Rega rp8 vs Project extension 10

I use a SLP-98P F-1, though I'm currently running my TTs through a Zesto phono stage.

The Cary's phono stage should work great with the Ortofon Black. I also had very good results running a Denon DL-103r through a Bob's Devices SUT into the MM section of the Cary. I felt that the Cary's MM phono section was comparable to that in the MiniMax, perhaps with a bit less richness in the mids.

I think you should be fine with your cartridge choice and either of the TTs.

I was considering a Pro-Ject Extension 10 but the "wall wart" as a power supply and the tonearm was(is?) very sensitive to microphonics were deal breakers. I ended up buying a 1 owner Rega P9/RB1000 and currently very satisfied. With the Rega RP8 you have the option of several cartridge upgrades, a $2500 cartridge is not out of place on a RP8. You will need to work on vibration control on any Rega deck. Many recommend the Rega wall mount but it wasn't possible for my current set up. There is no real consensus on what replacement feet work best, i'm using Deflex Foculpods($30/4 pods)and they have eliminated any edginess in the treble. Spiral Groove Strange Attractors might be the best option $450/3 feet but I have not taken the bait. Hope this helps.

I have a rack of silence reference version for my cd player, preamp and amp. which all have feet of silence under them except the cd player which only has spring shelf. I plan to put the turntable on top with a peace of marble or the solid-tech turntable shelf. Im planning to use one of the two. Though my power amp is heavy enough to act as a dead weight at the bottom of the rack.

I have a Pro-Ject Xtension 12 w/Ortofon Black. I do not think the Black is an ideal choice for this arm/table. To my ears, the table/arm tend to make the already analytical Black more so. Although hard to adequately quantify, in objective terms, the combo just doesn't draw me into the music. Earlier this week, I took the Pro-Ject out of the system and fired up an old TT I have had for a long time. It is a tweaked Thorens TD 150 (I negated the suspension) with a Rega RB202 with a Denon DL 110. It was an eye-opener. I was listening to music again, not the gear. So, instead of going down the LOMC (which I believe would be a much better match with the Pro-Ject),
I ordered a Rega RP 6 to replace it. I will initially be mounting a Denon DL 110 to get the party started (I need a MM or HOMC because of my integrated phono stage).