SoundSmith Rega combo

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

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.

mr_m, that TT you recommend cost $4000 with NO cart here in Australia my P6/Ania was $2600 hardly a fair comparison, something that’s costs double would want to sound better wouldn’t it? 

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

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