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Rega Planar 6 vs Technics SL-1200GR2 – Quality of Life Differences?

I’m planning a turntable upgrade and am down to two options: Rega Planar 6 and Technics SL-1200GR2.  (Of course if there is anything under $2.5K that I am absolutely missing out on - used is perfectly fine,please let me know.)

I can find numerous P6’s for sale on the used market most without a cartridge (but that is a battle for another day) but would be purchasing the Technics new.

I’m already familiar with their general sonic reputations, so I’m less interested in “which sounds better” and more focused on real-world ownership and day-to-day use.

A few specific things I’d like input on from those who’ve lived with either (or both):

  • User experience – Is one more “set it and forget it” while the other invites (or requires) more tweaking?  This is a very important one for me.
  • Setup & ease of use – Which is more straightforward out of the box (cartridge alignment, VTF, etc.)?
  • Speed stability – Does the Technics’ quartz-locked direct drive translate into a meaningful real-world advantage vs the Rega belt system if you have been able to compare yourself?
  • Maintenance / reliability – Belt changes vs long-term durability/service—what actually matters over time?
  • Daily enjoyment – For someone who listens often but doesn’t want to constantly tinker, which is the more satisfying long-term ownership experience?

System context: Luxman 507z and Wharfedale Super Lintons, mostly rock and live recordings. I value strong emotional engagement, but also want something hassle-free to live with.

Would really appreciate perspectives from people with hands-on experience.

 

ctlesq
lewm
14,649 posts
 

Define "musicality".  

smanuel
7 posts
 

As a P6 owner I can speak to the Rega ’table: It’s easy to set up; very easy. The external PS is very accurate and last I checked, I had mine dialed in at 33.34 rpm. It’s very stable and it’s mostly a set-and-forget ’table. It really does sound and perform great with very little effort.

However.... the feet aren’t adjustable so if your stand isn’t level you’d have to shim; no azimuth or VTA/SRA adjustments but for some that is a feature, not a bug; attached RCA interconnects -- some like using their own interconnects and you can’t with Regas; fixed headshell so no cartridge swapping. But the most annoying "con" is the persistence of hum in the Rega tables (depending on the cart). My Soundsmith Zephyr MIMC is mostly hum free but my Nagaoka Mp-150 really had a hum issue. The consensus view is that it’s because of the way Rega grounds the tonearm through the left channel. I’ve somewhat mitigated this issue with this: https://hagerman-audio-labs.myshopify.com/products/humbucker

I’ve thought about upgrading and one of the models would be the 1300g because it solves many of the aforementioned issues. But it’s $1400 more so I’ve just stayed put and I’ve been happy. TBH, the only reason I might upgrade is FOMO not necessarily for performance.
 


 

parkergetdean
1,032 posts
 

I don’t know if the P6 is good value in between the P3 and P8. It’s an upgraded P3, not worth the price difference and jumping to the P8 is a better approach - from my own experience and what I read. 

Rega is weird in this sense, e.g. the P1 and P2 get extremely poor reviews one sweet spot is the P3, and while the P6 is good, what's the point really...

parkergetdean
1,032 posts
 

Define "musicality".  

No.

salc
46 posts
 

I believe the MoFi ultradeck is in the same price range and has very good reviews

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