Rega vs Pro-Ject Turntables UK 2026 | From £300

Rega and Pro-Ject dominate the mid-range turntable market. Both make excellent equipment. Both have devoted followings. Which one suits you depends on what you value.

Quick Comparison

Brand Philosophy: The Core Difference

Rega (British, made in Essex) believes in simplicity. Remove what doesn't improve sound. No frills, no unnecessary features. Plug in and play. Their turntables do one thing: play records. Brilliantly.

Pro-Ject (Austrian, made in Czech Republic) believes in options. Multiple finishes, interchangeable parts, upgrade paths everywhere. Customise your setup to match your preferences. Tinker if you want, or don't.

Neither philosophy is right or wrong. They suit different personalities.

Sound Character

Rega turntables sound lively and engaging. Rhythmic, punchy, musical. They make you tap your feet. Reviews often mention "PRaT" (pace, rhythm, timing) as a Rega strength. Vocals and acoustic instruments shine.

Pro-Ject turntables sound detailed and refined. More analytical than Rega. They reveal information in recordings. Reviews mention accuracy and neutrality. Electronic music and complex arrangements benefit.

Descriptions vary and overlap. Both sound excellent. Differences are preferences, not quality gaps.

Build Quality

Rega uses unique materials and hand assembly. Their tonearms are handmade in Southend-on-Sea. The Planar 1's platter is lightweight but engineered for low resonance. Everything serves the sound.

Pro-Ject uses traditional construction with premium materials. Metal and MDF plinths, steel platters on higher models, carbon fibre tonearms on the Debut Carbon line. Heavier, more conventional feel.

Both last for years with basic care.

Head-to-Head Model Comparison

Entry Level (~£300)

The Planar 1 has no built-in preamp. Pure simplicity. Outstanding sound for the price. The Rega Carbon cartridge performs above its class. Setup is minimal.

The Debut III includes more finish options and the Ortofon OM 5E cartridge. Similar sound quality with more visual choices. Optional preamps available.

Both are excellent starting points. Rega for pure sound focus, Pro-Ject for aesthetic options.

Mid-Range (~£450)

The Planar 2 upgrades the tonearm and adds more precise bearings. Sound improvement over Planar 1 is audible. Still no frills.

The Debut Carbon EVO features a carbon fibre tonearm, heavier platter, and premium cartridge options. More noticeable upgrade from the basic Debut.

The Planar 2 prioritises sonic improvement. The EVO adds features and materials.

UK Support and Availability

Rega is based in Essex. UK support is excellent. Parts availability spans decades. Dealers offer demonstrations and setup assistance. Buying British appeals to some.

Pro-Ject has established UK distribution. Support is good. Parts are readily available. Sevenoaks and Richer Sounds stock both brands.

Neither presents support concerns for UK buyers.

Upgrade Potential

Pro-Ject explicitly encourages upgrades. Better platters, record weights, power supplies, cartridges. The upgrade path is documented and encouraged.

Rega allows upgrades but designed each model as complete. The Planar 1 sounds right out of the box. You can upgrade the cartridge, but Rega intended it to work perfectly stock.

Tinkerers prefer Pro-Ject. Those who want to set and forget prefer Rega.

Which for You?

Want maximum sound for minimum fuss? Rega. Enjoy customising and upgrading? Pro-Ject. Value British manufacturing? Rega. Want aesthetic choices? Pro-Ject. Prioritise rhythm and engagement? Rega. Prioritise detail and accuracy? Pro-Ject.

Both are excellent. Auditioning helps if possible. Richer Sounds and Sevenoaks often have both available for demonstration.

Prices approximate at time of writing. Our quiz can recommend specific models based on your priorities.