Thanks Tim, in my updated post I stated that I was gonna “save for a TT that has adjustable tonearm height” so a new table is coming just a couple years away, and indeed it will be based around a SoundSmith Carmen
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ppaul. I didn't know you live in Australia. Once in a while there are current versions of the Well Tempered 'table on Audiogon. I was lucky enough to find a current Mk. II there used, for a good price. As I said, I have owned both the Rega RP-6 and now WT. Used both with a current Soundsmith cart. I won't down play cart alignment/adjustment BUT you shouldn't fret over rake angle so seriously. These kind of things can make you doubt your own hearing and take the fun out of listening. As always, let your ears be the judge. WT makes another 'table one notch down from the Amadeus called the Simplex. Which is for all intents and purposes a slightly stripped down version of the Amadeus for about $1k less. But does not lack for performance. WT will give you all the adjustments you need without spacers or other devices. You asked about Soundsmith carts and I gave you my opinion. It is totally up to you for whatever direction you want to take. Cheers! Tim |
ppaul. While I don't want to disrespect your dealer or Peter Lederman for that matter, use your own ears to judge. Turntables are finicky beasts. I don't claim to be a analogue guru, but I have been at this hobby for over 45 years. You want to make a real difference in your analogue listening experience? Go get yourself a Well Tempered Labs Amadeus Mk II 'table. Much better than the Rega. And still fairly affordable. IMO. |
Update: I was advised by my retailer that whilst its possible to fit the "Carmen" to a Rega arm its fiddly, you do infact need a spacer, if you want to close the lid (which I do) you have to get the Tungsten counter weight, also if the rake angle needs to be adjusted, you need to use fine slivers of business card or some such, (the rake angle advice came from Peter Ledermann himself) my retailer has been doing this for 30 plus years, so I listened to his advice and went with the Ania cart for now, Im gonna save for a TT that has adjustable tonearm height, in the meantime I have a P6/Ania combo to tie me over, hope this helps |
Take a look at these links https://www.vinylengine.com/tonearm_database.php https://www.vinylengine.com/cartridge_resonance_evaluator.php The effective mass for the tonearm on the P3 in the database states 11.5 gm The cartridge Compliance appears to have two values 22 and 28 uN - I’m not sure what the really means - are there two versions available for order? The P3 arm has an effective mass of 11.5 The Cartridge has a weight of 6.8 grams + mounting hardware - provided the total does not exceed 8 gm Using the evaluator, from the resulting chart it would appear the the 22uN would be suitable for the arm - it’s just in the green It would appear the 28uN version would not be suitable The Irox Blue might be a better match My Audiomods arm that uses a rega arm tube has a list of compatible cartridges - see http://www.audiomods.co.uk/cartridgechoice.pdf I just hope I've read everything correctly - Steve |
I had a P3 with a 3mm spacer playing a Dynavector 10X5, this improved dynamics and allowed a little more forward rake, that allowed the cartridge to sit just right...it is incredible when you find synergy with a tonearm and cartridge! Dynavectors work very well on Rega arms and sound very lively. If you end up using a high spacer over 3mm’s you’ll need to get a low slung counterweight, so you can close the dust cover! :-) P.S. Im sure the SS’s are awesome as well Matt M |