rega serial number question
Posted by: Martinm on 14 January 2003
I have a planar 3 which I bought new in 2002. I was thinking of upgrading the cartridge. During my research it seems to have become apparent that I do not have a P3, rather the older model.
I did not know when I bought it that they were still producing the old model. Being new to turntables and going to a reputable dealer who I had always thought highly off I (maybe stupidly) assumed I was getting the current model.
Is there a quick way of telling if I have a new or old version? As I want to be sure I'm not being thick before I speak to the shop to complain.
Pictures of the P3 seem to shaoe an angled plinth, mine is straight edged.
Serial number is 342***
Many thanks for any help
Martin
Posted on: 14 January 2003 by Rich Cundill
I thought they just went from 'Rega Planar 3' to 'Rega P3'on the deck with the new motor etc. Can't believe that one bought from a dealer in 2002 would be anything other than a P3. Can't help other than that I'm afraid.
Rich
Posted on: 14 January 2003 by Martinm
Posted on: 14 January 2003 by Martinm
Thanks for the rating whoever that was. Sorry if I'm boring people, was just hoping for some friendly advice.
Posted on: 14 January 2003 by Martinm
Hi Richard.
There are no markings on the deck hence part of my confusion. My box Just says planar 3 as do the instructions. I woundered if this was something they stopped doing with later models.
Mheers
Martin
Posted on: 14 January 2003 by Thom P
Martin,
I'm afraid your TT is indeed an old style Planar 3. I own this deck and it has a straight angled plinth as opposed to the new style P3 which has its plinth corners cut off to make it look lighter (sorry, English is my second language, I hope the description makes sense).
If you bought the deck from a dealer under the impression that it was the P3 you might either consider asking for a price reduction, or you could have him fit the P3 motor upgrade for free - you would then effectively have a P3 as the changes to the plinth are merely cosmetic AFAIK.
Best,
Thom
Posted on: 14 January 2003 by Martinm
Have contacted Rega and am waiting for a response. But have found another bit of paper in the box and now know I have infact got a Planar 3 and not a P3.
Will be contacting my dealer in the morning.
Thank you all for responding if you are interesed I will let you know the outcome.
Cheers
Martin
Posted on: 14 January 2003 by Rich Cundill
Go get 'em Martin!
For info the price of a Planar 3 to P3 motor upgrade is £95 - I know as I got a quote just before Xmas for upgrading mine. So that's what you've been ripped off by effectively.
You should just insist on a straight swap though.
Rich
Posted on: 15 January 2003 by domfjbrown
I thought the Planar 3 (old motor) was supposedly meant to 'groove' better than the P3???
That said, I had my Planar 3 upgraded in Feb 01 and it improved the tracking subtley and also seemed to clean up the sound without messing up the PRaT too much...
Definitely get the dealer to do the upgrade for free, but stick with the old plinth - something tells me it's better made (maybe BECAUSE it's thicker!)...
When the music's over turn out the lights
