Following on from our turntable comparisons (entry-level, mid-range, high-end ≈ €1200), this buying guide compares two high-end turntables: the Pro-Ject X2 B and the Rega Planar 3 RS Edition.
Two philosophies go head to head: the massive, dense plinth of the Austrian-designed Pro-Ject versus the lightweight, ultra-rigid plinth of the British-made Rega. You can compare the technical details, strengths and sonic character of each record player, along with our recommendations for getting the most out of your future turntable.
Comparison table
| Feature | Pro-Ject X2 B | Rega Planar 3 RS Edition |
|---|
| Price | €[PRICE] | €[PRICE] |
|---|
| Designed in | Austria | United Kingdom |
|---|
| Plinth | High-density MDF, 8-coat lacquer or natural wood veneer | HPL laminate with aluminium skin and Double Brace reinforcement |
|---|
| Platter | Acrylic, 2 kg | Opti-white glass, 12 mm |
|---|
| Drive | Belt, suspended synchronous motor | Reference EBLT belt, 24 V motor |
|---|
| Speed change | Electronic | Electronic, via the external Neo PSU MK2 |
|---|
| Tonearm | 9CC Evo, 9-inch, carbon/aluminium sandwich | RB330, hand-assembled |
|---|
| Cartridge supplied | Ortofon Quintet Red low-output MC | Rega Nd5 MM |
|---|
| Phono preamp required | Low-output MC compatible | MM compatible |
|---|
| Balanced output | Yes (mini XLR), in addition to RCA | No |
|---|
| Finishes | Lacquer or wood veneer | Dark brushed aluminium, gloss black edging |
|---|
Successor to the famous 2-Xperience, the Pro-Ject X2 B is an evolution of the X2 with an added balanced output. Its plinth is cut from heavier, denser and more rigid MDF, which reduces unwanted resonances to an almost imperceptible level. It sits on adjustable aluminium/Sorbothane sandwich feet. The synchronous motor, mounted on a new suspension, belt-drives a 2 kg acrylic platter, and speed is managed electronically by a dedicated board that is unaffected by mains fluctuations.
Its 9CC Evo tonearm uses a carbon/aluminium sandwich construction, with an effective mass of 10 g and a damped counterweight that halves the vibrations reaching the cartridge. It comes with the Ortofon Quintet Red low-output MC cartridge, so you will need an MC-compatible phono preamplifier. Its balanced mini XLR output (the "B" stands for Balanced) lets you gain dynamics and signal-to-noise ratio when used with a balanced preamp and a Connect It Phono Mini XLR cable. In listening, the X2 B proves composed, neutral and highly realistic, with excellent transparency and very quiet operation.
A special edition of Rega's best-seller, the Planar 3 RS is the first Planar 3 to feature a high-pressure laminate (HPL) plinth, usually reserved for the Planar 6, 8 and 10. Clad in brushed aluminium and reinforced by the Double Brace system between the tonearm and the bearing, it is the most rigid plinth Rega has ever designed for a Planar 3. It comes with the external Neo PSU MK2 power supply, hand-tuned to each motor, which provides electronic speed change and filters motor vibrations.
Its hand-built RB330 tonearm comes fitted with the Rega Nd5 MM cartridge, so the turntable is ready to play straight out of the box. The arm also accepts high-end MM and MC cartridges; with a cartridge from another brand, a spacer will be needed to achieve the correct VTA. In listening, it keeps the musicality and rhythmic drive typical of Rega, with noticeably greater dynamics and vocal presence than the standard Planar 3. It also won a What Hi-Fi? Award in 2025.
Which one should you choose?
Each of these turntables has its strengths, and the choice will mainly depend on your system. The Rega Planar 3 RS is the easiest to integrate: its Nd5 MM cartridge works with the phono input of most amplifiers, and its Neo PSU MK2 makes it ready to play. The Pro-Ject X2 B is for those aiming higher: its low-output MC cartridge and balanced output require a suitable preamp, but open the way to more nuanced sound and a fully balanced system. We hope this guide has helped you find the turntable that suits you best!
See also:
- Comparison: entry-level turntables (budget under €500)
- Comparison: mid-range turntables (budget around €700)
> High-end turntables (budget around €1200)
> High-end turntables (budget around €2700)
- Comparison: Prestige turntables (budget over €3000)
