What I don’t like about the Classic is it uses the same puny platter bearing as the Debut models, which definitely lends to audible rumble IME.
Rega is smart in that they focus their build quality on the most important parts, such as the arm and platter bearing. Rega’s entry-level products are simply unparalleled in build quality, at least among new offerings. The only other sub $1K table I’d seriously consider is the new Technics 1200mk7, but it doesn’t come with a cartridge. Between the Classic and a Planar2, I'd choose the latter. But you'd really be better off splurging for the P3 or a used RP-6
All that said, I wouldn’t dive into analog for nostalgia reasons. It might be worth the trouble for some, but as a member of Gen Y, had I to start my audiophile journey over again, I would just invest in a good analog-sounding DAC.
There are services available that specialize in converting old albums to digital files or CDs. They can even perform click/tick-repair to remove all the surface noise. To get such low noise levels in a purely analog playback system costs thousands. That’s why I started with a $300 rig and now have a $5500 rig. It can be a rabbit hole to say the least.
Rega is smart in that they focus their build quality on the most important parts, such as the arm and platter bearing. Rega’s entry-level products are simply unparalleled in build quality, at least among new offerings. The only other sub $1K table I’d seriously consider is the new Technics 1200mk7, but it doesn’t come with a cartridge. Between the Classic and a Planar2, I'd choose the latter. But you'd really be better off splurging for the P3 or a used RP-6
All that said, I wouldn’t dive into analog for nostalgia reasons. It might be worth the trouble for some, but as a member of Gen Y, had I to start my audiophile journey over again, I would just invest in a good analog-sounding DAC.
There are services available that specialize in converting old albums to digital files or CDs. They can even perform click/tick-repair to remove all the surface noise. To get such low noise levels in a purely analog playback system costs thousands. That’s why I started with a $300 rig and now have a $5500 rig. It can be a rabbit hole to say the least.