Rega DAC vs Havana DAC


After reading many impressions/reviews of Rega and Havana DACs, the two seem to have lots of in common. People say they are "analog sounding, they sound earthy and organic, tonally dense, overall "rightness", musicality, good rhythm, not over-detailed".
The main differences I could spot after reading others' impressions (unfortunately I haven't listened to either of the DACs) are that Havana provides more delicate, subtle sound (which as some people claim, might not be aggresive enough for rock music) and Havana has a wide and very deep soundstage (which I consider a big advantage - not sure about the soundstage of Rega DAC..)

Anybody compared Rega to Havana? What are the main sonic differences between the two DACs?

I am considering buying one of them and it is difficult for me to decide which one to choose as I don't have a chance to audition them beforehand. (I'm interested mainly in their sonic abilities. I will use coax input only).

Any help appreciated!
artmindes
Artmindes I wish I had the answer you are looking for but unfortunately I don't neither will any of the other respondents to your query other than those that have heard both but then again it will come down to personal preference in your system. I can say that some of the adjectives that you use in describing the sound of the Havana are right on. There was one though that peaked my interest which is "overly detailed" I'm not too sure if a component can be overly detailed if it resolves musical information without it becoming over emphasized, or in a manner that brings too much attention to a facet of its presentation. If it is detail in a totally whole, believable, organic manner then it isn't too much. This can surely be the case with some components but you are right, the Havana doesn't do this. I happen to love its presentation. I haven't heard the Rega but I can only say that to find out you will have to listen or if this isn't possible take a leap, the risks for either is relatively small. I'm sure both will be satisfactory although one may and probably will be more preferable to you. Good luck in your quest.
Haven't heard the Havana. I own the Rega.

The Rega does a respectable job of detail and soundstaging. They're not the Rega's strongest suits though. If your top priority is as wide and deep a soundstage as possible, you'll probably move on. It's no slouch in either department by any means, but it's the last word in them at all.

The Rega's strengths are exactly what you described.
Tubegroover, thank you for your response.

True that unless I listen to both DACs I will not know for sure which one suit my preferences better.

Regarding the over-detailed issue, I meant the "over emphasized" details. It looks like Havana has this 'good' kind of detail:)

Generally I am looking for a DAC for my headphone rig. It's an interesting thing, but it appears that most people on headphones perceive the soundstage of Havana as deep and wide. However recently I've had a chance to meet a person on head-fi forum, who listens to Havana on speakers. He said Havana soundstage appeared flat to him and also Havana provided grayish sound. I got worried after reading about these two issues. Maybe it was his speakers, maybe something else...
What is your perception regarding Havana soundstage and grayish sound? Are you on speakers only? And have you upgraded your Havana in any way?

Thank you!
Kbarkamian, appreciate your answer.

I like everything what I read about Rega, but this one little issue with soundstaging bothers me.
Deep and wide soundstage is important to me as I listen mostly through my headphones and headphones' inherent weakness is less dimensional sound. I would like to compensate this through the right choice of the source component (DAC/transport).
Otherwise everything about Rega sounds so good to me. Ehhh, tough decision to make!