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

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.  

@ctlesq 

"somehow, maybe irrationally I have decide I am more comfortable short to medium term more comfortable with the GR2 vs the P6."

It'll be much more entertaining to sit there and watch it spin but not as serious. LOL!

I got the arm that comes with the P8 (RB880) as soon as it came out and subsequently got the rest of the table. The only reservation I would have is if you have to install on a very bouncy floor and can't put it on a wall shelf or some other type of isolation. It is very light and IMHO sounds like nothing, which is what you want from a table. I don't tinker and knowing I have to ability to adjust VTA on the fly would annoy me.

Admittedly, I don't know anything about the Technics other than it is direct drive which I would think has some kind of componentry that could cause some kind of electrical or magnetic interference with the cartridge. 

I don't know about the Technics arm, but I would be the Rega RB880 would far outperform it. It is the only Rega table that comes with it.

@ctlesq 

I was in the same spot in 2017 (8 years ago - already?)  P6 vs the newly introduced GR. 

I had a well regarded high mass belt drive table and little things were going wrong- occasional motor stopping and note wavering to name one.  

I had never heard a Rega deck before and wanted to hear the fast dynamic PRAT that a Rega table was suposed to deliver.  I also wanted to hear the Technics.  

The Rega table came with the new at the time Ania cartridge.  The dealer actually had my speakers (Harbeth).  I listened and it did sound decently energetic.  I listened to two ablum sides.  About halfway through the second side I detected a slight pitch waver.  Oh boy, that ends that.  Combined with the cheap feel of the dust cover hinges and the fact that the tables can be prone to vibration AND that non Rega cartridges need tonearm spacers for proper VTA and possibly a lower profile counterweight and I said why would I want to?  

Bought the Technics sound unheard and it has been an absolute marvelous machine these past eight years.  I have not heard one instance of pitch waver and don't even think about the possibility.  VTA adjustment supports my Lyra cartridge perfectly and never a hint of vibraration induced issues.  

Dynamics are impeccable- such life and energy along with the smoothness of vinyl we enjoy.  

I have owned both the original 1200GR, from earlier Japanese production, and the P6, though not at the same time. My take, the Technics is totally superior from an ergonomic standpoint. I play 78s and to have both a 78 speed and fine adjustment was heaven. Removable headshells are fantastic and at least the Technics has adjustable VTA even if the range of travel is poorly judged.

Unfortunately I did not care for the sound quality of the table, particularly a confused quality in the lower midrange that no change of headshell, or cartridge could cure. The bearings on the arm were quite well adjusted a small bit of card stock causing movement and a return to original position when zero balanced. A friend had one as well, and his sounded just like mine. I sold it on.

The P6 is less rich in the bass, a bit leaner, without being lean, but clearer in tone, if less secure in pitch. For me it put the music together, where the Technics pulled it apart. Simply a matter of taste. Wish I could have the ergonomics of the Technics with the sound quality of the Rega, but life is cruel. And I currently own multiple tables with both direct-drive and belt drive so I have no particular prejudice as regards drive systems.