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Analysis Paralysis on Phone Stage and MC Cartridge

There is so much information to pore over and try to make an informed decision on the purchase of a Phono Stage and MC cartridge. So, I’ll look for this communities help in point me to an informed decision.
Some parameters that may help you with your recommendation. I have a Clearaudio Concept turntable that I will use. It currently have the included MM cartridge that came with the TT. Price I’m willing to spend is $1200 for each. I listen to classical and rock. Not a jazz fan. However, I do like Amy Winehouse’s’ recording’s. If the TT is NOT up to the performance for the amount of $1200 for the phono stage and $1200 for a MC, then please, I’m willing to spend less. :<) Thanks for any input.
old_marantz
dover
2,247 posts
 
Hi - The phono stage is easy - check out the EAR834P Classic or Signature ( 900 & 1200 ) on audiogon. Covers MC/MM and is good enough for a turntable upgrade later. It has a very easy and musical sound. With regard to cartridge I would stay with a moving magnet as I dont think the arm is good enough for an MC. Check out the Clear Audio Virtuoso. The Soundsmith cartridges are quite nice as well. I would not buy a second hand cartridge, your records are valuable and you never know the condition of second hand cartridges.
manitunc
795 posts
 
Simaudio LP5.3 for about 800 used, or PS Audio GCPH for about 5-600 new on sale.

Cartridge - Lyra Delos about 1100 slightly used, Ortofon Kontrapunkt B - about 7-800 used, Dynavector 17d3 about 800 slightly used.

Enjoy.
old_marantz OP
19 posts
 
The Clearaudio Concept TT can be purchased with a MC, so I assume the arm is good enough for that type of cartridge. I do appreciate the response.

If my AMP Already has a built in phone stage, is adding a phono stage for a MC needed then? I was getting the impression that a phono stage would still be needed for MC.
old_marantz OP
19 posts
 
I looked at my AMP and it has the following specifacations for the Phono Input RCA jacks:

-Input Sensitivity/Input Impedence
PHONO (1kHz, 100W/8 ohm)............3.5mV/47 kOhm

So do I need the external phono stage?
sbrown
148 posts
 
Just because your table and combination can be purchased with a MC does not clear it for a glabal recommendation for all MC's. I assume that most of the time this table is sold with Clearaudio cartridges. These are all high compliance which tend to be easier to match with an arm than models with low compliance or those that pump alot of energy back into the arm. Caution is warrented otherwise you can end up with a very unhappy marriage of cartridge and arm.
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