Make your own choice - Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC vs Rega Planar 2

Comparison of Rega Planar 2 vs Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC is a rather hard occupation. For about $200 more than the P-1, you get the P-2 with a better tone are that's one piece, a much more massive glass platter, and better platter bearing than even Pro-Ject has. I wouldn't recommend Debut Carbon for a true beginner or someone who wants the convenience of an automatic table. But you still can compare both turntables versus each other on your own using given below information.
Neither units have phono preamp. Playing at the same speed (33.3, 45 RPM) Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC and Rega Planar 2 both own moving magnet (MM) type of cartridge. These three features add up to better audio than P-1, and even Pro-Ject is capable of. If you're an audiophile, the extra cost of the P-2 is worth it for sure.
Design & build quality
Tracking force adjustment of P-2 is a bit tricky since the tonearm weight has no markings, but the manual indicates the right amount of weight that it applies when you spin the weight 1/2 and one full turn. Overall there are no doubts that a cheaper model has lower build quality compared to the expensive one.
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC pros & cons
- It's not difficult to set up, and once you get the bitty anti-skate taken care of, the arm with its lifter is easy to use even for old shaky hands.
- The quality of the build is superb, the motor runs smoothly, and the carbon fiber arm is a sight to see.
- Calibrating took some getting used to, but the end result definitely pays off.
Rega Planar 2 pros & cons
- Took me no more than 20 minutes to have everything up and running, and sounding stellar.
- No resonance from the table comes through the speakers.
- The little mat that is put on the glass platter is not round. It is off by a bit, so when it spins, it looks off balance. You'd really expect that a $675 turntable would have a round mat. Nothing says precision like an off-balance spinning object.
- The dust cover hinges are really flimsy. They are made of plastic. Imagine bending a piece of plastic back and forth a dozen times, and then hoping that that plastic stays strong. They look like they might last about a year at most. I do see that you can purchase hinge replacements, so I guess that hinge replacements are expected.