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Rega P6/ or Clearaudio Concept, both with same cartridge?

Greetings all!

Anyone have insight? Are the similarities/differences apples and oranges? One significantly better? 

I listen to many varieties of music (except rap and heavy metal) and lean towards jazz/folk singer-songwriter/Americana. Upper register sibilance is annoying, but I don't want my sound too laid back/grayed out because I like detailed vocal retrieval.

Dustcover is a requirement; too many damn cats!  Rega has a hinged cover, The Concept a cake cover.  I'm going to put a Hana MC cartridge on the final choice. So which one to purchase for longterm enjoyment? 

I have a system with Audio Research Ref equipment and ProAc DR30 speakers and like the neutral/slightly warm presentation for detail retrieval and coloring. 

Thanks in advance!
Happy listening,
Dave
128x128wharfy

Showing 3 responses by big_greg

big_greg
6,561 posts
 
I don't have any experience with the Rega but owned the Concept for a while.  It's a really nice table, sounds great, and is easy to operate.  The one drawback for me is that it is super sensitive to footfalls and I have springy floors.  I could not walk across the floor without the arm bouncing around.  I didn't have this issue with any other turntables I've owned (including a Clearaudio Emotion).  If you have solid floors or can wall mount it or find some other way isolate it really well, it's a wonderful turntable for the price.
big_greg
6,561 posts
 
Consider buying a used Clearaudio Emotion with the Satisfy arm. I have one and used it in the same spot as the Concept with no issues. There's one on us audio mart for $650 right now. That's a nice deal. I have no affiliation with the seller. No dust cover, but I believe you can find something aftermarket for it. I have a Hana SL on mine and it's a nice match. Another similar option is the Marantz TT15S1. No experience with that one, but great reviews and very similar to the Emotion.
big_greg
6,561 posts
 
The Concept is a really nice table and should sound great with the Hana SL.  I don't break things down to the day like you have to justify the additional expense.  Instead I remind myself of the times when I've bought something "affordable" only to end up replacing it later with something more satisfying.  Whenever I do that, in the long run I've ended up spending more than if I would have just bought the more expensive thing in the first place.
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