It may sound even better than it should- you are probably close to the ideal 18 degree VTA 
I’d look at a Nd3 or 5 if want to stay in Rega camp.
Its less expensive than Exact (3) and don’t have the low run issues.
More dynamic too.
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There should be a considerable difference between the 40 yr old Planar 2 and a 3 year old P3! The Exact is an excellent cartridge: served Asgaard well on Planar 3 RB300 and LP12/IttokLVII. If something seems wrong, get it checked out by a dealer and cure that doubt.
Thank you for all the advice here. I think I’ll take it to a Rega dealer for an opinion, but I’m hoping the seller will pay for the re-build if it needs it, current retail price for that on an Exact seems to be about £236. It’s probably an all-or-nothing price, I doubt they can replace the suspension (if that’s what’s at fault) without giving it the full re-fresh.
My motivation with this upgrade, and indeed in having kept a Rega 2 for so long, is to get a decent sound for modest outlay, without getting hooked on spending a lot!
The Rega 2 never even had a service, just a couple of new belts, and a change of cartridge when needed.
I originally looked for a second-hand RP6, but good ones were hard to find, and a new one over £1,500. I’ll persevere with this 3 for a while …. will update as things happen. My “2” will still work to provide some comparison!
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Update: A replacement cartridge is on its way.
Will report back when I’ve done some listening…
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Well, here’s the result, old one on the left. new one on the right. Not a lot of difference, but it looks to me like it’s now a marginally better clearance when resting on the record, but no difference when in the air. I guess that confirms the old one had worn suspension.
It sounds great though! Definitely an audible difference between an old Rega 2 and a nearly new Rega 3. So I’ll give a thumbs up for the seller who sorted it with Rega at no cost to me!
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Looks a lot better.
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