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

Dirk, You wrote, "The Technics SL 1200 GR2 no longer uses a quartz-controlled motor. It is far more advanced and efficient, utilising delta-sigma modulation: the turntable employs delta-sigma modulation (familiar from the 1-bit digital-to-analogue conversion in Technics amplifiers) to generate the drive signals for the motor." As I understand it, delta-sigma control systems often if not usually use a quartz reference.  So it may be that Technics has added the DS system and is regulating it with a quartz oscillator.

You also wrote, "This digital signal processing drastically reduces minute inaccuracies in motor rotation (known as cogging) as well as electromagnetic vibrations."  Does the digital processing reduce cogging or does it reduce "inaccuracies in motor rotation", because cogging is one source of inaccuracy, but there are others?  Further, wouldn't the very fact that the motor of the G and G2 series is coreless be the most effective means by which cogging is reduced in this series compared to the prior SL1200 series, which used a conventional iron core motor?

I am firmly ensconced in the Rega turntable universe. My table, arm, cartridge, and phono preamp are all Rega. My main reason for going with that setup is that I have no desire to tweak and try things out. I wanted a great vinyl rig that I didn’t have to tweak to get the best out of it. It took about 10 minutes to unbox and setup, and I haven’t had to do anything to it in two years. It just plays beautifully and reliably. A lot of people like to tweak and experiment and there is nothing wrong with that, But Rega is not the best system for that. I replaced a Technics SL-1200GR2 with it. There was nothing wrong with the Technics and it sounded great. But it was a little more involved to get setup for me.

As an owner of both (separately), @chillydog is a good example of the point I attempted to make.

@jt449 

I assume you have heard CDs or Streaming thru the other changes.

You never know what that new cartridge would have sounded like on the Rega, or thru the prior equipment.

Where’s the old cartridge? I’d get a spare headshell and listen to it on the Technics. That will teach you something about the phono stage change. I always say, when it comes to Phono, it is ’Preferred’ not ’Better’, and try to have return privileges. 

I arranged a re-tip of a friend’s Benz Micro Ruby Wood LOMC, and played it here enough hours to ’break it in’ before comparing to other cartridges. Thru my SUT and MM Phono that I have heard all cartridges, mine and friend’s, thru for years. i.e. no other changes, just the cartridge.

I have 3 arms and can play all of them simultaneously (staggered positions to play the same content just heard), so I can compare within seconds.

It sounded ’thin’ here.

This past week, I went to his home, installed and played it thru his system, it sounded very good there, played thru speakers I used to own and am very familiar with, having heard them in his system before. I think the difference was his SS Phono Stage, mine is via a Vintage McIntosh MM Tube Phono input.

I was very happy for him, and it taught me something by ear rather than words.

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Interesting to read that you are aware of the Rega VTA/Shims, and decided not to bother, and it sounded quite good to you.

My personality, I would have to get the shims, and it took me a lot of persistence, but I now know the overhang and two null point measurements for the Rega RB880 arm (and others)

So a quick update.  First, thank you all for your comments.  This was a back and forth in my mind, as a number of you commented - it could be a coin flip.

Ultimately, I was concerned that if I purchased the P6 I would wonder about the P8.  

In turn, I decided to purchase the GR2.  I am sure there are Rega enthusiasts who would say, well won't you wonder if you buy the GR2 what it might be like if you bought the 1300G?

Maybe.  Likely.  I don't think the desire to upgrade ends.  But somehow, maybe irrationally I have decide I am more comfortable short to medium term more comfortable with the GR2 vs the P6.

May I live to regret my choice?  Probably not in this case.  I don't think I was going to go wrong either way.  But I appreciate the comments and experience of all those of your who commented.  I took each comment very seriously.

I am currently negotiating a cartridge and optimistic about what why analog system will be in the future.

The real plus side?  My son has expressed interest in my Sansui SR-717.  I plan on finding some inexpensive speakers and an amp for him locally and building something fun for him.  Introducing him to this hobby will be the real win.