar 6 table, but am reluctant with current physical space limitations. I appreciate you taking the time to put this review together :)

What speakers do you recommend? I believe I heard you say you had the Beolab 8000s. I'm thinking about getting the Rega Planar 6, but I want to ensure I have quality speakers! Thanks!

What phono preamp did you use? I noticed the b roll the records were not flat. That would make make most carts create huge issues. Not being a pain but things I noticed. Enjoyed the video

Great video..!! Try the Audio Technica 540 ml Rig by cartridge. Its fantastic. I have it on my Rega Rp8.

I bought the 6 took it back great sounding but couldn’t live with the hum coming from the arm/cartridge. Bought a technics 1200GR instead no hum properly grounded.

Hey, great video... subscribed ! Do you mind me asking what amplifier you use? Thank you

Hi! Thanks for you review video. I too have a Pro-Ject Debut Carbon (with a Shure V15V cart) and am looking to upgrade to a P6. In your opinion, the how much of the improvement in sound from your previous Pro-Ject Debut do you think is attributed to the turntable itself not considering the new cartridge you have? (Note: I will not be switching my cart). Thank you.

I'm still torn between the P6 and the Technics SL12GR

Great video! Thanks! Question, do i need a preamp if i have a neo psu and phono output on my amp? thanks.

unfortunately, my denon ceol n-12 is not compatible with MC cells, only with MMs!

Is the aria mk3 review coming ? Curious to know what do you think about it and how does it compare to fono mm !

Nice overview. I replaced an ageing Exact mk1 with an Apheta back in the day. Superb as the Exact was, the Apheta was better in every way. Rega's Ania Pro uses the same Vital stylus as the Exact, has great reviews and maybe worth considering when your Exact starts to run out of steam. Still using an Apheta rebuild (by Rega) on my P9. No desire to change.

I just wonder if the exact cartridge have a replaceable stylus?

I'm trying to decide between the Planar 6 and the Mofi Ultradeck. I currently have the Planar 1 with the Ortofon 2M Blue. I think it sounds good through my Schiit Freya S, Vidar 2, Mofi Studio phono preamp and Polk Reserve R700 speakers but feel at times that Tidal and Amazon Music sound better. Any thoughts? Is my system resolving enough for the Planar 6 to be an appreciable upgrade?

Pricey, though, at $2k+. People shouldn’t overlook the Music Hall turntables. Excellent build and features and much less expensive.

Oh man, I'd love to hear Spilt Milk on my P6.

No matter how well any manufacturer builds its turntables, you are still up against the wall with getting hold of good quality, flat pressings, with the hole in the middle of the disc.

The problem with Rega is that there's no vta adjustment. Rega doesn't think that it matters. Everyone else does. When everyone else tells you something matters, maybe it really does.

Noise floor, you are talking about vinyl. Soundstage will be very poor if you are coming from cd or streaming. I do love listening to vinyl, especially my uhqr pressings, but digital absolutely destroys those.

As a 67 year old, you look relatively young compared to me. That itch will never be satisfied. 😈

it's certainly not the best turntable but the P6 is fun and a really good one

WATCHING THIS IN 2024: THIS WAS NOT HIS FINAL TURNTABLE :)

Lovely review. BUT value for money….well in my opinion is very low !

Audio advice is great but no retailer’s “review” can really be considered a review.

I will never buy a turntable without the pitch adjustment thing

I bought one for my boyfriend. And I had set up in ten minutes. Otherwise you talk too much. About nothing

Is This An End-Game Turntable? Hell no!