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

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I'm not going to talk about the sound, but based on your description I am going to point out one very important feature/quirk. 

The Clearaudio has and adjustable VTA, and I believe their dustcovers easily work with the arm on it's maximum height. 

The Rega requires spacers to adjust for VTA. It's a little more work, and you only do it once, so NBD for set up. HOWEVER, I believe that their dustcovers do NOT always close when the spacers are in place. The Haha also will require spacers due to it's height compared to Rega carts. 

So if you are dead set on a dustcover for the cats, and a Hana cart, I think you should confirm that the dustcover will close fully when the appropriate spacers are in place. You want to ensure the dustcover doesn't touch the tonearm at any point to avoid damages. 

Maybe it's something you've already considered, or something Rega resolved with their latest tables. But I do recall reading about that "quirk" when considering after market carts.