I have auditioned one and then a Planar 2 and subsequently a Planar 3. If you can run to a 2 I think it is a big step up in scale and natural presentation on the 1 and that is with the Carbon too. The 3 less of a step though it did not include the Carbon so I can't say whether any benefit would be had with that cartridge. So for me, 2 is probably the value sweet spot.
Ron
Main: Michell Tecnodec Rega RB600/Tecno bits, Ortofon 530MkII, Beard P100 phono, Naim Uniti Atom, ProAc D20R
Study: JBL L52 Classic, Bluesound Powernode 3, Technics SL-1210GR Denon 110, Project Tube Box S2 phono stage
Other stuff: Technics SL1200 Mk2, Dali Spektor 1, Pro-ject MAIA S3 etc.