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 5 responses by wharfy

@mattmiller Thanks for the insightful response! I have done a great deal of reading and comparative listening between the two TT and you are the first to point out the platter/felt/sound issues with the P6.

What I now see is that whether I purchase a Rega or a CC, upgrading parts (platter and matt on Rega; Concept to Satisfy tonearm on CC) are recommended.

@displayname
Thanks for the info/insights. I'm going to do another demo today after work and will ask the dealer about this.
@big-greg My dealer said the same and recommended upgrading to satisfy tone arm. With the tonearm upgrade and a dustcover (really a cat-protection-device) The TT search is getting pricier. Not sure how excited I am about THAT.
@big_greg
@winoguy17
@tzh21y

I am leaning towards the Concept with the Satisfy tonearm. I was considering the Hana EH Moving coil cart. After hearing the SL MC cart, I’m thinking an additional $400, while more than I want to spend, over time would be really nice.

Does anyone else do this? "$400 more over 3 years is only about $.36 a day extra."

@spiritof76 

I got the CA Concept with the upgraded arm. From the get go, the Concept was a more resolving turntable in my audio system. If you want upfront toe-tapping energy, get the P6.

FWIW, It WAS great when set-up. My cats thought the same, which is why I removed it from my set-up. At some point in the future, the third bedroom will be an audio room. NO CATS ALLOWED :-)

David