Turntables Comparison: Sony PS-HX500 vs Rega Planar 2

Compare detailed specifications, side-by-side differences, verified user reviews, and buying recommendations to help you make the right choice.

Sony PS-HX500

Sony PS-HX500

  • Brand Sony
  • Frequency Response, Hz 20 - 20000
  • Weight, Kg/pounds 2.8/6.2
  • Power Consumption, W 3
  • Type moving magnet (MM)
Rega Planar 2

Rega Planar 2

  • Brand Rega
  • Frequency Response, Hz 20 - 20000
  • Weight, Kg/pounds 5.5/12.1
  • Power Consumption, W 3
  • Type moving magnet (MM)

Quick Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

Deciding between the Sony PS-HX500 and the Rega Planar 2 depends on your available space, storage capacity goals, and everyday usage style:

Best For Maximum Capacity

Sony PS-HX500

Designed for large households, bulk grocery shoppers, and long-term storage where total cubic feet is the highest priority.

  • Superior Volume: Easily stores bulk meats, frozen garden harvests, and family packs.
  • Cold Retention: Keeps food frozen significantly longer in power outages.
  • Energy Efficiency: Top-opening design keeps dense cold air trapped inside.
Best For Compact Spaces

Rega Planar 2

Ideal for apartments, offices, dorms, or secondary kitchen use where space efficiency and neat organization are paramount.

  • Space-Saving Footprint: Fits neatly under counters or in compact corners without intruding.
  • Upright Organization: Shelves allow you to organize and grab items without digging.
  • Everyday Convenience: Front-swing door provides quick, easy access anytime.

Pros & Cons

Sony PS-HX500

VS

Pros

    • This model comes with the Sony software which facilitates the process of vinyl ripping. It is compatible with Apple Garageband.
    • The assembly process is easy and fast – follow the manual.
    • The audio quality is amazing (excellent quality from the RCA audio out).
    • Electronic speed selector is convenient for moving from albums to singles.
    • Parallel lines at the top simplify cartridge alignment.

Cons

    • The tonearm is manual and it does not return when it reaches the end. No auto-stop.
    • Recording software is incompatible with the latest version of Mac iOS.

Rega Planar 2

VS

Pros

    • The output sound is extremely clean and deep – you get no distortion or resonance. The isolation is great, so you get not humming sound.
    • The setup process is quite easy. The customers do not have any problems with the anti-skate technology.
    • It is built-well, so it stands still and you get not any noise from ports.

Cons

    • Some units have problems with speed.

Specifications

Specification Sony PS-HX500 Rega Planar 2
Features
Other AC adaptor has not
45 RPM Adapter Yes Yes
Dust Cover Yes Yes
Motor
Platter Type aluminum diecast acrylic
Drive Method belt belt
Wow & Flutter (WRMS), % 0.25 0.1
Torque >1.6 kgf-cm >1.6 kgf-cm
Speed, RPM 33.3, 45 33.3, 45
Controls
Operation Type manual full manual
Braking System electronic electronic
Pitch Variation, % No No
Pitch Control No No
Sound
Output Level Pre-amp "PHONO": 3 mV nominal at 1 kHz. Pre-amp "LINE": 190 mV nominal at 1 kHz —
Gain — —
Signal To Noise Ratio, DB 50 65
Frequency Response, Hz 20 - 20000 20 - 20000
Stylus
Model ATN-3601 Rega Carbon
Type moving magnet (MM) moving magnet (MM)
Replaceable Yes Yes
Connections
Other AC adaptor has not
RCA 1 1
USB 1 —
Dimensions
Weight, Kg/pounds 2.8/6.2 5.5/12.1
Size, Cm/inches 10.4 x 43 x 36.6/6.2 x 18.5 x 16.3 11.7 x 44.7 x 36 x/4.6 x 17.6 x 14.2
Cartridge
Supplied Headshell Weight, G 3 3,5
Appropriate Needle Pressure, G 2,5 2,5
Type moving magnet (MM) moving magnet (MM)
Power
Power Consumption, W 3 3

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Frequently Asked Questions

The main differences center around storage capacity, form factor, and convenience. The Sony PS-HX500 provides extensive bulk storage capacity best suited for homes, garages, or basements needing deep freeze space. In contrast, the Rega Planar 2 offers a compact upright design that fits into smaller spaces with convenient shelf organization.

Chest-style freezers generally excel in thermal efficiency because cold air naturally settles at the bottom and does not escape when the lid is lifted. Compact upright models have lower total kilowatt-hour usage simply due to their smaller cubic volume, making both designs efficient for their respective intended purposes.

Both products are listed on Amazon with full manufacturer warranties, customer reviews, and fast delivery options. Click the "Check Price on Amazon" buttons in the comparison cards above to view today's latest promotions, verified customer ratings, and current availability.

Measure your available floor clearance first. If you have open space in a garage, basement, or utility room and want to freeze items in bulk, choose the Sony PS-HX500. If you have limited room in a kitchen, apartment, dorm, or office and prefer easy eye-level access to items, choose the Rega Planar 2.